Embrace a new cultural experience during Harmony Week, Monday 17 to Sunday 23 March.
Try Arabic calligraphy, join a yarnin circle and smoking ceremony, get hennaed, or burrow down for an afternoon of Japanese anime.
And that’s for just for starters. So much is happening during Harmony Week in Onkaparinga.
Most of the events are free at the council’s libraries, community centres and youth centres. Bookings are required for some activities, so check out each event. Download the full calendar of events or see below for more information for some of the great things you can do.
Harmony Week – themed Everyone Belongs – is an annual celebration of Australia’s diversity. It brings together Australians from all different backgrounds, celebrating inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
The week coincides with the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March. It’s a big year for the international day, marking 60 years since the UN General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Harmony Week in Onkaparinga
Wednesday 19 March
Storytime
For children aged three and above (plus their carers), listen to a special Harmony Week storytime at the Hub Library. Free, 10am-10:30am.
Thursday 20 March
Arabic calligraphy
See your name written in beautiful Arabic lettering and inspect a Quran display to appreciate the intricacies of the Arabic script. Presented by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association at the Woodcroft Library. Free, 10am-12 noon.
Celebrating our community lunch
Dress in orange to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity with a two-course lunch at the Coromandel Community Centre. $5 per person, 12 noon-2pm.
Movie matinee
Be entertained at the pop-up cinema in the Noarlunga Library. Tea, coffee and biscuits just add to the experience. Free, 1pm-4:30pm.
Fasting across cultures
Explore fasting practices with representatives from some major world religions and partake in a complimentary dinner hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association at the Christie Downs Community House. Free, from 6:15pm.
Friday 21 March
Yarnin circle and smoking ceremony
Join Naomi Hicks and Maureen Humes from Spirit in Unity as they share the traditions of First Nations people through storytelling, sharing and cleansing rituals. Deepen your connection to land, each other and the wisdom of the past. Woodcroft Library, free, 10:30am-12 noon.
Henna workshop
Dive into the beautiful art of henna and discover its rich cultural origins. Learn the design techniques and try out the strokes. For people aged 15 years and over at the Aldinga Community Centre. $10, 6pm-7:30pm.
Saturday 22 March
Celebrating our community family event
Bring the whole family to a fun morning of interactive drumming, origami, glitter and henna tattoos, art and a sausage sizzle at the Karawatha Hall in O’Sullivan Beach. In partnership with the Department of Human Services. Free, 10:30am-12.30pm.
Sunday 23 March
Japanese anime afternoon
Sit back, relax and enjoy a special screening of Japanese anime movies. Themed refreshments are provided. For those aged 15 years and over at the Hub Library. Free, 2:30pm-4:30pm.
Youth Harmony Week celebration
Calling all young people (with their parents for children under 12 years of age) to a celebration featuring performances from SOL musicians, interactive workshops, a free sausage sizzle, and plenty of music and dance at Base 10 Youth Centre in Old Reynella. Free, 3pm-6:30pm.