The City of Bayswater has partnered with John Forrest Secondary College to mark Harmony Week from 15 to 21 March by creating a book capturing the migration journeys of students and their families.
Last year, the City worked with the school to develop a Harmony Week cookbook featuring students’ favourite recipes from their respective cultural backgrounds.
Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said Harmony Week was an important reminder to embrace cultural diversity all year round.
“Harmony Week presents an opportunity to learn about, discuss and reflect on inclusivity and the importance of respecting each other and our differences,” she said.
“It reminds us that everyone belongs, regardless of where you have come from. Australia’s cultural diversity is one of its greatest strengths and I’m proud to say the same about our City.
“As the daughter of Italian migrants, I appreciate the struggles faced by those who move overseas, and I applaud their courage and resilience.
“Thank you to the students of John Forrest Secondary College who have shared their stories to mark Harmony Week. You remind us there is strength in our differences.”
The City of Bayswater’s population is incredibly diverse with nearly half of its residents born overseas (42.1%) and half having both parents born overseas (50.8%).
Harmony Week Origin Stories is available for free download.
Additional Harmony Week activities in the City include Evening in the Park from 5 to 9pm on Saturday 18 March where Broun Park, Embleton will come alive with flavours, fashion and fun from around the world in celebration of our community’s cultural diversity.
The City’s Libraries will also run events, including an all-ages Japanese drumming session at Maylands Library, creating origami at Bayswater Library (ages 4-12) and making sushi at Morley Library (ages 5-12). To register, visit bit.ly/COB-Library-Eventbrite.
Pictured: Mayor Filomena Piffaretti and Principal Denise Robinson with students of John Forrest Secondary College.