Australia celebrated it’s annual “Harmony Day” yesterday with more than 3,500 events being held across the country to celebrate the ethnic diversity of Australians. Australians of Tongan descent joined in the celebrations, displaying their Tongan culture in schools, workplaces and community centres throughout the country.

Tongan food such as ‘Ufi, ‘Ota Ika and Lu Pulu was served at food fairs. While students and artists performed Tongan songs and dances at various concerts and schools.

Australia’s Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Zed Seselja, stated publicly that Harmony Day was an opportunity for Australians respect each other and to celebrate their diversity.

He said, “Harmony Day is a wonderful, vibrant and colourful reminder that we are one of the most diverse and yet socially cohesive nations on earth,”

“This is a day that helps us appreciate the enormous benefits of cultural diversity while understanding that first and foremost we are all Australians and we all belong.”

“The glue that binds us together and confirms our sense of belonging is mutual respect.”

According to the Australian Government, 85 per cent of Australians agree that multiculturalism has been good for Australia. Around 45 per cent of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was born overseas.