NSW Government’s gift for harmony
NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello today announced the NSW Government’s funding of $20,000 to Sydney’s annual Harmony Walk, an initiative to promote fairness and harmony.
Ernie Friedlander
The concept is the brainchild of Ernie Friedlander, the president of the Alfred Dreyfus unit of B’nai B’rith.
Harmony Walk Ambassadors include Neurosurgeon, Dr Charlie Teo AM, Australian Race Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Tim Soutphommasane and Human Rights Commissioner, Tim Wilson.
Mr Dominello said the NSW Government, through Multicultural NSW, was proud to support the initiative which is organised by the Moving Forward Together Association and receives support from a broad range of community, business and media organisations.
“The annual Harmony Walk is a celebration of our diversity which brings together Australians from across different cultures and faiths. It seeks to overcome discrimination and intolerance while also promoting adherence to Australian laws and values.
“This event presents an opportunity to reinforce the strength of our community harmony in Australia, even in the face of challenging international circumstances
“It provides an opportunity for people from different multicultural communities to connect and build networks which help to promote acceptance and understanding among all Australians.
“This nation has always come together in solidarity in difficult moments and I urge everyone who is proud of our free, fair and multicultural society to register and participate. The Walk is for everyone and its success will be measured by its inclusiveness,” Mr Dominello said.
Harmony Walk Founder Ernie Friedlander OAM, also a Racism No Way supporter, said the initiative’s simplicity was the key to its growing appeal.
“The Walk is a catalyst for promoting the best attributes of Australia and its people – the things which make us an egalitarian society, which believes in fairness for all people regardless of the colour of their skin or religious creed.
“It’s an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to Australia and the things which bind us together. The long-term view is to soften the perception that conflict and violence are innate to human nature.
“I am hoping that the breadth of support for this event will give it the profile it deserves at this critical time,” Mr Friedlander said.
He told J-Wire: “This is the third year the event has taken place. Participants in the walk will include politicians and sportsmen and both the NFL and Cricket Australia have become involved.”
The Harmony Walk will commence at 2.00 pm on Sunday, 26th October, at Cathedral Square, College Street, Sydney. For more information and to register please visit: www.harmonywalk.org.au.
Vel done Ernie !!