NSW Parliament House hosts Harmony awards
The annual competition is run by Moving Forward Together and this year attracted 2000 entries.
NSW Parliament House hosted an inspiring celebration on June 23, welcoming the winners and runners-up of the nationwide Harmony Day competition, in recognition of their outstanding achievements and contributions to promoting inclusion, respect and cultural diversity.
The annual competition is run by Moving Forward Together – an initiative led by B’nai B’rith – and this year there were 2000 entries.
This year’s theme, “Stronger together”, resonated deeply with students and educators alike, reflecting national conversations around community resilience – particularly in the wake of the tragic Bondi attack in December.
Moving Forward Together founder Ernie Friedlander said, “This competition has always been about empowering young people to shape the national conversation, and this year their voices carry even greater weight.
“Their creativity shows us how hope can be rebuilt, and how bridges between communities can be strengthened.”
Guests heard addresses from Minister for Multiculturalism Stephen Kamper and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure, who both congratulated the students for their creativity and commitment to fostering more inclusive communities.
Presentations of the winning entries followed.
The inaugural Edith Brutman Award was presented to Amin Moniri from Cabramatta High School for his remarkable short film, filmed at Bondi Beach.
The award honours the memory of Edith Brutman, who was one of the 15 people murdered in the Bondi Chanukah terror attack last December, and who had a deep, personal connection with the competition’s founder, and its committee, including chair Lindi Bloch.
When accepting the award, Moniri said of his work, “I chose Bondi Beach because after the tragedy our community experienced, I was inspired by the way people from different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs stood side by side supporting one another.
“In my short film, people shared and reflected messages of kindness, respect, acceptance and unity.
“What I learned is that harmony isn’t just something we celebrate once a year, but something you can choose every day, through the way we treat each other.”
The Julia Lowy Award for the poster competition was awarded to Lola Tabone from Mount Grove College for her artistic contribution promoting the values of harmony and inclusion.
Mount Sinai College student Mila Shapiro won the year 3 category.
And the Sean Chew Award was presented to Emelyn Hope Konz in recognition of her exceptional musical performance, which delivered a message of hope, unity and harmony.
Mount Sinai College student Mila Shapiro with her year 3 category winning poster.