Refugee Week is Australia’s peak annual activity to promote greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face and the contributions refugees are making to the Australian community. This year’s Refugee Week is running from Sunday 16 June to Saturday 22 June, including World Refugee Day on Thursday 20 June. Here are three ways to celebrate in your community.
1. Host a Share a Meal, Share a Story event
Share a Meal, Share a Story is a community fundraising initiative of the Refugee Council of Australia encouraging people to get together, share a meal and share stories that help build empathy and understanding of refugee experiences.
2. Attend Cardinia Council’s World Refugee Festival
Held on Saturday 22 June from 11am to 3pm at Pakenham Hall, the event will feature refugee performers from around the world, music and dance, food stalls from diverse cuisines, a youth and children space and opportunities to meet and learn about the work of organisations which resettle and support refugees.
The event is an opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience, and determination of those who were forced to flee their homeland and encountered all kinds of persecutions.
3. Talk to refugees
This year’s theme is ‘Finding Freedom’, with a focus on family. Speak to refugees about the power they have found familial bonds as well as chosen bonds in the face of adversity.
