Harmony Day 2024: AJC celebrates diversity and belonging

One of the Harmony Week highlights for us at AJC is a new tradition we started last year — the Harmony Day lunch, celebrating diversity in the international language of food, which in many cultures equals love.

It’s a joyous food festival where you can expect to see (and smell) anything and everything from Italian Parmigiana to Kazakh Baursak (donuts dipped in honey), Iranian Gheyme nesar (an aromatic dish of saffron rice with meat, nuts and berries), or Ecuadorian Ceviche. More than a lunch, it’s a feast for all the senses!

As an entree, we asked a few of our team to share the story of their journey to Australia, of standing out, of fitting in and ultimately, belonging. We start with Luca D’Amore, who recently became an Australian citizen in February 2024.

LUCA D’AMORE (Italy), Senior Project Lead

Q. How has becoming an Australian citizen impacted your life?

Surprisingly, it hasn’t changed much. My love for this country has remained steadfast since my arrival in 2018. Now, I’m simply an official part of it, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Q. When did you first arrive in Australia and what inspired you to stay?

I arrived in August 2018 to activate my Permanent Residency. Moving from China to Australia felt a bit like a blind date — I had never been here before. Yet I placed my trust in the experiences of friends who had previously been, or were living here.

Q. What aspects of your culture have you brought with you?

Cooking Italian food and brewing traditional Italian-style coffee are daily rituals for me.

Q. Have you adopted any new practices since settling here?

Absolutely. I’ve developed a passion for bushwalks and discovering the diverse neighbourhoods of Sydney and beyond, often accompanied by my faithful four-legged companion, Laika.

CRISTINA ANDRADE (Ecuador), Senior Designer 

Q. When did you first arrive in Australia and what inspired you to stay?

I made my first journey to Australia 12 years ago. My fascination with this country began at the age of 12 when I often saw magazines featuring its stunning beaches and landscapes in the shops I frequented. This intrigue grew stronger during my exchange program in Canada at the age of 17, where I had my first encounters with Australians. It was then that I knew Australia was where I wanted to be. Thus, I applied for a Skill Migration Visa as an architect, securing my permanent residency from day one. Today, I couldn’t imagine calling any other place home.

Q. What aspects of your culture have you brought with you?

While our cultures share many similarities, as a mother, I’ve introduced a unique touch to my son’s birthday celebrations by incorporating a piñata, a tradition seldom seen at other gatherings.

Q. What new customs have you embraced since settling here?

We’ve embraced the outdoor lifestyle that Australia offers. From frequent camping trips to enjoying barbecues and picnics at the park or beach, we relish the abundance of beautiful playgrounds dotted throughout the country, making every corner an opportunity for adventure and fun.

HANI RAVAZI (Iran), Senior Designer

Q. When did you first arrive in Australia and what inspired you to stay?

I arrived in Sydney in February 2021 in the midst of Covid. During the 14-day quarantine period, the sight of the Opera House from my hotel window felt like a realization of an image from architectural history books. Having lived in this beautiful city for three years now, I find myself appreciating its blue skies, endless ocean views, peaceful atmosphere, friendly locals, and, of course, its vibrant coffee culture every single day.

Q. What aspects of your culture have you brought with you?

Having had the privilege of living, learning, and practicing architecture in five magnificent cities — Tabriz, Istanbul, Torino, Milan, and now Sydney —my life has become a mosaic of Eastern and Western cultures. This fusion is evident in every aspect of my life, from the depth and orientalism of Iranian culture to the bold and expressive nature of Italian design. Whether it’s in the dishes I prepare or the artefacts, content, or designs I create, the influences of both cultures intertwine seamlessly.

Q. What new customs have you embraced since settling here?

The inclusive and nature-oriented lifestyle of Australian culture, coupled with its diversity, continually inspires me to embrace and cultivate these values within myself. For me, it’s an ongoing journey of learning, living, and experiencing the richness of this diverse and welcoming society.

ZARINA WESTON (Kazakhstan), Marketing & Bids Lead

Q. When did you first arrive in Australia and what inspired you to stay?

I arrived in Australia in June 2008 on a student visa to stay with my sister in Darwin. Initially, I did not consider Australia as a place for permanent residence. However, after being in the country for six months, I definitively decided to stay here forever. I love the relaxed atmosphere, multicultural and inclusive environment, and the freedom it offers. Australia, to me, is a land of opportunities and safety. Having travelled extensively around the country, I really appreciate its diversity.

Q. What aspects of your culture have you brought with you?

I have a deep love of cooking. Food plays a significant role in our culture, so I make an effort to prepare more traditional dishes for my family and friends. Additionally, when I had my children, I incorporated some cultural traditions for young moms and babies. These I will pass onto my daughters when they decide to have children.

Q. What new customs have you embraced since settling here?

I have integrated many aspects of Australian culture into my life. However, my love for tea and certain traditional foods remains strong. I enjoy tea with honey or jam and often indulge in traditional soups. I also actively seek connections with people from my home country, creating a community here to support other new immigrants in their journey.