Vive La Difference, University Acclaims

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday April 1, 2008

By KATELIN McINERNEY

DIFFERENCE and diversity have taken centre stage at the University of Wollongong, with the university's third annual Diversity Week celebrations kicking off yesterday.

NSW Governor Marie Bashir officially launched the festivities which aim to promote harmony and respect for people with different abilities, cultures, beliefs, sexualities and genders.

Dr Bashir, who holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Wollongong, said recognising and celebrating diversity was important in a region such as the Illawarra with its rich history of multiculturalism and prosperity.

"Australia has thrived on diversity," she said. "We are the envy of the world in that regard and I think we have the right recipe for respect."

UOW director of employment equity and diversity Lynne Wright said the week's celebrations were all about fostering respect more than tolerance.

"Respect is the key word - we need to be able to understand to respect and that is what we want to do during Diversity Week," she said.

The university will host a range of exciting and inspirational events, including the Show us Your Roots multicultural comedy night tonight and the social justice lunch on Thursday.

Diversity Week program

TODAY

DADHC Exhibition, McKinnon Building: Exhibition of art from Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care clients.

ANTAR Sea of Hands, duck pond lawn: Sign a hand to show your support for reconciliation.

Show Us Your Roots multicultural comedy night, UniBar, 6.30pm: Featuring Tahir, Australia's only Turkish stand-up comedian, best known for playing Habib in the TV show Pizza. Pre-sale $6 at UniShop or $8 at the door.

TOMORROW

Blind Cricket, 12.30pm-1.30pm, URAC Oval 1:

Come along and gain an insight into the world of the sight-impaired in a match between uni students and staff members.

Diversity Film Festival, UniBar 2pm-4pm: Featuring A Bit of Black Business and several flamboyant short films on the Mardi Gras.

THURSDAY

Social Justice Lunch, 12.30-1.30pm UOW Function Centre: Guest speakers include Prof Colin Woodroffe, co-winner of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his work on climate change, Katya Pechenkina and executive director of the Australian Society of Authors, Dr Jeremy Fisher. RSVP: eholdsworth@uow.edu.au by today.

FRIDAY

Cross and Icon Day, duck pond lawn: As part of Catholic World Youth Day the Cross and Icon will come to the University of Wollongong.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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