USQ Springfield celebrates Harmony Day

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield celebrated Harmony Day on Wednesday 19 March 2008 with an exciting program of entertainment.

Members of the community were invited to come along and enjoy music and dancing from New Zealand, the Middle East and Hawaii as well as some gospel and contemporary offerings.

The event also featured three Education students who had their heads shaved as part of the World's Greatest Shave fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Matthew Hunt, known as ‘Mario' to his friends was closely affected by cancer when his mother died from the disease in 2005.

'When Mum underwent cancer treatment her hair started to fall out and she thought ‘bugger it' and took control by having her head shaved to raise money for cancer research,' Matthew said.

'I wanted to do this for Mum and to show my support for this cause.'

Fellow students Anthony Johnson ‘Red' and Matt Williams ‘Luigi' also put up their hands to raise money and have their heads shaved with their friend on the day.

They expect when finished collecting donations to have raised $1,000 for the foundation.

USQ Springfield campus Director Doug Fraser said the University was privileged to have so many cultures represented on campus.

'This is the second year we have hosted Harmony Day celebrations at USQ Springfield and each year we hope to make the event bigger,' Mr Fraser said.

'We commemorated Harmony Day by once again inviting staff and students to display souvenirs from their travels overseas.

'Every year we have some fantastic items on display including wood carvings from exotic islands, Chinese tea sets, origami, kimonos and even once a toy Moose from Canada.'

Harmony Day project co-ordinator Savali Harvey said celebrations emphasised traditional values of justice, equality, fairness and friendship.

'Our underlying message is one of harmony and mutual respect, but the day was all about celebrating the many different communities here in Springfield and importantly, having lots of fun!,' she said.

Proceedings were closed with traditional songs of praise led by local Maori elder Mr Reg Tohia.

Media Contact:  Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979