National costume worn for Harmony Day lunch

Communicare Gosnells Lodge staff members and clients dressed up in costumes reflecting their cultural backgrounds, and brought plates of traditional food to the lunch at Amaroo Village. Harmony Day, a Federal Government initiative that coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home. Since 1999, the day has been celebrated across schools, childcare centres, community groups, churches, businesses and government agencies. Communicare CEO Martine Pitt said the event was a wonderful opportunity for Communicare staff members, clients and Amaroo Village residents to meet one another. ‘We approached Amaroo about this initiative and they were very happy to come on board,’ she said. ‘Harmony Day is about being friends with one another despite our different backgrounds ” it is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home. ‘We’re glad to be part of the 6,500 community events celebrating Harmony Day in Australia.’ Amaroo Accommodation and Marketing Manager Ken Baker said the event brought Communicare staff members, clients and Amaroo Village residents closer together. ‘It is important for us because not only do we get to meet, we also get to know our neighbor, Communicare better. ‘It’s wonderful to see Communicare staff and clients dressed up in their colourful costumes and enjoy the amazing foods Communicare has laid out for us. ‘I thank Communicare for bringing this initiative to us and I hope this event will be the first of many annual events.’