Harmony Day 2013 celebrated
It poured with rain on Harmony Day this week, but it didn’t stop UTAS staff and students from enjoying a great food and great company.
Harmony Day is an annual celebration of the diversity and fusion of cultures Australia enjoys. The 2013 theme was “Many Stories, One Australia.”
The Sandy Bay campus’ Harmony Day celebrations included a free BBQ, international desserts, a traditional costume competition, music, games and prizes.
Shafiq Sobri, 23, is studying his final year of Law at UTAS. He travelled to Tasmania from Malaysia in 2010.
“Harmony Day means bringing everyone together to share their culture, so we can celebrate the diversity in Australia.
“We have had a lot of students who came in traditional costume, which is really good.
“I really like Tasmania because it’s pretty quiet so it’s very conducive for students studying. I love the atmosphere and the weather- in Malaysia it’s a tropical so it’s hot and humid all year,” he said.
“Here you have four seasons- it’s a bit weird, but I kind of like it!”
UTAS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students and Education) Professor David Sadler said Harmony Day was a highlight on the University calendar.
“The University is honoured to have both students and staff from more than 120 countries working and studying here with us and Harmony Day is an opportunity to learn more about culture and customs from around the world.”
The events were presented in collaboration with the Tasmanian University Union.
Image, from left to right: Atiqah Hooper, Abraham Daniel, Michelle Ang, Wagas Durrani, Shafriq Sobri and UTAS Student Engagement Coordinator Dona Leach.