With all the unrest internationally, the message of Harmony Week seems even more important this year. The theme, “culture connects us all”, highlights our inter-connectedness, and the value and positive impact of the multi-culturalism our Nation has been built on. That’s something to be celebrated and protected.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is celebrated each year on 21 March., at the end of Harmony Week, is a reminder that racial discrimination is a threat to that community harmony, to our National spirit, and that racism must be countered at every turn. This requires action from each of us, to call racism out whenever we see or hear it; to stand against those who would seek to divide us; and to show that our diversity is our strength.
Last year we established a Diversity Council to help us provide a comprehensive approach to our work across all areas of diversity and inclusion, informed by our staff YarnUp Group and Rainbow Network. The work of the Diversity Council helps develop further the advice of participants in our Social Citizenship Thinktank and resulting Social Citizenship Framework, and our commitment to grow communities that are welcoming and safe for everyone.
Last week we were fortunate to be hosted at Admiralty House by Her Excellency the Governor-General, The Honourable Ms Sam Mostym AC, Flourish Australia’s National Patron. Her Excellency has a longstanding commitment to mental health, including as one of the inaugural Commissioners of the National Mental Health Commission and Chair of Beyond Blue.
Her Excellency summarises the key themes of her term as Care, Kindness and Respect. I cannot think of a better way of summarising the important role that she plays in connecting us all, of showing that we are all valued, and that we belong. She is a great embodiment of our Nation, and a reminder at every engagement and event of the best of us; providing a warm welcome and embrace no matter who we are or where we come from, or what we have encountered in life.
In this month’s newsletter we report on the visit of our other Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW to the Women and Children’s Program. We also hear from, and thank, Victoria and Heather for sharing their recovery stories this month. They are important contributions to reminding us of why we do what we do, and what people can achieve with your support.
Mark Orr AM
Chief Executive Officer
