NEWS + EVENTS

REFUGEE WEEK 2007 - June 17-23
Theme: The Voices of Young Refugees

Refugee Week 2007 was held from Sunday, June 17 to Saturday, June 23, to coincide with World Refugee Day (June 20).
The Refugee Council of Australia has worked with agencies across Australia to promote Refugee Week in 2007. This year’s theme was “The Voices of Young Refugees" which focused attention on the contribution, ideas and concerns of refugee children, teenagers and young adults. Refugee Week has been celebrated in Australia since 1986, to acknowledge the amazing contributions that refugees make to Australian society and draw attention to international refugee concerns. This year, many great events happened all over Australia.

What happened in your state

To find out about Refugee Week events in your state or territory, click on one of the links below.

ACT | NSW | NT |Queensland | South Australia | Tasmania | Victoria |WA

Refugee Week Resource Kit
Interested in learning more about Refugee Week and how to get involved? The Refugee Week Resource Kit has ideas, information and background which can help. Click here.

Our sponsors and supporters
Major sponsors for Refugee Week were Victorian Multicultural Commission and AMES Victoria. The Refugee Council is also indebted to other organisations offering financial and in-kind support, including UNHCR (through its Canberra office), NSW Community Relations Commission, Multicultural Arts Victoria, ACL, Australian National Maritime Museum and Toby's Estate Coffee and Tea.

We would also like to thank and acknowledge The Australian Theatre for Young People for their generous donation of the space we used for the NSW Launch of Refugee Week 2007. Located next to the harbour at Walsh Bay the ATYP's Studio 1 is a dynamic performance and rehearsal space. ATYP are actively involved in outreach programs taking their workshops to remote and regional Australia as well as outer suburbs of Sydney. We are grateful for this partnership allowing us to showcase the ATYP venue and to celebrate the start of Refugee Week 2007 in a central Sydney location.

Refugee Film Festival
Triumphant International hosted Australia’s first Refugees Film Festival on June 23 in Sydney as part of Refugee Week. Details: www.triumphant.org.au.

Refugee Week events state by state

ACT:

Monday, 18 June - Florey
Voices of Refugee Youth Celebration Night
The Refugee Resettlement Committee of St John the Apostle Parish
Kippax is inviting the public, including former refugees, to hear
guest speakers - including young refugees. Displays of relevant material. Opportunity to sign pages from the Welcome Book , which is to be presented later to the Speaker of the ACT Legislative
Assembly. Tea, coffee and finger food to be provided.
Time : 7.30pm
Venue: Community Hall, below St John the Apostle Church, corner of
Blackham and Chave Streets, Kippax.
Contact: Bevil Purnell (02) 6258 2098
Email: mabe-purnell@grapevine.com.au
Free

Monday, 18 June – Canberra Centre
Fundraiser Movie Screening – “Lucky Miles”
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights is holding fundraiser film night in Canberra during Refugee Week. The film is a new Australian release called Lucky Miles about refugees landing in remote WA by boat. Guest Speakers include Dr Pene Mathew, ACT Human Rights Commission and Mr Rick Towle, UNHCR Regional Representative
Time: 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start
Venue: Dendy Cinema, Canberra Centre, Canberra
Contact: Sue Harris Rimmer (Canberra) on 0406 376 809
Email and Website : On-line Bookings available at:
http://www.alhr.asn.au/html/main/Canberra_Fundraiser.html
Cost: $20 (Tickets to be pre-purchased prior to screening)

Saturday, 23 June - Bruce
World Refugee Day Community Soccer Challenge
A soccer match and children’s activities to promote and strengthen ties between African refugee communities and the host country. Activities include warm up game, BBQ, vollleyball and the main event a soccer match between the Sudanese and Sierra Leone Community for a trophy.
Time: 10.30am - 2pm
Venue: Australia Institute of Sports ( AIS ) Soccer Oval in Bruce, ACT
Contact: Vielibo Choka (02) 62477227
Email: vieli.choka@companionhouse.org.au

NSW:

Wednesday, 13 June - Crows Nest
Anti-Discrimination Workshop
The Lower North Shore Multicultural Network is hosting the event, so Community Workers and Community Leaders can learn how to recognise unfair treatment under the law. With this knowledge Community workers should be able to give accurate advice to clients and assist individuals to resolve cases of unfair treatment.
Time: 9.00am – 1.30pm
Venue: The Crows Nest Centre, 2 Ernest Place, Crows Nest
Contact: Isabel Almendrades (02) 9437-7515
Cost: Free

Thursday, 14 June - Chatswood
Anti-Discrimination Workshop
The Lower North Shore Multicultural Network is hosting the event, so Community Workers and Community Leaders can learn how to recognise unfair treatment under the law. With this knowledge Community workers should be able to give accurate advice to clients and assist individuals to resolve cases of unfair treatment.
Time: 9.00am – 1.30pm
Venue: The Dougherty Community Centre, 7 Victor St, Chatswood
Contact: Isabel Almendrades (02) 9437-7515
Cost: Free

Saturday, June 16 – Parramatta
Sierra Unite Incorporated celebrates Day of the African Child
Mr David Borger, Lord Mayor of Parramatta will host a fundraising concert and film screening with cultural entertainment and refreshments.
Time: 6pm
Venue: Parramatta Town Hall, Church Street, Parramatta
Costs: $10.00
Contact: 0431 301 384

