Residents live in Harmony at Pearl

The Southern Cross Care community is a diverse and inclusive one, so it was no surprise that Harmony Week was met with excitement across the community.

Residents, clients, staff and volunteers shared meals with each other, wore orange to match the Harmony Week theme, and talked about their different cultural experiences in a show of understanding and respect for each other.

Harmony Week ran from 20 to 26 March and involved a whole range of smaller events in our residential care homes, retirement villages, offices and clients’ homes.

On Harmony Day, 21 March, Pearl Supported Care was one of the locations which hosted a special event for the enjoyment of residents and staff.

Staff wore their own cultural dress and performed cultural dances, including Nepalese, Indian, Filipino and Aussie dances.

To engage in the dancing residents practised and performed the Hokey Pokey.

Lifestyle Coordinator, Sashi Gurung, said, “We celebrate to foster inclusiveness, respect and the idea that people of all different cultures can make a valuable contribution to society.”

Resident Nigel summed up the importance of the celebration when he said the songs reminded him of happy childhood memories, bringing joy and enrichment to his life.

He added that it was lovely to see different cultural dances and colourful dresses, to share in the cultures of other residents and staff in the community.