Harmony Week

About Harmony Week

In 2000 the Federal Government declared 21 March, National Harmony Day.  This is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (commemorating the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa in 1960).

Harmony Week was instituted in Western Australia in 2003 following concerns voiced by peak bodies and community organisations that it was inappropriate to stage celebratory events on the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre.

Why are WA’s Harmony Week dates different?

WA has celebrated Harmony Week on the same dates since 2003. The dates chosen are designed to enable celebrations from 15 to 20 March, followed by a day of reflection on 21 March.

The federal dates are aligned to the calendar week on which the 21 March falls. In 2023 this will be 20-26 March.

Both the WA and the federal dates are designed to recognise the importance of the 21 March – the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Cultural diversity’s benefits

Harmony Week is an opportunity to consider the many benefits WA gains from its culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities.

Benefits include job creation, improved skill levels, the introduction of new skills and networks, and improved economies of scale.

The economic advantages are also many. Our diverse communities link us strongly with the rest of the world and increase our competitiveness in this global market.