It was the first ever Harmony Day to be held at the Ulladulla Tafe.

The afternoon began with Noel Butler, Phillip Butler and Barrie Hilder doing a traditional welcome to country ceremony.

Introductions to the culturally diverse students and community members in attendance followed, including a poetry reading by Shana Mazurek, who has a Polish heritage.

The larger than anticipated group bonded over a common love that most humans share despite any cultural differences, lunch.

There was food from many different cultures, cooked by the students for everyone to learn about enjoy.

The menu included Thai Curry, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, barbeque fish and kangaroo, freshly caught shellfish, damper,  polish cheesecake and sarsaparilla.

“We are hoping that we can build on the success of the event and get more people from the community here next year,” said Sarah.

The day was designed to celebrate cultural diversity on campus, and bring everyone together.

Noel Butler is currently teaching Certificate II in skills  for work and training. Part of this course involves event management.

Sara Eastway teaches Certificate I in skills for vocational pathways.

The two teachers came up with the idea of Harmony Day earlier in the year, and the two classes worked together to make the day possible.

“It gets students working together and breaking stereotypes of each other,” said Illawarra Tafe multicultural coordinator, Angela Ljubuc.  

“It gives students the opportunity to use their skills outside the classroom and get to know each other,”said teacher and co-organiser, Sara Eastway.

“People from the two classes that planned the day are from all different walks of life,”said co-organiser Noel Butler.

“It is a very tight knit community.”

“Things like his help prevent racism.”

The crowd was larger than anticipated with many students from the Tafe showing support for the event, as well as Budawang school and members of the community.