Saturday, 16 June - Auburn
Africa Comes to Auburn - Young Christian Workers (YCW)
A community cultural event that celebrates the talents of the vibrant and energetic young African refugees in the area. It will include singing, traditional dancing, performance of folk stories and lunch.
Times: 12pm
Venue: Auburn Town Hall (Opposite Auburn Library) 1 Susan St, Auburn NSW 2144
Contact: Julie Moujalli (02) 9682 6719
Email: julie.moujalli@ycw.org.au
Cost per person: Free

Saturday, 16 June - Auburn
Iraqi Men's Barbecue
Auburn Migrant Resource Centre has also organised a social/educational activity for Iraqi men living in Auburn and surrounding areas.
Time: 11am-2pm
Venue: Harmony Garden, Opposite Auburn Community Health, 9 Northumberland Rd, Auburn
Contact: Auburn Migrant Resource Centre, Annie (02) 9649 6955

Saturday, June 16 – Forster
Refugee Week
Great Lakes Rural Australians for Refugees (GLRAR) Refugee Week event
Artwork and writing from GLRAR’s schools competition for Refugee Week will be displayed at the Catholic Hall, Lake Street, Forster at a free public meeting with the refugee advocate Marion Le. As well as Marion speaking, musical entertainment will be provided with light refreshments to follow. All welcome.
Time: 2 pm
Venue: Catholic Hall, Lake Street, Forster

Invitation to participate in schools competition
GLRAR is inviting your school to help us participate in this important event. This year the theme is The Voices of Young Refugees. We would like to involve as many local children as possible in this refugee experience. Many families and children have come from different countries and cultures or have experienced the disruption of moving from place to place. We invite children to paint/draw a picture or write a poem/short story on one of the following themes:
• My first best friend
• Memories of my first home or country
• If I left my country, what would I take
The child’s first name only should be written on the front. Further details may be included on the back (full name, school, class). All work will be collected by 13th June and will be returned after being displayed – see below.
Contact: Anne Ditton (02) 6555-4643.

Date to be confirmed - Sydney
Fundraiser Movie Screening – “Lucky Miles”
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights is holding fundraiser film night in Sydney during Refugee Week. The film is a new Australian release called Lucky Miles about refugees landing in remote WA by boat.
More details and ticketing arrangements are available online at http://www.alhr.asn.au/html/main/Fundraiser.html

Sunday, 17 June – Sydney
NSW launch of Refugee Week 2007 – The Voices of Young Refugees
Hosted by Refugee Council of Australia and NSW Refugee Week Committee. Join us in celebrating the rich contributions of refugees to Australian society. Speakers include filmmaker and 2005 Young Australian of the Year, Khao Do.
Time: 11am to 12.30pm.
Venue: Australian Theatre for Young People, Studio 1, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay.
Free event. All welcome. To RSVP, contact: info@refugeecouncil.org.au or (02) 9211-9333.

Sunday, 17 June – Marrickville
All Nations Indoor Soccer Cup
Hosted by Marrickville Council. This family event will include a range of sporting activities in and around the centre, a free community barbecue and music provided by DJs from the Marrickville Youth Resource Centre. Donations will be collected on the day and sent to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The soccer event is open to all ages (and skills!) so form a team with 5 – 8 players and join in the fun! This is an event for everyone, not only people of refugee background! Registrations close 29 May 2007.
Time: from 11am.
Venue: Debbie and Abbey Borgia Community Recreation Centre, Marrickville South.
Contact: Marrickville Council’s Recreation Officer on (02) 9335 2191 or Josh Barr on (02) 9335 2156, cultdiv@marrickville.nsw.gov.au

Sunday, 17 June – Carramar
Refugee Day Celebration
Join the Western Sydney Burundians Community at this family event sharing stories, food and messages related to Refuge day 2007. Activities include live music, singing, poems and dances.
Time: 2.00p.m. – 4.00p.m.
Venue: Startts Carramar, 152-168 The Horsley Drive, Carramar
Contact:Edward 0413 734 216 or Bosco 0432 795 756

Sunday, 17 June – Griffith
Recognising Refugees
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Venue: The Regional Art Gallery, Banna Avenue Griffith
Contact: Griffith Multicultural Community Council on (02) 6962 9716

Monday, 18 June – Parramatta
Nuer Refugee Day Awareness
A wonderful event hosted by the Nuer Association addressing the issues related to refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons and Darfur’s endless crisis. Throughout the day the event will positively promote and support refugees through three speakers who will share their experiences and hardships of living the life of a refugee.

Monday—Friday, 18-22 June - Homebush
Winter walks at Sydney Olympic Park
Monday, Wednesday and Friday are especially for parents with prams and
Tuesday and Thursdays are especially for seniors, though all welcome at any activity!
Time: Daytime Bus will leave Auburn for Sydney Olympic Park
Venue: Various sites and activities.
Contact: Auburn Humanitarian Network, Annie (02) 9649 6955 for individual or group bookings.

