The UNSW Faculty of Engineering celebrated Harmony Day on 21st March, and Schools across the Faculty organised morning tea events throughout Harmony Week to celebrate cultural diversity and the strength that comes with it. 

In the 2016 Australian Census, it was revealed that nearly half of us were born overseas or are first generation Australians, that we come from over 200 countries and that we speak over 300 languages. UNSW staff are also diverse—approximately 50% were born overseas, they come from around 140 countries and 42% speak a language other than English.

The message of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs’, fostering a celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity and a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.  Faculty staff shared traditional dishes such as Polish Pierogi, Bavarian Pretzels, Vietnamese spring rolls and Australian biscuits with their colleagues, and flags for all the nationalities represented were hung in the common space.

Harmony Day was a wonderful opportunity for staff throughout the Faculty of Engineering to reflect on how they can participate in their communities, demonstrate respect for cultural, racial and religious diversity and foster a sense of belonging for everyone.