Harmony Day celebrated at UQ Gatton campus

26 Apr 2023
Students
Students celebrating at the UQ Gatton campus's Harmony Day International Food Festival

University of Queensland Gatton campus students were recently treated to a smorgasbord of international cuisine as part of Harmony Day celebrations.

UQ Gatton campus's Harmony Day International Food Festival is a celebration of cultural diversity, organised by Dr Swaid Abdullah, Professor Joerg Henning and international student representatives from UQ’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science program.

“This fantastic festival allows international students of Gatton campus to celebrate their cultural diversity,” Dr Abdullah said.

“If you’re hungry and curious about the world – this is the event for you.

“A total of 180 students attended the event and indulged in cuisines from India, China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, and the Middle East, just to name a few.

“No matter what your taste, there was truly something for everyone, and an opportunity to learn more about the broad array of cultures and experiences that are here at UQ Gatton campus.”

The event took place on 5 April 2023 in the Gatton campus’s Foundation Building, with UQ School of Veterinary Science Head of School, Professor Nigel Perkins, opening the event.

Food was prepared by local restaurants from Plainlands to Toowoomba, but food wasn’t the only motivation for students to join in the festivities.

“Beyond the incredible international cuisine, students also participated in a quiz competition on international traditions and customs, with the winner taking home a $50 gift card,” Dr Abdullah said.

“They also got to let their hair down with some karaoke and live music.

“We’re extremely keen to run this event next year and make it bigger and attract more students and wider audience, including the Gatton campus staff.

“And, next year, we’ll ask the students to dress up in traditional outfits and hopefully make it an all-day event.

“It’s so important to celebrate cultural diversity, while making international students – who are so far away from home – feel like they’re a valued part of our Gatton community.

“UQ values and celebrates equity, diversity, and inclusion, and this event is one of many to create a vibrant and inclusive environment that allows ideas to flourish, and people to be empowered.

“So here’s to a bigger and better iteration of the festival in 2024 and beyond.”

Staff would like to thank the efforts of the Gatton International Student Association (GISA) to make this event a success.

Financial support for the event was jointly provided by UQ’s School of Veterinary Science and School of Agriculture and Food Sciences.

Media: Faculty of Science Media, science.media@uq.edu.au, +61 438 162 687.

Latest