Tuesday - Friday, 19 –29 June – Kogarah
Photographic Exhibition
The exhibition is jointly organised by the St George Multicultural Network, the St George Migrant Resource Centre, the Gymea Community Aid and Information Service and the NSW Sydney Institute of TAFE. The exhibition displays photos taken by a group of Sudanese young people and tells about their families and daily lives in Australia.
Time: 10.00am – 7.00pm Mon – Fri, 10.00am – 1.00pm Sat & Sun
Venue: Kogarah Town Square Library and Culture Centre, Belgrave St Kogarah
Contact: Mr Kim Chung 9597 – 5455
Cost: Free

Tuesday, 19 June – Leichhardt
Pre Launch Talk - Acting from the Heart - Australian Advocates for Asylum Seekers Tell Their Stories
Over 50 people tell their stories in a disturbing and uplifting way about how they came to terms with the Federal Government’s immigration policy, what motivated them to act and the sadness, anger, frustration and joy during this pivotal time in Australian society.
Time: 6.30pm.
Venue: Leichhardt Library, Piazza Level, Italian Forum, 23 Norton Street, Leichhardt
Contact: Bookings Essential (02) 9367 9266

Tuesday, 19 June - Auburn
Multicultural event for AMEP students
ACL has organised a special event for their newly arrived English students.
Time: 1pm—2pm
Venue: Auburn Town Hall, Civic Place, 1 Susan Street, Auburn
Contact: ACL, Mark 0402 030 091

Tuesday, 19 June - Auburn
Launch of dictionary collection
Auburn Library is in the process of purchasing a collection of dictionaries in a variety of languages of small and emerging refugee communities. The collection will be launched at an afternoon tea before being made available to the general public.
Time: 3pm—4pm
Venue: Upstairs in Auburn Library, Exhibition Gallery
Opposite Auburn Town Hall, 1 Susan Street, Auburn
Contact: Auburn Council, Noelene (02) 9735 1288 or Pamela (02) 9735 1336

Wednesday, 20 June – Sydney
World Refugee Day Breakfast
Australia for UNHCR will hold its sixth annual flagship event, the World Refugee Day Breakfast. Radio and television personality Richard Glover will introduce a special line-up of speakers, including our Special Representatives 'Socceroo' Mark Schwarzer, former Test cricket Captain Ian Chappell, Kath & Kim star Jane Turner, our Patron The Hon Tim Fischer and UNHCR Regional Representative Rick Towle. We will also hear from refugees themselves, people who have overcome enormous challenges and now work to help to improve the lives of others. Funds raised at this year’s Breakfast will support UNHCR’s emergency relief work.
Time: 7.15am for a 7.30 start
Venue: Westin Hotel, Pitt St Sydney
Contact: Sue Cowden (02) 9262-5377.
Email and Website Link: For bookings go to www.unrefugees.org.au and download a Booking Form
Cost: $100 per seat. Corporate tables are $2000 for a table of 10 guests.

Wednesday, June 20 - Blacktown
Peace Forum - Growing Peace in Blacktown
Christian and Muslim speakers will share their respective beliefs, traditions and teachings on peace and harmony that each extends to all mankind. Come along, listen, learn and ask questions and in doing so help create a dialogue to promote peace and harmony through mutual understanding.
Time: 7 - 9pm
Venue: Bowman Hall, Campbell Street, Blacktown
Contact: Anne Lanyon at Columban Centre for Peace Ecology and Justice: (02) 9352 8021.

Wednesday, 20 June - Cabramatta
Lao Refugee Voices
Fairfield City Library - in partnership with the Lao Community Advancement Cooperative - celebrate the publication of this new bilingual book – the first to record the experiences of Lao refugees: “Seri Lao: An Anthology of Lao-Australian Refugee Writing”. Meet the authors, be entertained by the Lao Lanexang Ethnic School dance group, and enjoy delicious Lao refreshments.
Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Venue: Whitlam Library, Railway Parade, Cabramatta
Contact: Noel Willis (02) 9725 0330
Email and Website Link: nwillis@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
http://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/default.asp?iNavCatId=1&iSubCatId=12
Cost: Free of charge

Wednesday, 20 June – Sydney
An Entertaining Morning Tea to mark World Refugee Day
The Asylum Seekers Foundation and the City of Sydney is sponsoring a morning tea with Guest MC John Doyle, performances by Actors for Refugees, Readings by Ngareta Rossell, Amir’s story of hope and joy and a performance by Kate Macluran.
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Venue: Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts auditorium, 280 Pitt St, Sydney (between Park and Bathurst Sts)
Contact: Booking and enquiries 9810 – 5826
Email and website link: www.asylumseekersfoundation.com
Cost: Free

Wednesday, 20 June – Newtown
Refugee Awareness and Cultural Event
Hosted by Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. Come and find out how you can support refugees in your community. Guest speakers from the Refugee Council of Australia and Amnesty International. Hosted by Sam Byrne. Limited access for people with mobility difficulty.
Time: 6pm to 8.30pm
Venue: Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Bedford Street (opposite Newtown Station)

Wednesday, 20 June – Leichhardt
Living the Journey
Facilitated by Red Cross, this role play based workshop will see members of Leichhardt’s Youth Council experience the dislocation associated with being forced out of their home and having to flee for safety. The young people of Leichhardt will take part in this very powerful experience.
Time: 3.30pm to 5pm.
Venue: Leichhardt Library, Piazza Level, Italian Forum, 23 Norton Street, Leichhardt

