This week our M5 East Team got together to recognise Harmony Day - a day that celebrates inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. 

Nadir Hashmi, Operations & Maintenance Manager, leads the team helping to operate and maintain one of Australia's busiest motorways on behalf of the NSW Government Authority, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

"We live and breathe diversity at M5 East" says Nadir.

The team marked the day by holding a morning tea where they wore traditional dress and shared dishes from their home country. Dishes included the baklava, samosas, vegetable pakora, lamingtons, KÇŽoyā - otherwise known as roast duck - and even rice-crackle cakes.

When asked what he enjoyed most about his team Nadir says, "What I love is their respect of each other's cultural backgrounds. Though we are a very busy team we work together seamlessly."

At Ventia we proudly embrace Harmony Day to acknowledge the contribution of our diverse teams to our success, and that of our clients. 

About Harmony Day

This year marks the 20th year of Harmony Day celebrations. It is a time for friends, families, schools, and workplaces to get together and celebrate the sentiment of how "everyone belongs" across our communities.

Harmony Day was borne out of the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, held annually on 21 March.