Murrumba Downs aged care celebrates Harmony Day

Murrumba Downs aged care residents have been exploring different cultures and traditions for Harmony Day with food, traditional outfits and performances.

Residents and team at Bolton Clarke’s Inverpine home are taking the opportunity to learn more about each team member and resident’s cultures by dressing up in their traditional outfits while trying difference cuisines and enjoying a performance by Chinese dancers.

Marking the last day of Harmony Week, Harmony Day (21 March) celebrates and recognises the diversity across Australian communities.

For Diversional Therapist Rekha, who is from Fiji with a Girmitiyas background, she says today is the perfect opportunity for residents and team members to get to know one another better.

“Many of our residents are well-versed in these areas because they have travelled and seen a lot of countries and cultures so seeing the colourful outfits and tasting the food can bring back memories,” Rekha said.

“Days like this offer educational opportunities to learn about each other, our different cultures, history and traditions.

“Our team members are working in their home so we want them to know who we are and where we come from.”

Administration officer and proud Manus Island woman Betty says the opportunity to showcase her culture with residents and team members is an exciting opportunity.

“We work in a company where there are lots of different nationalities and there is nothing better than having a day where we get to showcase that,” Betty said.

“I am dressing up in my island attire with a traditional bridal outfit and for me, I am proud of my culture and love sharing more about it.  

“The residents love to touch and feel all the different materials our outfits are made of and want to know more about each piece and what it means.”