Feast of cultural diversity for Harmony Week

A Taste of Harmony picnic, soccer carnival, Japanese cooking class and exploration of mindfulness are just some of the wonderful activities on offer during Harmony week.

Proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council, the celebration runs from March 18-24.

Economic and Community Development Group Executive Greg Laverty said that as the Sunshine Coast grew, so did our cultural diversity.

Mr Laverty said Harmony Week was an opportunity to promote our region as a place where everyone was welcome.

“Let's come together with friends and family and our wider communities to celebrate our multicultural communities,” Mr Laverty said.

Nambour Community Centre, Community Action for a Multicultural Society worker, Vicki Qiu said the organisation was grateful to have partnered with Sunshine Coast Council to develop this year’s Harmony Week program.

“These events help us to support our community and bring our community members together to celebrate our diverse region, helping to foster a healthy, connected and inclusive community,” Ms Qiu said.

“Be sure to check out the vibrant list of activities available this Harmony Week!”

Sunshine Coast residents and visitors will be able to take part in a wonderful array of events, including workshops, concerts, food adventures, and sport and art experiences held by local community organisations.

These include:

• Taste of Harmony Picnic - Celebrate our multicultural communities with a fantastic day filled with picnic food, games, music, and laughter. Thursday, March 21, 10.30am – 2.30pm at Cotton Tree Park.
• Harmony Inside Out - Join an immersive experience crafted to nurture inner peace and connection. Embrace the healing power of nature through forest bathing, a guided practice promoting mindfulness and rejuvenation. Thursday, March 21, 7.30-9.30am at Mary Cairncross Park.
• Sunshine Coast Harmony Cup 2024 - Join the 4th Annual Harmony Cup, organised by the Multicultural Sport Organisation! This social seven-a-side soccer carnival is dedicated to fostering unity and celebrating diversity within our community. Sunday, March 24, 9.30am-5.30pm at Kawana Football Club.
• Japanese Cooking Class - Embark on a culinary journey with our Japanese Cooking Class. Friday, March 22 5-7pm at Nambour Community Centre, bookings essential.
• A Glimpse of Russia - Embark on a captivating journey into Russian culture with a dynamic event featuring traditional folk songs by talented musician Innessa, celebrating the rich heritage of Eastern-European music. Sunday, March 24, 10am – noon at Nambour Community Centre.
• Beerburrum Harmony Week Celebration - Experience cultural diversity at the free-entry Harmony Week event hosted in the historic Beerburrum Hall. The Beerburrum School of Arts Association welcomes everyone for a family-friendly gathering featuring artists and performers. Saturday, March 23, 2.30pm at Beerburrum Community Hall.

View the full list of Harmony Week events on Council’s website.

Sunshine Coast Libraries 

Become a library member and discover free resources including world language books, Road to IELTS training, foreign language films and more. If you are looking to develop a new skill, learn a new language with transparent Language Online.

Are you from a non-English speaking background? Practise your English in a friendly conversation circle at Maroochydore Library each Wednesday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Library events include:

• Conversation Circle celebrating Harmony Week - Join a special Harmony Week conversation circle. Practise your speaking and listening skills with a friendly group of adults where English is their additional language. Afternoon refreshments provided. Maroochydore Library, Wednesday 20 March, 12.30-2.30pm.
• Hula, heritage and more - Get your hips swinging as you participate in a hula demonstration from Atete Panui. Listen to the story of how Atete’s ancestors migrated from Tahiti to Hawaii and her journey to the Sunshine Coast. Visit Caloundra Library on Wednesday March 20, 10-11.30am, Maroochydore Library on Thursday March 21, 10.00-11.30am or Nambour Library on Friday March 22, 10-11.30am.