MEL 12 July 2009 - 'Harmony Walk' to Celebrate Victoria's Multiculturism

The Victorian Government would lead a 'Harmony Walk' to reaffirm to the world Victoria’s strong support for multiculturalism.

Mr Brumby said the Sunday, July 12 Harmony Walk would bring together Victorian communities to recognise and celebrate the enormous contribution of ethnic, cultural and religious communities to the state.

Premier Brumby said on 2 June 2009:

“..that’s why recent isolated incidents of racially motivated crime have been so distressing and we condemn racially motivated crimes in the strongest possible terms.

Attacking a fellow Victorian – be they an international student or a father going to the aid of a stranger in the street is anathema to the values and principles that make our state one of the world’s most successful multicultural communities and must not be tolerated.

This was the message I relayed to the High Commissioner of India Sujathm Singh and Consul General of India Anita Nayar last week.

We must not let the actions of a very small minority undermine one of the very tenets of our state. I encourage all Victorians to stand-up now to reaffirm that our tolerance and our multiculturalism are important to all Victorians by participating in next month’s Harmony Walk.” (Source: www.premier.vic.gov.au)

When: Sunday, 12 July 2009 starting at 12.30 pm
Starts from: Carlton Gardens, Melbourne
Through: Melbourne CBD
Finishes at: Federation Square, Melbourne