Harmony Week (March 17-23) celebrates Australia's amazing cultural diversity - and Carinity's employees represent a snapshot of that diversity.
Our staff hail from more than 60 nations and collectively speak almost 50 different languages.
Carinity's vision is to create communities where people are loved, accepted and supported to reach their full potential. Our team members Riya Prasad, Agapito 'Jay-ar' Bac-la-an and Tina Lataipangai embody these values.
Riya Prasad was born in New Zealand and her cultural heritage resides in her Fiji Indian roots.
"As someone who has grown up in two very culturally diverse westernised countries, it has always brought me joy to explore the world and its various cultures.
"I believe immersing myself into other people's cultures and experiences builds a strong sense of inter connection and empathy with the world.
"Harmony Week allows me to have a small snippet of that feeling while continuing to build understanding and close relationships with other people in the community."
Teaching a Bollywood choreographed dance to the Australian side of her family made Riya "proud to share my culture with others" while feeling "even more connected to my culture".
"Self-expression of my religion and culture is so important to me and who I am. It makes me happy and devoted," Riya said.
As a teacher at Carinity Education Southside, Riya loves to "incorporate and spread significant cultural days into the school's culture".
Agapito 'Jay-ar' Bac-la-an was born and raised in Cebu, the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines.
"Cebu has a rich cultural heritage shaped by indigenous traditions, Spanish colonisation, and modern Filipino identity," Jay-ar said.
"Cebuanos are known for our hospitality, resilience, and strong sense of community. Food, music and arts also play a big role in Cebuano culture."
Cultural traditions and customs influence Jay-ar's daily life and work as a disability Lifestyle Support Worker at Carinity Bunderra.
"Cebuano culture influences daily life by fostering a strong sense of identity, faith, hard work, and community spirit," Jay-ar said.
"Cebuanos are known for being hardworking and resourceful. Whether in business, health care or skilled trades, the value of paningkamot (perseverance) is deeply ingrained.
"We are always ready to lend a hand (bayanihan) and we value teamwork. Maintaining good relationships and showing hospitality are a priority. We are respectful and courteous and use titles and gestures as signs of respect, especially for elders and superiors."
Jay-ar believes Harmony Week is a celebration of inclusivity, respect and belonging.
"As someone born overseas and now calling Australia home, it reminds me of the importance of embracing diversity, whether it be cultural backgrounds, beliefs or perspectives. It is an opportunity to reflect on how diverse cultural differences can coexist beautifully."
A Lifestyle Carer at Carinity Home Care Bundaberg, Tina Lataipangai was born to a Maori mother and Tongan father. Raised in Tonga before later living in New Zealand, Tina said her cultural traditions influence her everyday life.
"Church is highly valued in Tonga and religion is very important. Prayer is incorporated into daily activities, for example giving thanks for food they are about to eat," Tina said.
"Sunday is the Holy Day where family and friends come together to attend church. We are very family orientated. We enjoy celebrating together, preparing a lot of food to share.
"Tongans are taught four core values or 'pillars' at a young age: mutual respect (faka'apa'apa); sharing, cooperating and fulfillment of mutual obligation (tauhi va); humility and generosity (lototo); and loyalty and commitment (mamahi' me'a)."
Tina explains that Tongan traditions "taught me the importance of looking out for each other, which I do daily with my clients".
"In the Tongan culture the elderly are the most important people to be looked after and shown the utmost respect," she said.
Speaking about Harmony Week, Tina believes it is important to "feel included and respected for who you are in society".
"Every day I feel proud of my background and the upbringing I had in Tonga. It has made be the person I am today."