Wednesday, 20 June and Thursday, 21 June – Leichhardt
A Living Book – Talk with a Refugee
Have you ever wanted to sit down with a person and find out their life story? The Living Book: Talk with a Refugee is an innovative concept where you can go into our library, ‘borrow’ a person for a period of time and see the world through their eyes. A refugee associated with Red Cross will be at Leichhardt Library on Wednesday 20 June (1pm to 3pm) and a Red Cross humanitarian worker and refugee will be there on Thursday 21 June (4pm to 7pm).
Venue: Leichhardt Library, Piazza Level, Italian Forum, 23 Norton Street, Leichhardt

Thursday, 21 June – Kendall
Book launch – “Acting from the Heart”
Rural Australians for Refugees from the Port Macquarie and Hastings Region are hosting the book launch of “Acting from the Heart”, with speakers focussing on the experiences of young refugees. Featuring is Elaine Smith, who will share the story of her relationship with a young Afghani man detained in Nauru. His artworks and the crafts of Afghani women will also be on display.
Time: 11.00am – 1.00pm
Venue: Kendall School of Arts, Comboyne St, Kendall
Contact: Angela MacPherson (02) 6550-4366
Email and Website Link: DelaGrange@westnet.com.au
Cost: Gold coin donation

Thursday, 21 June - Auburn
Muslim men's networking day
This day has been organised by Auburn Migrant Resource Centre for Muslim males. It is an opportunity for Muslim men to get to to know the services available to them and their families. It is also an opportunity for to Muslim men to meet with existing organisations in the area.
Time: Free lunch 12pm-1.30pm
Workshops 2pm—3.30pm
Venue: Auburn Town Hall, Civic Place, 1 Susan Street, Auburn
Contact: Auburn Migrant Resource Centre, Annie (02) 9649 6955

Thursday 21 June - Auburn
Cultural event for ACL IHSS clients
An event for new arrivals where the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will be relaunching an African settlement DVD.
Time: 6pm
Venue: Auburn Town Hall, Civic Place, 1 Susan Street, Auburn
Contact: ACL, Mark 0402 030 091

Thursday, 21 June - Randwick
“Acting from the Heart”
Celebrate Refugee Week with a panel discussion and talk on “Acting from the Heart”, a new book exploring asylum seekers and refugee stories. Light refreshments served, complemented by a performance by renowned peace singer Dahlia Dior and the launch of “A Migrant Story” book of competition entries.
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Venue: Bowen Library, 669 – 673 Anzac Parade, Maroubra, NSW
Contact: Colin Rosenfeld, (02) 9399 0678
Website Link: www.randwick.nsw.gov.au
Cost: Free

Friday, 22 June – Sydney
Information Afternoon - The Refugee Review Tribunal
The Refugee Review Tribunal will open part of its Sydney Registry to the public for information and questions
Time: 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Venue: Level 11, 83 Clarence St, Sydney
Contact: Ms Ailsa Wilson 9276 – 5064
Website and link: http://www.rrt.gov.au/
Cost: Free

Friday, 22 June – Liverpool
Refugee Week Street Festival
Liverpool Refugee Week Street Festival will include multicultural performances, family fun activities, information stall, Annual Refugee Week Awards Ceremony, and many other activities.
Liverpool Refugee Week Committee. Free event.
Time: 10am to 2 pm
Venue: Macquarie Street Mall, Liverpool
Contact: 1300 36 2170 or g.ahmadinia@liverpool.nsw.gov.au
Website: http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/refugeeweek.htm

Friday 22 June - Parramatta
Lost boys of Sudan story telling forum
The Lidcombe based Dinka Literacy Association are organising a story telling forum for the lost boys of Sudan at Baulkham Hills, Holroyd, Parramatta MRC. All welcome.
Time: 2pm-5pm
Venue: BHHP MRC, 15 Hunter Street, Parramatta
Contact: Dinka Literacy Association, Santino 0431 165 225

Saturday, 23 June – Liverpool
Refugee Week Film Festival
Liverpool Refugee Week Film Festival will be a showcase of various short films and documentaries produced by refugees across NSW that focus on their experiences and achievements. Free event. Organised by Liverpool Refugee Week Committee.
Time: 5pm to 10 pm
Venue: Francis Greenway Centre, 170 George St, Liverpool
Contact: 1300 36 2170 or g.ahmadinia@liverpool.nsw.gov.au
Website:http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/refugeeweek.htm

Saturday, 23 June - Parramatta
Eritrean Refugee Educational Outing
Helping the Eritrean Refugee to know the difference between two cultures and to participate in the Australian society and culture. To know the historical places in Sydney and encourage them to go out next time by themselves and have a good time with family members or friends.
Time: 9am to 5pm
Venue: Sydney area.
Bookings: Robel Teklom: (02) 9687 9901 or 0423 671 281 or eritreancss@bhhpmrc.org.au
Website: http://www.bhhpmrc.org.au/

Saturday, 23 June – Mount Druitt
The Voices of Young Refugees
The Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency is hosting a celebration of fun for all, including performances, information and cultural displays
Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
Venue: Dawson Hall, Mount Driutt
Contact: MECA (02) 9625-9300

