NEWS + EVENTS

REFUGEE WEEK 2011 June 19 - June 25

Refuge Week 2011 will be celebrated from Sunday, June 19 to Saturday, June 25, to coincide with World Refugee Day (June 20). For information about Refugee Week, visit www.refugeeweek.org.au

UPCOMING EVENTS

UNHCR Pakistan Appeal
Some 1,600 people have been killed and an incredible 14 million affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan's north west. It is estimated that more than 300,000 homes have been completely swept away in the floods, and the number of people made homeless is rising. There have also been outbreaks of water-borne diseases such as cholera, which could threaten many more lives. The region is still recovering from last year's mass displacement of more than 2 million people as a result of operations by government forces against militants. UNHCR has been helping thousands of families rebuild their lives since their return. UNHCR was the first agency to deliver aid to the flood victims, and is leading the joint UN response in the areas of emergency shelter and camp management. To support UNHCR’s efforts in Pakistan, go to www.unrefugees.org.au/emergencies/pakistan

Thursday 2 September – Brisbane
Launch of BARC website
The Brisbane Actionweb for Refugee Collaboration (BARC) invites you to celebrate the launch of its new website. It’s a community website for everyone who cares about refugees in Brisbane.
Details: 5:30pm-7:30pm; MDA Community Space, 289 Vulture Street, South Brisbane QLD; RSVP by Monday 30 August to projects@mdabne.org.au; for further information contact Behice Bagdas on (07) 3337 5476.

Thursday 2 September to Friday 4 September – Brisbane
2010 Australasian Conference on Traumatic Stress
The Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ASTSS) and the Australian Center for Posttraumatic Mental Health (ACPMH) invite you to the 16th Australasian Conference on Traumatic Stress. The conference theme is Trauma: Resilience and Recovery and aims to bring together key advances in research and treatment of posttraumatic stress, and provide a stimulating forum for a broad range of people interested in trauma, including practitioners, researchers, consumers, service developers and policy makers. Keynote speakers include Professor George Bonanno, Columbia University; Professor Richard McNally, Harvard University; and Professor Beverley Raphael, Australian National University.
Details: Royal on the Park Hotel, 152 Alice Street, Brisbane QLD; for more information or to register visit www.astss.org.au

Saturday 4 September – Sydney
Tibetan Renaissance: Music, Poetry and Food.
Join the Tibetan community for a night of music, poetry and food, featuring Tenzin Choegyals. All proceeds will go towards the Maitreya Foundation, a Tibetan orphanage.
Details: 5:00pm-10:30pm; $25; BYO drinks; 90 Bangaroo Street, North Balgowlah NSW; RSVP by 28 August to Sophie Coles, 0415 033 933 or soph.coles@gmail.com

Sunday 5 September – Melbourne
Festival of refugees
This event will showcase performances from Burma, Sudan, Congo, Vietnam, West Papua, Sri Lanka, and more! Featuring award-winning singer Kavisha Mazzella and Muslim author Hanifa Deen with performances followed by a Middle Eastern and West African Dinner, Aboriginal Elder Reg Blow will welcome the refugees to the festival and acknowledge the traditional owners of this land.
Details: 3:00pm-5:30pm; $10 admission; Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill; bookings advisable by 20 August. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Glenys or Visier on (03) 9650 6811 or vcc@vcc.org.au

Wednesday 8 September – Sydney
Colloquium and seminar: Chinese in Australian Politics
The University of Technology, Sydney, China and the Cosmopolitan Civil Societies Research Centres will be conducting a free colloquium covering community organisation, scoping the research field, leadership and social and political impact. The colloquium will be followed by a dinner seminar (Q&A format) on “Chinese in Australian Politics”, chaired by Prof Stephen Fitzgerald (Former Ambassador to China) and featuring panel members Clr Justin Li (Independent-Ryde), Clr Marc Receretnam (Greens-Ashfield), Dr Peter Wong (Former MLC and Founder of Unity Party), Clr Lo Jieh-Yung (Labor-City of Monash) TBC, Clr Henson Liang (Liberal-Burwood), Mr Francis Lee (Media) and Prof Wanning Sun (UTS).
Details: Colloquium: 9:00am-5:00pm; University of Technology, Sydney, Cosmopolitan Civil Societies Research Centre Conference Room, Level 3, 645 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW; light refreshments provided. Seminar: 6:30pm; $25 ($15 concession); Emperor’s Garden Restaurant, 100 Hay Street (cnr Hay and Dixon), Chinatown. Register by 1 September to claire.moore@uts.edu.au For further information, contact Prof Andrew Jakubowicz of UTS on 0419 821 102, or Mr Anthony Pang, President, Chinese Australian Forum on 0414 512 027.

