It’s a long way between Zimbabwe and Australia but University of Southern Queensland student Vivian Chitotombe felt right at home at Harmony Day.
Vivian was part of a more than 500-people strong crowd that danced, sang and ate their way around the world in USQ Toowoomba’s grassy Quadrangle on Wednesday (March 20).
The Bachelor of Nursing student was fascinated by her first Harmony Day at USQ after moving to Australia from her native Zimbabwe in 2006.
“It’s the music, seeing other nationalities, dressing up — it’s really good to be able to show other people your culture,” Vivian said.
A nationally celebrated event, Harmony Day has been running for more than 10 years at USQ Toowoomba.
And with the staff alone at USQ speaking more than 50 languages there were plenty of stories and recipes to be shared around.
Visitors took in performances by an African drum group, Papua New Guinean, Nepalese and Indigenous dancers, as well as musicians from a diverse array of countries.
USQ Multicultural Centre Manager William Conwell said Harmony Day was purely a day for “sharing cultures and having fun”.
“I think it’s truly an excellent concept to have the nation participate in an event like Harmony Day every year,” Mr Conwell said.
“Toowoomba really is a multicultural city so it’s important everyone can come together to share what it is that makes them unique.”
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio and Councillor Mike Williams attended the event, along with USQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Jan Thomas.
Media contact;
Jim Campbell, USQ Media, +617 4631 2977, jim.campbell@usq.edu.au
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