Jump to Share article Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to LinkedIn Email Share link via email Jump to heading Harmony Week is an annual celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity and the benefits it brings to the Australian community. This year Harmony Week will be held from 17 to 23 March. This includes the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) on Friday 21 March. Australia is one of the world’s most successful multicultural countries and Harmony Week is a time to celebrate this and encourage continued inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. It is also important to focus on the urgency of combatting racism wherever and whenever it arises. We are dedicated to upholding the spirit of Harmony Week in our work and are committed to encouraging an inclusive community where people new to Australia from disadvantaged and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds understand their rights, are able to access justice and are treated with equality and dignity. A great example of the spirit of Harmony Week is Dariush’s story. Dariush* is an employee from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, who arrived in WA on an employer-sponsored temporary skilled migration visa with his dependent partner. When he arrived, his role and employment conditions were different from what was agreed in his employment contract. Dariush was directed to work in a factory and required to perform unskilled manufacturing and labouring tasks. The employer also asked Dariush to pay back some of his wages to cover their costs of bringing him to WA and asked for his passport. When Dariush refused, he was subjected to verbal harassment and intimidating behaviours by the employer. Dariush feared for his safety when he decided to approach Circle Green for assistance. Circle Green’s Workplace and Humanitarian streams immediately recognised several indicators of human trafficking and modern slavery, so were able to work together to assist Dariush in relation to his workplace and migration rights and options. Circle Green also provided the client with information and referrals in relation to modern slavery and human trafficking, including community support services available. Dariush’s story embodies the spirit of Harmony Week where individuals of all backgrounds and circumstances are embraced and empowered to thrive. This Harmony Week, let’s celebrate our diversity while working to remove barriers that still exist in the community. Read more about our Services *Real name and photo have not been used. We have withheld identifying details to protect and respect confidentiality.
