Shepparton’s Voices For Harmony hosts 16th annual Harmony Day celebration

By Caleb Francis

Mar 29, 2023

Promoting inclusivity: Health and Community Services Union state secretary Paul Healey, University of Melbourne research associate Dr Zubaidah Mohamed Shaburdin, former state Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell, convenor Cameron Albanoi and community leader Lisa McKenzie. Photo by Caleb Francis

Shepparton’s Voices For Harmony successfully hosted its annual Harmony Day celebration on Tuesday, March 21.

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For the 16th year, individuals from various cultural backgrounds were brought together to celebrate Australia’s diversity at the organisation’s yearly celebration.

This year it took place at the University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health in Graham St, Shepparton.

Attendees were treated to insights from an exceptional line-up of speakers.

These included University of Melbourne research associate Dr Zubaidah Mohamed Shaburdin, former state Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell, Health and Community Services Union state secretary Paul Healey, and Shepparton community leader Lisa McKenzie.

The speakers highlighted the importance of gender equality and everyone playing a role in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Celebrating diversity: Dr Zubaidah Mohamed Shaburdin. Photo by Caleb Francis

Most notably, Dr Mohamed Shaburdin spoke about her challenges as a migrant.

“I migrated to Australia in 2004 and I wore a hijab, then two years later following the increase in Islamophobia, I decided to take it off out of fear for my safety,” she said.

“Fast forward to 2015, 11 years after I arrived and feeling quite comfortable about living in Australia, my mother visited me, she wears a hijab, so the fear arose in me, and I begged her not to go outside without me.”

Inspiring unity: Shepparton community leader Lisa McKenzie. Photo by Caleb Francis

The event allowed attendees to learn from each other and celebrate Australia’s unique diversity.

Harmony Day has been celebrated annually throughout Australia on March 21 since 1999.

It provides an excellent opportunity for individuals and communities to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity and demonstrate their commitment to fostering a more tolerant and respectful society.

Shepparton’s Voices For Harmony has been at the forefront of this celebration for the past 16 years, and its annual Harmony Day event continues to play a vital role in promoting a sense of community and belonging for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.