Saturday, 23 June – Coffs Harbour
Sharing Our World
Presentation of “Migration to Coffs Harbour” with an emphasis on the emerging refugee communities in the area. Food, performance and storytelling shared by the refugee community of Coffs Harbour. The launch of Kafe Karibuni “Everyone’s Welcome”. Free.
Time: 7pm to 9.30pm
Venue: The Jetty Memorial Theatre, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour Jetty
Contact: (02) 6651 8764 Ray Budge (Anglicare North Coast), (02) 6648 4000 Susan Clarke (Coffs Harbour City Council) or admincoffs@anglicarenc.org.au

Saturday, 23 June – Armidale
Together Together project
Refugee Week celebration, organised by Armidale Dumaresq Council. Free.
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Venue: Cultural Centre, Kentucky Street, Armidale
Contact: Steve Widders (02) 6770 3565 or Angela Hoskins 0428 867 402 or ahoskins@aapt.net.au or swidders@armidale.nsw.gov.au

Saturday 23 June - Auburn
AMRC Refugee Youth Awards
This annual event is growing in size and prestige! Nominate a young person you know or just come along to support the event. Awards, speeches, food and entertainment.
Time: 11am—2pm
Venue: Auburn Town Hall, Civic Place, 1 Susan Street, Auburn
Contact: Auburn Migrant Resource Centre, Auburn Council, Barnardos, AYC, ACDN, Michael 9649 6955

Saturday 23 June - Auburn
‘My Home, My Auburn, My Story’ youth photography exhibition
Photo’s taken by refugee young people during an AMES Community project, will be on display during the Aurburn Refugee Week Youth Awards (see above).
Time: 11am-2pm
Venue: Auburn Town Hall, Civic Place, 1 Susan Street, Auburn
Contact: AMES Community, Palwesha 9649 9310

Sunday, 24 June – Ingleside
World Refugee Day and National Refugee Week Celebrations
The Australian Baha’I Community invites you to this special service to recognise National Refugee Week and World Refugee Day. The service will feature readings from the sacred Scriptures of the world’s religions. Keynote speaker will be Carolina Gottardo, National Policy Director at the Refugee Council of Australia.
Time: reception at 10am service at 11am
Venue: Baha’i House of Worship, 173 Mona Vale Rd, Ingleside
Contact: Natalie Mobini-Kesheh (02) 9877 5826 or Natalie.mobini@bnc.bahai.org.au
RSVP Wednesday 20 June

Thursday, 21 June – Canberra
Austcare Roundtable Forum – ‘Enhancing Security and Protection: Australia’s Approach to Internal Displacement and the Responsibility of the Protector’
The roundtable aims to explore the global operational and strategic challenges to protection, with particular focus on the growing number of internally displaced persons. It intends to increase understanding of Australia’s approach and contribution to international security and protection. Presenters include Dennis McNamara, Richard Towle and Rosa da Costa.
Time: 2:00pm- 6:00pm
Venue: DLA Phillips Fox, Canberra Office, 54 Markus Clarke Street
Contact: Elektra Spathopoulos (02) 9565 9106
Email: espathopoulos@austcare.org.au
By invitation only

Saturday, 23 June – Blacktown
BBQ with DJ Prince as the MC
Bring a traditional dish to share with friends whilst you are enjoying music, dancers and a soccer match.
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Venue: Alpha Park, Blacktown
Contact: Bernadette (02) 9261 6633

Wednesday, 27 June - Campbelltown
Voices of Young Refugees
Macarthur Diversity Services Inc is celebrating the experiences and contribution of refugees through speakers from Sudan and Afghanistan, cultural performances from the local refugee and migrant communities and the Women’s Diversity Art project, as well as food, information and displays.
Time: 10:30am – 1:00pm
Venue: Level 2, 101 Queen Street Campbelltown (entry from Railway St)
Contact: Sana Al-Ahmar – (02) 46271188
Email and Website Link: sana@mdsi.org.au
Cost: Free

Wednesday, 27 June - Bankstown
Refugees Short Film Festival
Canterbury Bankstown Migrant Interagency (CBMIA) in partnership with ‘Triumphant! International’ and Bankstown City Council will be holding a FREE Refugees Short Film Festival. The short films (7-12 minutes) have been produced by refugees or non-refugees. Films chosen to screen at the festival will focus on: the triumphs of refugees in coming to Australia and creating a life here; and/or, educating people about the experiences of refugees.
Time: 10 am – 12 noon
Venue: Bankstown Town Hall Auditorium, Bankstown Town Hall, Cnr Chapel & Rickard Rds, Bankstown
Contact: Loretta Vieceli on (02) 9796 2235

Northern Territory:

Friday, 15 June - Darwin
Food, Film and Music Night
The Melaleuca Refugee Centre is hosting a music and film night, with proceeds going to the Healthy Food Workshops
Time: 6.00pm -10.00pm
Venue: Brown’s Mart Theatre, Darwin
Contact: Le Smith, Melaleuca Refugee Centre, (08) 8985-3311
Gold coin donation

