Universities Australia is a proud supporter of A Taste of Harmony, which encourages all workplaces to celebrate cultural diversity.
"All 39 Australian universities have been encouraged to participate in A Taste of Harmony by gathering colleagues during this week - 15-21 March - to share foods from their cultural backgrounds," said Universities Australia's Chief Executive, Dr Glenn Withers.
"Universities are places of great cultural diversity, both through their staff members, the many international students who come to study in Australia, and Australian students from rich and diverse cultural backgrounds," Dr Withers said.
Many universities participated in A Taste of Harmony in 2009, and it is expected that many more work units and faculties will participate in 2010 by individuals cooking and sharing foods from their home country, or the country of their family.
"A Taste of Harmony is an ideal way to encourage camaraderie and goodwill and learn about cultures other than your own through the food traditions of the many regions of the globe," Dr Withers said.
"Last year universities participated in innovative ways, such as involving student clubs and associations, organising market stalls with foods from their home countries and hosting authentic tea ceremonies for staff and students," Dr Withers said.
An initiative of the Scanlon Foundation, the Australian Multicultural Foundation, and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, it's still not too late to register to hold an event.
See www.atasteofharmony.org.au for details.
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