Hands for harmony

Aaron, Rida, Hamza and Behnaz link hands. 178081 Picture: GARY SISSONS

Dandenong Plaza invited Dandenong Primary students to join hands to mark Harmony Day.
The national day, held on Wednesday 21 March, celebrated everyone who calls Australia home.
The day aims to engage people in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster a sense of belonging for everyone.
The 150 students dressed in attire from different cultures and linked hands in centre court about 10.30am.
Plaza centre manager Mark Tannahill said Greater Dandenong had recently been recognised as the most multicultural municipality in Australia.
“So by observing Harmony Day we can actively mark this occasion with a celebration,” he said.
“By gathering our local primary school students in a hand holding ceremony we can start reinforcing a message of cultural unity with our youngest community members.”
The shopping centre also hosted cultural dance and music performances in the lead-up to Harmony Day, on Saturday 17 February.