In 1996 Susan Leith-Miller established the Orange Ribbon Campaign to combat racism by promoting the acceptance and tolerance of multiculturalism.
Susan began wearing the 'Orange Ribbon' and when people asked what it was for, she said it was for multiculturalism. Susan communicated this concept to marketing research clients who were in the tourism industry.
Within three months the 'Orange Ribbon' was embraced by thousands of people across Australia and was worn by members of the official parties at the 1997 Australia Day celebrations in capital cities Australia wide.
The 'Orange Ribbon' was adopted by the Federal Government as the symbol for Harmony Day which now occurs each year on March 21st.
" Brilliant. Dazzling. I'm going to float the idea to the hundreds of heavyweights attending. Hardly a day passes when I don't talk to an audience about you and the orange ribbon campaign."
Philip Adam's Radio National 1996-7
Visit the Living in Harmony website for current information on Harmony Day.