Thursday 9 September – Sunshine Coast
Free screening of Mother Fish
Amnesty International is hosting a FREE film night featuring the Australian movie Mother Fish, directed by award winning Khoa Do. This powerful story of four refugees fleeing Vietnam goes inside the mind of one of the survivors as she relives her extraordinary journey. A guest speaker will open the film with a short story that will inspire all.  
Details: 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start; Lecture Theatre 7, University of the Sunshine Coast; for more information, contact the Amnesty International office in Brisbane on (07) 3136 6400.

Tuesday 14 September to Friday 17 September - Sydney
The Mental Health Services (TheMHS) Conference
The Transcultural Mental Health Centre NSW (TMHC) is working in partnership with organisers of the 20th annual The Mental Health Services (TheMHS) Conference to develop a transcultural mental health stream within this year's conference. TheMHS Conference is an international mental health educational forum, attracting over 1000 mental health clinicians, managers, consumers, carers, researchers, educators and policy makers, annually.
Details: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre; for more information visit www.themhs.org

Saturday 18 September – Sydney
Ride for Refugees
Join us for a non-competitive cycling fundraiser that will make a difference to the lives of refugees locally and globally. Gather friends, create a team and let’s ride!
Details: Sydney Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park; for more information e-mail r4rsydney@iteams.com.au

Tuesday 21 September – Sydney
Panel discussion: The Asylum Debate
A Q&A-style panel discussion with international refugee law experts Professor Guy Goodwin-Gill (Oxford), Professor Geoff Gilbert (Essex), Professor Kate Jastram (Berkeley) and Associate Professor Jane McAdam (UNSW). The discussion will be moderated by Professor George Williams (UNSW). Following this, Professor Stephen Castles (Sydney) will launch a new book edited by Jane McAdam, Climate Change and Displacement: Multidisciplinary Perspectives.
Details: 6:15pm-8:00pm; UNSW Law Theatre; RSVP through www.law.unsw.edu.au

Tuesday 21 September – Perth
The Happiest Refugee: Anh Do, comedian and author
Anh Do, one of Australia’s best-loved comedians, nearly didn’t make it to Australia. His entire family came close to losing their lives at sea as they escaped from war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded boat. But nothing – not murderous pirates, or the imminent threat of death by hunger, disease or dehydration as they drifted for days – could quench their desire to make a better life in the country they had dreamed about. Life in Australia was hard, but there was a loving extended family for Anh, his brother Khoa and their sister Tram. The happiest refugee tells the incredible, uplifting and inspiring life story of one of our favourite personalities, a story that will move and amuse all.
Details: venue TBA; 7:00pm-8:30pm; $35; for bookings contact (08) 6488 2433 or visit www.extension.uwa.edu.au

Wednesday 22 September – Sydney
Career Compass Expo
This expo provides an opportunity to learn all about the variety of career opportunities available to you and hear from industry professionals on how they got to where they are now. The expo will also feature Try-a-Trade, where you can learn about various trades through hands on interactive and practical demonstrations occurring throughout the day; industry information seminars with Q&A opportunities; and will provide access to professionals, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), Group Training Organisations (GTOs), job agencies, employers and educational institutions. Bring copies of your resume so that you can apply for a job or further studies.
Details: 10:00am-4:00pm; free admission; Bankstown Town Hall, Chapel Road, Bankstown NSW; register your attendance through careercompass2010@gmail.com; for more information contact Anna Bazzi-Backhouse on 0438 483 846.

