Harmony Week runs from 15–21 March every year and coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21.

Harmony Week is a State Government multicultural community relations initiative and is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all, regardless of cultural or linguistic background. UWA staff and students are involved in off-campus events, but this year there are a range of on-campus activities. The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) Working Group of the UWA Inclusion and Diversity Committee is committed to raising awareness of diversity on campus, and celebrating the value of cultural difference.

"Panel: Migrant and Refugee Health and Mental Health Contemporary Social Issues, Contemporary Responses"

Migrants to Australia often experience diverse health and mental health needs which may not be met by mainstream services. Addressing such needs involves understanding complex social and cultural specifics. Instead of treating people as generic bodies, a social approach to health recognises that individual and collective histories, migration stories, settlement conditions, cultural practices and social positioning affect health outcomes. Taking social perspectives into account can help us ensure inclusive health and mental healthcare. So what are the key issues? And what are the solutions?

Please join our expert panel Susan Lee (Women's Health and Family Services), Bernadette Wright (CrossCultural Intellect; Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Curtin University), Aesen Thambiran (Head of Humanitarian Entrants Health Services), Colleen Fisher (UWA Population and Global Health), Karen Martin (UWA, Population and global Health), and Maryam Mozoomi (Migration, Ethnicity, Healthcare and Reproduction research project, UWA), for a lively discussion on how we address this important area of social health as part of UWA’s Harmony Week Events.

Panel: 'So what do we mean by multiculturalism anyway?'

Panel discussion on multiculturalism theory, multiculturalism in Australia vs the rest of the world and discussing how successful multiculturalism is in 21st Century Australia. The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A. BYO lunch.

With the support of: UWA Alumni, the UWA CaLD Inclusion and Diversity Working Group and Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery

Flights of Peace - Paper Cutting workshop with Tusif Ahmad

Join WA paper cutting artist Tusif Ahmad in learning the ancient art of paper cutting. Tusif will be joined by artist Osama Mah fellow participant of the Centre for Muslim States and Societies (CMSS) and Department Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Council of Australian Arab Relations sponsored Rekindling Tour of Islamic Artisans in Morocco during November 2018. The artists bring to light an increased appreciation for what we know as traditional 'Islamic arts'. Alongside Tusif, Osama Mah will be writing (for example, your name) in Arabic calligraphy.

Please note, this workshop is recommended for children over 12+ with adult supervision due to sharp knives being used to cut paper.

All materials provided. Places are limited. Refreshments included.

With the support of: Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery

Displaced: An evening of storytelling, poetry, spoken word and performance

Join us for an evening of storytelling, spoken word, poetry and performance at the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery. Seven performers have been invited to take the stage, sharing words and song on the theme of 'displacement' and 'community'.

Line-up will be revealed on Friday 15 March!

This event is held in celebration of Harmony Week in March as well as World Poetry Day.

With the support of: Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery

Movie screening: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

A special screening of new Netflix film shot in Malawi The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, convened by AfREC in partnership with the Association of Malawians in Australia (WA).