Sunday, 17 June - Darwin
Young Voices
The Melaleuca Refugee Centre is hosting a day of performances, music, poetry, entertainment for the family, a citizenship ceremony and more
Time: 1.00pm -6.00pm
Venue: Jingili Water Gardens, Darwin
Contact: Nic Borgese, Melaleuca Refugee Centre, (08) 8985-3311
Email: nic.borgese@melaleuca.org.au
Cost: Free

Queensland:

Thursday 14 June - West End
Women's Ethnic Network (WEN), a sub-committee of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland will be celebrating World Refugee Day at their meeting. Come along and hear the courageous stories of refugees, salute the indomitable spirit and courage of the world's refugees and join us for a delicious lunch.
Time: 12noon
Venue: ECCQ House, 253 Boundary Street, West End (entry to downstairs meeting room via Granville Street)
Contact: For catering purposes, please confirm your attendance with Laraine at ECCQ on phone 3844 9166 or email administration@eccq.com.au.
Cost: Free – but if anyone would like to contribute a plate of traditional food towards lunch, this would be most welcome and appreciated

Sunday, 17 June – Townsville
Cotters Market Opening of Refugee Week – Cultural Diversity Network
Opening of Refugee Week, children’s artwork displays, artwork activities, agency displays.
Time: 10am – 12 noon
Venue: Flinders Mall, Townsville City Centre
Contact: Chezelle Bocvink (07) 4760 4312 Centrelink
Gabrielle Cairns (07) 4775 1588 TMSG
Free event.

Friday, 15 June – South Brisbane
“Swoon in June”
Gorgeous music set to candle light in St Mary’s Church South Brisbane from 7.30pm, with wine & cheese and art for sale, in a concert to benefit the Refugee Claimants Support Centre.
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: St Mary’s Church South Brisbane
Contact: Gaby Heuft (07) 3357 9013 or refugees@refugees.org.au

Tuesday, 19th June – South Brisbane
Candle Light Walk - Multicultural Development Association and Believing Women
Join with the Multicultural Development Association and Believing Women for a candle light walk to celebrate refugee week and draw attention to the significant contribution refugees make to Australian society. Gather at MDA at 5.30pm for the walk.
Times: 5.30 – 7pm
Venue: 512 Stanley St, South Brisbane
Contact: Helen Abbott, (07) 3337 5415
Email and Website Link: helena@mdabne.org.au
Free.

Date and Venue to be Confirmed
Fundraiser Movie Screening – “Lucky Miles”
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights is holding fundraiser film night in Brisbane during Refugee Week. The film is a new Australian release called Lucky Miles about refugees landing in remote WA by boat.
More details and ticketing arrangements are available online at http://www.alhr.asn.au/html/main/Fundraiser.html

Wednesday 20 June – Woolloongabba
World Refugee Day Morning Tea
Queensland Integrated Refugee Community Health (QIRCH) Clinic, The Mater Hospital, Brisbane QLD
QIRCH Clinic plays a vital role in addressing the complex healht care needs of refugees, many of whom have undergone torture and trauma. On World Refugee Day, we thank our supporters and partners and celebrate the work of QIRCH's staff and volunteer doctors, its patients, their families, and remember the millions of refugees worldwide.
Time: 10 AM - 11 AM
Venue: QIRCH Clinic, Ground Floor Community Services Building, Mater Helath Services, 39 Annerley Road, Woolloongabba
Contact: Sarah Lawson tel, 3840 or email: qirch_clinic@mc.mater.org.au
If you would like to attend please RSVP ASAP.

Wednesday, 20 June – South Brisbane
CD Launch of “Normal Days – All I Hope For”
The launch is for the second CD by the widely acclaimed Scattered People's Choir.
The evening features a live performance and the opportunity to purchase the CD with the proceeds going to programs supporting asylum seekers and refugees in our community.
Time: 6.00pm
Venue: St Mary’s 20 Merivale St, South Brisbane
Contact: RSVP by June 12th Refugee Claimant’s Centre (07) 3357-9013
Email: refugees@refugees.org.au

Wednesday, 20 June – Brisbane
Official Launch of World Refugee Day 2007
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs will formerly launch World Refugee Day celebrations, the Official Launch will provide a taste of what is to come in the celebrations for World Refugee Day, including cultural performances from the local refugee community as well as a fashion parade of traditional dress. Short presentations will focus on raising awareness of refugee issues.
Time: noon
Venue: Queen Street Mall, Brisbane City

Wednesday, 20 June – Brisbane
VoRTCS Business Leaders’ Breakfast
The Business Leaders' Breakfast aims to bring the business community together with the leaders of the Brisbane refugee communities to recognise World Refugee Day and to reflect on how the business community can do to assist local refugee communities. Phillip Adams AO will be providing the keynote speech.
Venue: Grand Ballroom of the Stamford Plaza, Cnr Edward and Margaret Streets Brisbane
Email: worldrefugeeday@refugeetutoring.org

Thursday, 21 June - Brisbane
World Refugee Day and Refugee Week will be observed at the Multi-Faith Centre.
The event is being organised by Multi-Faith Centre and the Centre for Multicultural Pastoral Care in collaboration with Believing Women In A Culture of Peace, Always People, Solidarity Philippines Australia Network and Refugee Week Qld Committee. The two-hour observance of World Refugee Day and Refugee Week will provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of refugees in making Australia a truly just and compassionate multicultural society in the global community
Time: 7:15pm to 9:30pm
Venue: Multi Faith Centre
Contact: (07) 3735-7052 or mfc@griffith.edu.au
For parking on Nathan campus, see map at www.griffith.edu.au/ofm/parking/
Parking is free after 7:00 p.m.
Website:http://www.multiculturalcare.org.au/what's_new.htm