Tuesday 24 August – Sydney
Seminar: From Burqa to Minarets – Customising the Diasporic Community
Diasporic movements all over the world force us to re-configure the problematic of nationhood. It seems to interrogate the idea of a nation as a homogeneous bonding. Diasporic movements of people and communities across the world involve multiple layers of distinctive geopolitical questions. Guest speaker Deb Narayan Bandyopadhyay, Professor in the Dept of English, Burdwan University, India, will raise certain questions on the memory of and cultural connection with the problematic of homeland, especially in the context of national culture and citizenship. 
Details: 1:00pm-2:00pm; Room 211B Morven Brown Building, The University of New South Wales (Kensington campus); RSVP by Friday 20 August to m.despinis@unsw.edu.au

Until Saturday 25 September - Melbourne
Survival of a Culture: Kurds in Australia exhibition
This exhibition explores how the Kurdish culture has survived through adversity, invasion, and division of the Kurds’ traditional lands. Survival of a Culture: Kurds in Australia examines the traditions at the core of the Kurdish culture that have enabled it to survive, and which Kurds proudly maintain in Australia today. A variety of objects will be on display, including traditional costumes, instruments, hand-woven crafts and pewter wear.
Details: adults $8, child/concession FREE; open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm; Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne; for more information call 13 11 02 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/immigration museum

Saturday 25 September – Brisbane
Queensland Korean Orchestra Concert 2010
Two concerts will be held by the Queensland Korean Orchestra, conducted by Sergei V Korschmin.
Details: 3:00pm and 7:00pm; tickets $15 ($10 concession); Old Museum Concert Hall, cnr Gregory Terrace and Bowen Bridge Road, Bowen Hills QLD; to book tickets call (07) 3397 4874 or 0401 684 295.

Sunday 26 September - Sydney
Armenian Dance & Music Extravaganza
This unique event will star the 240-strong dance troupe from the Hamazkaine Armenian Sydney Dance Company, as well as internationally renowned Armenian singers and musicians.
Details: 6:00pm; tickets $75; Lyric Theatre, Star City, Sydney NSW; for reservations call 0411 082 229 after 3:00pm or 0419 777 588, or e-mail info@asdc.com.au Reservations can also be made through Star City by calling 1300 795 267. For further information, visit www.asdc.com.au

Tuesday 28 September – Melbourne
Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria state conference
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) invites you to register for our bi-annual state conference. Under the title Victoria’s NEXT Cultural Diversity Model we aim to explore the political responses to multiculturalism and shine a light on those aspects that need strengthening. Sub-themes to be explored in a discussion-based format include racism and discrimination, youth identity, social cohesion, international students and interpreting and translating.
Details: 9:00am-4:15pm (registration from 8:00am); Melbourne Town Hall, 90-120 Swanston Street, Melbourne; to register and for more information go to www.eccv.org.au or phone (03) 9349 4122.

Sunday 17 October – Brisbane
Queensland Multicultural Festival
The Queensland Multicultural Festival is the ultimate showcase of Queensland's cultural diversity. The annual event has attracted over 280 000 people since 2004. The festival pays tribute to a broad range of art forms embracing music, dance, literature, theatre, film, sport, photography, visual art and traditional and contemporary cultural activities from many nations. The festival celebrates Queensland's cultural diversity via a family-friendly program that includes a citizenship ceremony, roving artists, children's activities, international food and beverages, and craft stalls.
Details: Roma Street Parkland, 1 Parkland Boulevard, Brisbane City QLD; for more information contact Michelle Kennedy on (07) 322 45468 or email michelle.kennedy3@communities.qld.gov.au, or visit www.multicultural.qld.gov.au/be-involved/events/queensland-multicultural-festival

Sunday 17 October to Saturday 23 October - Australia wide
Anti-Poverty Week
The main aims of Anti-Poverty Week are to strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and in Australia; and encourage research, discussion and action to address these problems, including action by individuals, communities, organisations and governments. Everyone who is interested in helping to reduce poverty and hardship here or overseas is encouraged to organise their own activities during the Week or join in some being organised by other people.
Details: for more information, visit www.antipovertyweek.org.au

Monday 18 to Wednesday 20 October – Sydney
2010 Australasian Sexual Health Conference
This year’s Australasian Sexual Health Conference includes, for the first time, a dedicated symposium on the sexual health issues affecting refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and people from CALD backgrounds. Keynote speakers will include Prof Graham Hart, Dr Jorgen Jensen, Prof Michael Kidd AM and Dr Lynne Hillier.
Details: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney NSW; earlybird registration closes 13 August; for more information, contact the Conference Secretariat on (02) 8204 0770 or info@sexualhealthconference.com.au, or visit www.sexualhealthconference.com.au

