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Sixteen-year-old Rabia Rasul and CareFlight proudly hosted Australians from all walks of life in a celebration of Harmony Day yesterday.

The high school student first decided to raise awareness of CareFlight among her local community after a visit to the rapid response helicopter base in Westmead a few years ago.

Rabia invited politicians and community leaders to celebrate cultural diversity at CareFlight’s base and to spread the message about the life-saving service CareFlight provides.

Special guests included Consular General of Pakistan, Abdul Majid Yousfani; Hon Phillip Ruddock, Mayor Hornsby Shire Council; and Dr Michelle Byrne, Mayor Hills Shire Council.

Rabia said, “Today is all about building bridges, talking to strangers and letting people know that everyone belongs … I believe in this vision and believe in achieving love and equality for all. I believe in a society where we accept everyone for who they are, indifferent of their race, culture, belief or interpretation because I am; you are; we are Australian.”

Harmony Day (officially held on the 21st of March) is a day to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, based on the successful integration of migrants into our community. It is an opportunity for all Australians to embrace cultural diversity and to share what we have in common.