Thursday, 21 June – West End
“Speaking from the Heart” book launch
Both thought-provoking and challenging, 'Speaking from the Heart' contains a collection of stories from refugee advocates. This book is a significant contribution to social justice and will be discussed at the Sydney Writers' Festival in early June.
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm start
Venue: Avid Reader Bookstore, 193 Boundary Street, West End
Contact: Frederika Steen at adminromerocentre@bigpond.com

Thursday, 21 June – Griffith University, Nathan Campus
Multi-Faith Celebration of World Refugee Day
Join the Centre for Multicultural Pastoral Care and Griffith University for a multi-faith celebration and sharing of stories
Time: 7.15pm
Venue: Multi-Faith Centre, Griffith University, Nathan Campus
Contact: (07) 3735 7052 or mfc@griffith.edu.au
RSVP by 12 June 2007

Friday, 22 June – Brisbane
VoRTCS World Refugee Day Cocktail Evening
VoRTCS is hosting a cocktail evening engaging a wide sector in celebrating World Refugee Day. The event will provide the opportunity for local/state government representatives, community organisations, refugee community members, professionals, teachers, students and others to meet and network.
Venue: City Gardens Café, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Free event to RSVP, please email worldrefugeeday@refugeetutoring.orgor 0409 341 873

Saturday, 23 June - Vincent
Cultural Diversity Network Townsville – Kids activities at Cambridge Park
Displays of children’s artwork re. refugee experiences, creative activities for children
Time: 3pm – 4.30pm
Venue: Cambridge Park, Vincent
Contact: Chezelle Bocvink (07) 4760 4312 Centrelink
Gabrielle Cairns (07) 4775 1588 TMSG
Free event

Saturday, 23 June - Brisbane
“Throw Racism Overboard” Boat Cruise and Rally
Refugee Action Collection presents a cruise on board BR Star Cruises with guest speakers, entertainment and food - starring Nathaniel Hubbard, Phil Monsour and more. Boat is licensed.
Time: Boarding at 10.30am departing 11pm returning 1pm
Venue: West End Jetty near Davies Park
Contact: Nicole 0429 859 549
Entry by donation

Sunday, 24 June – Annerley
VoRTCS Community Extravaganza
Don’t miss this wonderful community festival including cultural performances, food stalls, fashion parades, sports tournaments, live bands, circus performances, rides/jumping castles, art & craft stalls and refugee art exhibitions.
Time: 10am to 5pm
Venue: Annerley Soccer Club fields, Victoria Terrace/Ridge Street, Annerley

South Australia:

SA Refugee Week calendar
The SA Refugee Week Committee, coordinated by the Migrant Resource Centre of South Australia (MRCSA), has put together an excellent calendar of events. The SA calendar can be downloaded by clicking here. This calendar includes the SA events listed below and also details of the SA Refugee Week Committee and local sponsors.

Monday 11 June - Adelaide
SA Volunteers Day Celebration - Free Concert for Volunteers
Time: 2.30 pm
Venue: Adelaide Festival Theatre, King William Street, Adelaide
Contact: Rod Dolling on (08) 8463 4490 or email ofv@saugov.sa.gov.au
(Fully Booked)

Sunday, 17 June - Adelaide
Belly Dance Free Come n’ Try
Time: 10.00am – 11.00am
Venue: Belly Dance Academy of Nayima Hassan, 240 Franklin Street, Adelaide
Contact: Nayima Hassan on (08) 8410 1240 or email office@bellydanceacademy.com

Monday, 18 June - Adelaide
Youth and Citizenship Forum
Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Venue: MRCSA Hall, 59 King William Street, Adelaide
Contact Stan Lewinski on (08) 8217 9525 or email: stan@mrcsa.com.au

Monday, 18 June - Adelaide
Launch of SA Refugee Week 2007 and Lord Mayor’s Civic Reception
Time: 12.00 pm – 1.00pm
Venue: Queen Adelaide Room, Adelaide Town Hall, King William Street, Adelaide
Contact Matti Spellacy on (08) 8217 9510 or email admin@mrcsa.com.au
By invitation only.

Tuesday, 19 June - Parafield Gardens
Vietnamese Women’s Friendship Group Celebrate Refugee Week
Time: 10:00 am
Venue:Morella House, 90 Kings Road, Parafield Gardens
Contact: Truyen Phung on (08) 8250 1582
By invitation only.

Tuesday, 19 June - Adelaide
‘Creating Our Country’
Music, song and art by students and staff of LM Training Specialists
Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm
Venue:Central Market, Gouger Street, Adelaide
Contact: Jacqueline Mulberry on (08) 8223 5989 or email lm@languagecentre.com.au

Tuesday, 19 June – Adelaide
Afghanistan Tour
Father Tony Pearson has visited Afghanistan four times in recent years. During those visits he has taken many photographs of the country, cities and villages, the people and its ancient sites. He has been privileged to visit many places not been seen by foreigners for many years. Come along and take a tour of the country with Father Tony
Time: 7.30pm – 9pm
Venue: Otherway Centre, 185 Pirie Street Adelaide
Entry by gold coin donation.

