Celebrate kindness and inclusion on Human Rights Day in Hobart

Published on 10 December 2024

The City of Hobart celebrated Human Rights Day, a global occasion honouring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) with an event featuring live musical and dance performances, cultural activities, and hands-on opportunities.

With this year’s theme focused on Acts of Kindness the event will showcase Hobart’s diversity, inclusion, and community spirit.

From floral arranging with Still Gardening to collaborative chalk art, there’s something for all ages.

Visitors also learned more about local programs like Hobart Respects All and connect with organisations such as the Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.

Highlights included performances by local artists, including Street to Stage 2024 winner Josh, the Women’s Voices Project, and cultural dance groups.

This year’s Human Rights Day also offered a chance for participants to join in the Taste of Summer action.

The Taste will again feature the City of Hobart sponsored Community Day with free daytime entry to the Taste on December 31.

At the Human Rights Day celebration, participants will have the opportunity to take part in a lantern-making workshop, with the results to feature in a lantern parade and “The Long” on December 31, a dragon display that originated in Fujian province in China.

The celebration also featured interactive activities like portrait-making, a tree giveaway to promote environmental kindness, and opportunities to share your thoughts through a Vox Pop session.

The event was held in the Elizabeth Street Mall on 10 December.

For more details, visit the City of Hobart website.

Quotes to be attributed to Acting Hobart Lord Mayor Dr Zelinda Sherlock:

“Human Rights Day is an opportunity to embrace what unites us — kindness, compassion, and respect for all people.

“Through music, dance, art, and conversation, we’re celebrating the power of kindness to build stronger, more connected communities.

“It’s a day to inspire hope and action, reminding all of us of our shared humanity.

“This event reminds us of the importance of kindness, not just as an action but as a way of living that nurtures harmony and inclusivity in Hobart.”

Quotes to be attributed to Taste of Summer General Manager, Katharine Dean:

"Tasmania’s Taste of Summer is all about family-friendly fun and we want to see as many people as possible participate in the lantern parade and the The Long on 31 December this year.

“We want people to really feel like they are a part of the Taste and this is a great way to involve the whole family by making a lantern and being part of the parade.

“With the support of the City of Hobart, there will be free entry to the daytime session at the Taste on 31 December as well.

“The Long is an initiative of Tony He, from Hejo’s Restaurant, which has been a regular at the Taste for ten years.

“Tony says The Long symbolises unity, strength, protection, prosperity and good luck.”

Quotes to be attributed to Housing with Dignity Reference Group Co-Chair Tyson Montgomery:

“Kindness is something we are all capable of, even just a smile to someone goes along way.”

Quotes to be attributed to Women’s Voice Project Hrisanthi Dokos:

“Human Rights Day reminds us of the power of kindness in building a more inclusive and compassionate world.

“Print Radio Tasmania's Women’s Voices Project aligns perfectly with this year’s theme, as it celebrates women coming together to share their stories and songs — amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.

“Through music and storytelling, we create connections, foster understanding, and honour the resilience and strength of women.

“PRT are proud to contribute to the City of Hobart’s event, sharing the voices of two incredible groups of women in celebration of this important day."