Harmony Week 2025

Sunshine Coast Council acknowledges the Sunshine Coast Country, home of the Kabi Kabi peoples and the Jinibara peoples, the Traditional Custodians, whose lands and waters we all now share. 

In 1966 the United Nations proclaimed 21 March to be International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Harmony Week is a time when Australians celebrate multiculturalism and the success of the integration of migrants into our community. It recognises inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.

In 2021, more than 20% of people living on the Sunshine Coast were born overseas. They hailed from more than 100 countries, representing diversity in culture and language. (2021 ABS - profile.id).

Background

Since European settlement, people from vast backgrounds followed the opportunities presented. As they settled, making a new life in the region they contributed to the development of the Sunshine Coast.

Early settlers were predominantly from Britain, with the first private commercial operators exploiting the region’s timber as early as 1842. Boat, rail and road were influential in opening up the region, and with the growth of agriculture and industry, migrant workers were sought.

You are invited to explore this on-line program to discover more about Sunshine Coast’s multicultural heritage.