Walking together in unity
Opinion
In March this year, communities across Australia came together to mark Harmony Week; a celebration of the cultures, languages and traditions that make our nation so vibrant. It was a time to honour our differences, recognise the strength in our diversity and reflect on how we build a society where everyone feels they belong.
Through shared meals, storytelling, music and moments of connection, Harmony Week reminded us that our multicultural identity is something to be proud of. With nearly half of Australians either born overseas or with a parent who was, and more than 300 ancestries represented across the country, cultural diversity shapes our workplaces, schools and communities. In Catholic settings, it also strengthens our commitment to the Gospel values of inclusion, dignity and love for all.
Harmony Week created an opportunity to reaffirm our role in safeguarding for every individual, especially those who are more vulnerable due to disability, cultural background, language barriers or social isolation.
Celebrating diversity goes hand in hand with creating safe environments – places where people of all backgrounds can express their identity free from judgement, discrimination or harm.
Looking ahead to National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3) the theme of which is ‘Bridging Now to Next’, we recognise this is a time to reflect on the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to listen to their stories and to walk alongside them on a journey of truth-telling, healing and respect. We are reminded that building safe, inclusive communities requires us to not only acknowledge our past but also to take meaningful steps toward justice now and into the future.
Across May, the Integrity and Safeguarding Department will be distributing resources and activity sheets for children and young people, to enable them to participate in, recognise and celebrate the diversity of the many cultures that are within our vibrant parish communities.
As we move from Harmony Week to Reconciliation Week, we carry forward a deep sense of purpose: to celebrate difference, to protect the vulnerable and to stand together in hope. Whether through prayer, action, conversation, or education, we each have a role to play in building a community where diversity is honoured, voices are respected, and safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do.
Together, we can continue to shape a future where all people regardless of culture, ability, age, or background can thrive in environments of safety, dignity and inclusion for all.
Integrity and Safeguarding Department, phone, 8210 8150, or email caasafeoperations@adelaide.catholic.org.au
Jump to next article
