Celebrating Harmony Day 2026 with a vibrant community event in Dandenong

SMRC was proud to bring the community together to celebrate Harmony Day 2026, with a vibrant and welcoming event held at Dandenong Market on Saturday 21 March. Alive with music, colour and connection, the day captured the true spirit of Harmony Day by celebrating Australia’s rich cultural diversity and the shared values of inclusion, respect and belonging.

From the moment visitors arrived, the atmosphere across Market Square and the Bazaar was full of excitement. Families, children and community members of all ages took part in activities inspired by the theme ‘Around the World’, enjoying music, food, crafts and moments of shared cultural discovery.

Talented performers bring cultures to life

Music played a central role in the celebration, with a diverse line-up of performers showcasing talent from around the world:

• Hazel energised the crowd with a lively Bollywood performance that had people smiling, dancing and joining in.
• Gellie added a sense of playfulness with a whimsical piano performance that delighted children and adults alike.
• Alejandro captivated audiences with elegant classical guitar pieces that brought moments of calm and reflection.
• Thomas impressed with powerful vocals that showcased cultural tradition through song.
• Gavin had visitors tapping along to a fun set of 70s classics, sparking nostalgia and joy.

Each performance contributed to a dynamic celebration of culture, highlighting how music brings people together across language and cultural boundaries.

Inspiring connection across generations

Children and families played a central role in the day’s success, with young attendees eagerly exploring the market through the passport activity and getting creative at the arts and crafts stations. Their imagination and enthusiasm brought extra energy to the celebration and reinforced the importance of creating inclusive, family-friendly spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Harmony Day is a powerful reminder of the value of inclusion and mutual respect. At SMRC, we are proud to support our diverse community through programs and services across settlement, health and wellbeing, aged care, employment and education. Events like Harmony Day allow us to connect with the community, celebrate cultural diversity and share the impact of our work with local residents, partners and stakeholders.

Thank you to our partners and sponsors

SMRC extends sincere thanks to Dandenong Market, our location partner, for providing such a vibrant and iconic space for the community to come together.
We also thank our Silver Sponsors, South East Water and SBS Audio, for their generous support and for actively engaging with the community throughout the day. Their involvement helped strengthen connections and contributed to the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that defined Harmony Day 2026.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a memorable celebration of culture and community. We look forward to continuing to work together to support and celebrate our diverse community.

For partnership enquiries or future events, please contact communications@smrc.org.au.

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