Wednesday 27 October to Friday 29 October - Melbourne
13th National Conference on Volunteering
The 13th National Conference on Volunteering aims to provide a national forum to initiate discussion, debate and analyse issues affecting volunteering, discover new technologies that can affect or support volunteering and examine initiatives that will grow volunteering and promote best practice in volunteering.
Details: the Sebel and Citigate Albert Park, Melbourne VIC; for more information visit www.volunteeringaustralia.org/conference

Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 November – Sydney
International Human Rights Education Conference
The International Human Rights Education Conference will focus on the theme “Educating for Human Rights, Peace and Intercultural Dialogue”. The conference has been organised in response to the UN World Programme for Human Rights Education to advance the human rights education, in particular in Australia and Asia Pacific region. World class speakers and the conference program will focus on the contribution of human rights culture to the good functioning of the civil society; highlight key trends and achievements in human rights education and in particular, aim to secure greater commitment for future human rights education. It will have a strong development and Indigenous component. Keynote speakers include Prof Mariko Akuzawa, the Hon Catherine Branson QC, Julian Burnside AO QC, the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, Sarah Tobhi Motha, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, Felisa Tibbitts and Prof Roman Wieruszewski. The conference will be of interest to human rights education experts, practitioners or anyone wishing to learn more and establish networks.
Details: University of Sydney Parramatta Campus; for more information and to register visit www.humanrightseducationconference2010.com.au

Friday 5 November and Saturday 6 November – Fremantle
2010 Biennial National Conference for Translators and Interpreters
The Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT), the Australian professional association for translators and interpreters, invites you to attend this international conference for translators/interpreters, linguists, academics, agency owners, project managers, trainers, language service users and voice-over talents. The conference will include latest research and practice in translating and interpreting, state-of-the-art translation technology and video, and presentations by industry experts, academics and language professionals, including keynote speaker Prof Emeritus Paul Frommer, creator of the Na’vi language for the movie Avatar.
Details: University of Notre Dame, Fremantle WA; for more information and conference details, visit www.ausitconference.org

From Friday 12 November until Sunday 29 May 2011 – Melbourne
Exhibition – West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit
From spiritual beliefs to daily life, masks to music, cloth to carving, West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit explores the array of vibrant and dynamic cultures of West Africa. Bordered by the Sahara Desert to the north, and by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, West Africa is an area of tradition and change. This exhibition features over 200 objects from 28 different West African cultures, exploring kingship and authority, carved figures, pattern and adornment, divination, masks and masquerades and trade.
Details: open daily 10:00am-5:00pm; admission $8.00 (children and concession free); Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne; for moe information visit museumvictoria.com.au/immigration museum

Sunday 28 November – Sydney
Fairfield Multicultural Festival
The NSW Spanish and Latin American Association for Social Assistance invites you to this celebration of Australia’s culturally diverse society. Activities will include cultural performances, a cultural parade with dancers and musicians, food and information stalls, rides and entertainment.
Details: for further information, contact Jesica Varela-Perez on (02) 9724 2220 or youthworker@nswslasa.com.au, or visit www.nswslasa.com.au

Thursday 2 to Saturday 4 December – Melbourne
African Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific (AFSAAP) 33rd Annual Conference.
Working across a wide range of disciplines, the 2010 AFSAAP conference aims to foster new intercultural and transnational discussion about Australian-African engagements with issues of race, culture, representation, trade, education and diasporas, drawing on a range of both internationally eminent and locally based scholars and research. The theme of this year’s conference – Engaging Africa / Engaging Africans: Knowledge, Representation, Politics – reflects an emphasis on exploring how Australia/ns and Africa/ns are engaging each other at the levels of governments, institutions, cultures, communities and the arts. Keynote speakers will include Professor Michele Wallace, PhD Program in English, City University of New York Graduate Centre; Professor Paul Zeleza, Dean, Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, Loyola Marymount University; and Associate Professor Munashe Furusa, Chair of Africana Studies, California State University.
Details: Victoria University, Melbourne city campus; for more information contact Gael Andrews, the Conference Organiser through info@afsaap.org.au or visit www.afsaap.org.au/Conferences/2010/2010.htm

See also: United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) Website for UNAA Diary Dates and UN observances