Rotary Downunder Project

A very rainy Harmony Day 2021 was celebrated in the Canberra Nara Peace Park, ACT, Australia with the unveiling of the Rotary Peace Pole 100 of 100. In the presence of their Excellencies Governor-General David Hurley and Mrs Hurley, members of the Diplomatic Community, and many members of the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum, Peace Pole 100 of 100 was unveiled in front of a 70-strong crowd. The day also marked the 15th anniversary of the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum, which joined with the Rotary clubs of Canberra and Canberra Burley Griffin to donate Peace Pole 100 of 100 to the City of Canberra. The Peace Pole carries 15 languages all proclaiming the message ‘May peace prevail on Earth’. 

In his address to those present, the Governor-General said that strong communities were at the heart of the day’s celebrations. “Australia is one of the most multicultural societies on Earth, comprising people from every corner of the globe – people from different backgrounds and cultures; people who have different life experiences. “Yet we are one nation, and we are all Australians. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Harmony Week is a celebration of that diversity. “The week is an opportunity to recognise that we are at our best when we are inclusive and when we respect each other. 

This joint celebration is a wonderful example of harmony at work.” Before unveiling the 100th Peace Pole, the Governor-General made a request of those present: to nominate for recognition our ordinary Australians who do outstanding work in the community. “The Order of Australia is our nation’s pre-eminent system through which to recognise achievement and service to the community. Anyone can nominate someone to be considered and all Australians, regardless of their background or field of endeavour, are eligible. 

“Most recipients consider themselves to be ‘ordinary’. They don’t put their hand up for recognition. But they do deserve recognition and to be celebrated. We all know people like this. “I need you to nominate them so that we, as a nation, can say well done and thank you.” On unveiling the Peace Pole, His Excellency noted that Canberra Nara Peace Park was a most worthy location for the occasion

The Rotary Peace Pole initiative is a Rotary 100downunder project to celebrate the centenary of Rotary in Australia. To date Peace Pole 139 has been reserved so the original target of 100 Peace Poles donated to schools around Australia has been exceeded. There is no limit to the total number of peace poles available

Rotary Peace Pole Unveiling marks Harmony Day