Living in harmony

Living in harmony

Next Monday is Harmony Day, a day when we celebrate Australia’s diversity. Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. But why wait until March 21 each year to applaud our diversity? Why not celebrate our differences each and every day of the year? How amazing would it be if we lived in a world where being unique was the norm, where everyone had their role and everyone had their place. The central message for Harmony Day is "everyone belongs" and this is a belief held strongly by LBWR graduates Michelle Dunn and Nathan Curnow.

Michelle Dunn
(Photographer, film maker and LBWR 2014)

“I've never really been interested in being an activist. I've definitely never been interested in drawing attention to myself. I'm a photographer and film maker because I like being behind the scenes, facilitating others to tell their stories. When I applied for a scholarship with LBWR in 2014, I was asked how I felt about standing up for gay rights. I said I'm not really interested in being political about my sexuality. I am who I am and that one aspect doesn't define me. I'd really rather be left alone.

Fast forward to November 2014 and I ran into the deputy mayor of Ballarat (then Councillor) Belinda Coates. She was aware I was part of LBWR and hoped I'd be interested in speaking to council members on November 26, 2014, as she had put marriage equality on the agenda and hoped councillors would vote to make Ballarat a city in support of marriage equality. So I found myself sitting in the council chambers, telling my story.

If you live in Ballarat, you will probably remember the flyer that was dropped in letterboxes a few years ago, showing a child crying and saying 'I need a mum and a dad'. The flyer was a homophobic stab at a local politician for supporting marriage equality, sent out by a local surgeon. For me, the thing that made this flyer even worse was I found it in my letterbox on the same day we received some heartbreaking family news. We'd only been in Ballarat a few months, didn't know anyone and felt incredibly alone, like we'd made a mistake in moving here.

I shared this story with council because I believe that if our leaders don't stand up for equality, it gives justification to the minority of people that continue to spread fear and hate in our world. We need our leaders to make decisions that say ‘we will not tolerate discrimination in any form’. We need our leaders to show the way and make decisions that celebrate diversity and acceptance. I am proud that, on that night, I sat and watched every council member stand and vote in favour of Ballarat being a city in support of marriage equality. That night I had fellow LBWR peers in the council chambers with me and that did endless amounts for my ability to find the courage to speak.

I realised that sometimes speaking up can actually create change, however big or small. I also realised that supporting those that speak up is just as important in creating a stronger and more accepting community as it is to be the one whose voice is heard.”

Nathan Curnow
(Writer, performer and LBWR 2014)

“Social movements are like goldfish in that they grow in proportion to the space they’re given. So, in organising the Let Them Stay event at the Arch of Victory (on February 24 this year), I was seeking to give the campaign space to be seen and heard.

On top of this, I had three main objectives. First and foremost, I wanted to keep immediate pressure on the Federal Government who may send 267 asylum seekers currently in Australia back into detention on Nauru or Manus Island.

Secondly, I wanted to involve the Ballarat community, demonstrating that this city isn’t asleep when it comes to national issues, that we are proud and proactive and will raise our voices on things that matter.

Thirdly, I wanted to inspire individuals in other regional cities and towns across Victoria, demonstrating just how easy it is to send a powerful message from the heart of where they live.
Mostly, I want Ballarat to be a space for a giant, energetic goldfish of compassion and tolerance. And I want everyone to share in the gold.”

Why did you participate in Let Them Stay?

“Because I am a human, have empathy and I care. I also don't agree or believe that a detention centre is the right place for refugees (especially women, especially children) who have sought legal asylum in a country that participates in war, tearing apart their home country. What would you do if you were in their shoes?”
- Aldona Kmiec, photographer and LBWR 2014

“I went along because I believe the leaders of this nation are doing the wrong thing and they must be shown that many, many people disagree with their policies. Sometimes signing various petitions doesn’t feel like enough and so I wanted to add a body to the crowd.”
- Beth Lamont, BallaRatCat Comedy and LBWR 2012

“We will look back in history at this time and shake our collective heads in disbelief at what governments of all persuasion have done regarding immigration detention centres. Nathan Curnow organised a simple demonstration with a clear message rejecting the status quo. It was the least I could do.”
- Rick Stephens, business owner and LBWR 2014

Ballarat Harmony Fest 2016

A kaleidoscope of colour, sounds, sights, flavours and fun will transform Ballarat this Sunday, March 20, when the 2016 Ballarat Harmony Fest unfolds in the CBD.

The annual event will kick off at 11am with a spectacular Parade of Cultures from the Ballarat Town Hall

Between midday and 4pm, Camp Street, Alfred Deakin Place, the Art Gallery of Ballarat and the Ballarat Mining Exchange will be awash with live music, international food, workshops, games, demonstrations, children’s activities and markets.

Now in its sixth year, Harmony Fest aims to bring the entire community together to celebrate Ballarat’s wonderful diversity. This year’s event is being run in association with the Ballarat Italian Association Inc.

For more information, visit the Harmony Fest Facebook page.