UOW celebrates Diversity Week

Mar 20, 2007

The University of Wollongong is celebrating 'Diversity Week' through a variety of exhibitions and events on campus until Friday 23 March.

Diversity Week enables staff, students and the wider community to appreciate the differences of UOW life, enriched by people from different countries and cultures with diverse abilities, disabilities, religions, sexualities and genders.

The annual event was officially opened by Illawarra based Liberal Senator, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells yesterday (Monday March 20) at the Faculty of Creative Arts, which coincided with the launch of the 'Boolarng Nangamai (Together Dreaming)' and 'The Gender Show' art exhibitions.

"I would like to thank the University of Wollongong for the opportunity to be involved in the launch of Diversity Week and congratulate it for such an initiative," she said.

"Any university is a diversity in itself and we are privileged to be living in one of the most diverse cities in Australia."

This week's program includes a showcase of exhibitions, screenings and performances to promote harmony, tolerance and respect around the campus.

Community partners such as UniCentre, Wollongong City Council, Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) and the Sydney Fringe Festival have collaborated to support the ideas behind Diversity Week.

Art exhibitions will be on display throughout the week, celebrating ability, gender and the Indigenous culture. A 'Sea of Hands' will also be erected as a signature of support for reconciliation. A number of film festivals will enlighten audiences on different cultures and experiences.

A market day is organised for Wednesday 21 March, in accordance with International Harmony Day, exhibiting the diverse clubs, cultures and groups established at UOW and in the community.

The 'Sydney Fringe Festival Comedy Night' will present an entertaining celebration of diversity with some Sydney comedians, including Alex Ramano from 'Fat Pizza', Turkish-Australian Kayan Oncu, Eric the red-headed Aussie and the award-winning comedians Julia Wilson and Desh.

Diversity Week will conclude with a debut performance by 'Blue King Brown' at the UniBar. This group of Australian musicians will bring their unique mix of beats and rhythms from around the world to voice some strong political and social messages.

Other activities throughout the week will include an Amnesty International guest lecture and a Linking Women Network meeting.

For further information and a program of events visit: UOW Diversity Week or call (02) 42 213 555.