World Down Syndrome Day,
and Close the Gap Day

Open Minds is committed to welcoming people from all different backgrounds who work in and access our programs and services. 

Whether you are from a multicultural background, live with Down Syndrome, or are Indigenous, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that every member of our diverse community feels safe, valued, represented and appropriately supported.

What is Harmony Week?

Harmony Week celebrates Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community.

Throughout the week, celebrations will be taking place to mark Australia as one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world. 

This year is the 20th anniversary of Harmony Day, and for the first time the event has been renamed Harmony Week to recognise diversity and inclusion activities taking place throughout the week. Harmony Week will include 21 March, which is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Below are the Harmony Week Events taking place near to our offices:

What is World Down Syndrome Awareness Day?

World Down Syndrome Awareness Day is celebrated on 21st March every year all around the world – the date 21/3 signifies three copies of chromosome 21, the most common form of Down Syndrome.

The day is an opportunity to dispel some myths and raise awareness of living with Down Syndrome.

Below is an event taking place to celebrate this day, why not get involved:

What is Close the Gap Day?

The national ‘Close the Gap’ campaign has been running for 10 years to raise awareness of the need to close the health and life expectancy gap between Indigenous Australians and non-indigenous Australians.

Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islander people live, on average, 10 years less than non-Indigenous Australians. 

Below are the events taking place to celebrate this important date, Open Minds is proud to have a stall at both of theses events so pop by to say hello: