Harmony Week

Harmony Week is an opportunity for all Western Australians to celebrate our vibrant multicultural State.

Harmony Week 2023 Banner

 

The week runs from 15 to 21 March every year and encourages everyone to experience, explore and appreciate WA's wealth of cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.

Harmony Week is a WA Government multicultural community relations initiative.​​

About Harmony Week

In 2000 the Australian 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.

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.

Harmony Week is an opportunity for all Western Australians to celebrate our diversity while working to remove barriers that still exist in the community.

Why does orange represent Harmony Week?

Orange has been the Harmony Week colour since the first event was held in 1999.

Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.

Wearing something orange during Harmony Week shows support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.

Harmony Week 2026 regional activities

In 2026 the Office of Multicultural Interests is supporting a range of Harmony Week events across regional WA, helping to spread the message of inclusion and belonging throughout the State. 
 
This includes arts projects, community activations, street parades, markets, sporting events, children’s activities and educational programs led by local government authorities in collaboration with public sector agencies, non-government organisations, service providers, community associations, culturally and linguistically diverse community associations and local businesses. 
 
Events will be held in Geraldton, Katanning, Karratha and Kalgoorlie.  

City of Greater Geraldton

Harmony Week 2026 - $17,600
The week-long Harmony Week events are designed for the broader community, including families, young people, seniors, newly arrived residents, CaLD community members, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and local service providers. The aim is to create a welcoming and inclusive space where people of all ages and cultural backgrounds feel welcomed. The Harmony Week community celebration will showcase the cultural diversity of the region through interactive and educational activities. 

View the full program below:

Shire of Katanning

Katanning Harmony Week - $10,000

The Shire will deliver a community celebration designed to bring people together in a safe, inclusive and family-friendly environment. The event will celebrate cultural diversity, promote social connection and provide positive recreational opportunities for children, young people, and families. Activities, food, music and community engagement will be combined in a shared public space to encourage participation from across the Katanning community.

View the full program below:

City of Karratha

Harmony Week – Celebrate Together Karratha - $20,000

City of Karratha is working closely with its community stakeholders to shape this event. Harmony Week is a free, family-friendly event in the Pilbara between 15 and 21 March. This event is targeted at promoting multiculturalism among participants from CaLD and non-CaLD community associations and the wider community.

The City will acknowledge the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March and aims to align international recognition with locally delivered, community-led activities that promote social cohesion, raise awareness of racism and its impacts, and reinforce shared values of equality and belonging within the Karratha community. 

View the full community calendar below or on the City of Karratha website.

City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Harmony Week- Interwoven - $20,000

The Interwoven Harmony Festival, held during Harmony Week, will celebrate cultural diversity and promote inclusivity across Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Activities include cultural performances, art collaborations, storytelling and food sharing, co-designed with local cultural groups to ensure broad representation.

The target audience is the entire community, including CaLD groups, First Nations peoples, seniors, youth and families. Multiple venues have been chosen for accessibility, and the timing aligns with national Harmony Week and the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March, reinforcing the event’s purpose of fostering unity and respect.  

View the full program below:

Resources

2021 Census factsheet

Harmony Week education kit

Posters

Social Media

How to use Selfie Frame: Download the frame and open it in your chosen photo editor. Then paste your image neatly inside the frame (you might need to crop or resize your image to make it fit).

Button badges template

    Event Planning

    Useful links

    Explore the following resources to inspire your Harmony Week activities. 

    Food, Faith and Love in WA

    Find out how the themes of food, faith and love can touch us and shape the direction of our lives.

    Voices in Harmony playlist

    Give your Harmony Week events the sound and spirit of harmony with this playlist of local culturally and linguistically diverse music.

    Discover Multicultural Perth

    Find out how WA's many culturally and linguistically diverse communities have shaped Perth and made it into the vibrant city it is today.

    Department of Home Affairs Harmony Week Resources


    Page reviewed 13 March 2026