New cultural diversity resource launched on Harmony Day

Tuesday 20 March 2007

The University of Newcastle will promote cultural awareness and diversity during Harmony Day celebrations tomorrow with the launch of a cultural diversity toolkit - a major new resource for the University.

The Cultural Diversity and Inclusive Practice Toolkit has been designed to promote mutually respectful relationships and translate the University's policies into practice.

The toolkit contains a series of folios and strategies which explain what it means to be a culturally inclusive university and how staff can be more aware of different cultures.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Kevin McConkey said the toolkit added to an impressive range of initiatives in place at the University to promote cultural harmony.

"It's ideal to launch this new resource on Harmony Day, when the University will be celebrating its success as a culturally diverse community," said Professor McConkey.

"The University is home to a diverse mix of people from many different backgrounds, cultures and religions.

"Fifteen per cent of the University's staff and 24 per cent of students were born overseas. Within our student community over 90 different languages are spoken."

Professor McConkey said Harmony Day celebrations would showcase the diversity of the University community and promote harmony and cultural awareness.

A group of around 120 primary school students from across the Hunter region will visit the University on Harmony Day. They will be treated to an ethnic-themed lunch and entertainment including a Brazilian martial arts group and dance and music groups involving people of Indigenous, Torres Strait Islander, Indonesian and African heritage.

Photo opportunity: Harmony Day 2007 (Wednesday 21 March 2007)

An entertainment program will run from 12.30 to 2pm in the Auchmuty Library courtyard, Callaghan campus. The Cultural Diversity and Inclusive Practice Toolkit will be launched at 1.15pm in the courtyard.

For interviews: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Kevin McConkey, on 02 4921 5114.