Tuesday, 19 June - Torrensville
World Refugee Day Celebration Performances and Art Exhibition
Time: 12.40pm – 1.20pm
Venue:Cafeteria Lawns, Thebarton Senior College, Ashley Street, Torrensville
Contact: Eva Kannis-Torry on (08) 8352 5811 or email eva.kannis@thebarton.sa.edu.au

Tuesday, 19 June - Athelstone
Annual Friendship Cup Competition – A friendly soccer match between students of Adelaide Secondary School of English and Saint Ignatius College
Time: 1.00pm
Venue:Saint Ignatius College Grounds, 2 Manresa Court, Athelstone
Contact: Ross Portolesi on (08) 8226 4941 or email ross.portolesi@dfc.sa.gov.au

Wednesday, 20 June - Adelaide
Launch of ‘Community Connections’ Booklet
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
Venue: Migration Museum, 82 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide
Contact: Elizabeth Sykora on (08) 8375 6713 or email Elizabeth.Sykora@marion.sa.gov.au
By invitation only.

Wednesday, 20 June - Adelaide
Launch and Screening of DIAC Post-Arrival Orientation DVD for Humanitarian Entrants from Africa
Time: 11:00am
Venue: Migration Museum, 82 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide
Contact: Mikos Nuske on (08) 8237 6646 or email mikos.nuske@immi.gov.au

Wednesday, 20 June - Adelaide
Middle-Eastern Communities Council of SA - Profile of Middle Eastern Cultures
Time: 11.00am – 2.00pm
Venue: MRCSA Community Centre, 23 Coglin Street, Adelaide
Contact: Hussain Razaiat on (08) 8217 9523 or email admin@meccsa.com.au

Wednesday 20 June - Aberfoyle Park
Youth Forum on Cultural Awareness and African Drumming Workshop
Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Venue: Aberfoyle High School, Aberfoyle Hub, Aberfoyle Park
Contact: Jhunu Schrapel on (08) 8384 0076 or email jhusch@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au or
Tanya Dun-brown on (08) 8384 0076 on email tandun@onkapringa.sa.gov.au

Wednesday, 20 June - Adelaide
African Communities Council of SA - Forum on Aged Care and Disability
Time: 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Venue: MRCSA Community Centre, 23 Coglin Street, Adelaide
Contact: Fina Kimati on (08) 8217 9520 or email admin@accsa.com.au

Wednesday, 20 June - Blair Athol
African Multilingual Media Launch
Time: 6.00pm – 7.00 pm
Venue: Lutheran Community Care, 309 Prospect Road, Blair Athol
Contact: Cathy Lawson on (08) 8269 9300 or email clawson@lccsa.org.au

Thursday, 21 June - Adelaide
Community Expo – TAFESA English Language Services (ELS)
Time: 9.00pm – 3.00pm
Venue: ELS Peel Street Annexe, 22 Peel Street, Adelaide
Contact: Margaret Gunn on (08) 8226 6555 or email margaret.gunn@tafesasouth.org

Thursday, 21 June - Salisbury
Launch of Northern Metro Migrant Resource Centre
Tony Zappia, Mayor of Salisbury, will launch the new Northern Metro Migrant Resource Centre
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: Art Gallery, Salisbury Council, 12 James Street, Salisbury
Contact: Cynthia Caird on (08) 8217 9505 or email cynthia@mrcsa.com.au

Thursday, 21 June - Adelaide
ARA Lunchtime Forum - The Road to Citizenship
Seminar on the road to citizenship, co-hosted by Australian Refugee Association, Muslim Women’s Association and the Sudanese Community Association.
Time: 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Venue: Bethlehem House, 170 Flinders Street, Adelaide
Contact: Nikki Marcel on (08) 8354 2951 or email reception@ausref.net

Thursday, 21 June – Adelaide
African Men’s Talk - Family Relationships
Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Venue: MRCSA Community Centre, 23 Coglin Street, Adelaide
Contact: Juma Abuyi on (08) 8217 9525 or email: juma@mrcsa.com.au

Friday, 22 June – Adelaide University
"Security: At what costs? Torture in the War on Terror"
Amnesty International, together with STTARS, is holding a public forum on "Security: At what costs? Torture in the War on Terror". Guest speakers will include Terry Hicks, Prof. Andrew Goldsmith and Katie Wood.
Time: 5.30pm
Venue: The Eclipse Room, Adelaide University

Friday, 22 June - Adelaide
Regional Multicultural Communities Council, Annual General Meeting
Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Venue: MRCSA Boardroom, 59 King William Street, Adelaide
Contact Regina Betts on (08) 8217 9506 or email regina@mrcsa.com.au

Friday, 22 June - Adelaide
African and Middle Eastern Women’s Forum
Time: 11:00am – 2.00pm
Venue:MRCSA Community Centre, 23 Coglin Street, Adelaide
Contact: Amel Manyon/Catherine Cole on (08) 8217 9517 or
Ferial Al Khil Khali/Arifa Barekzai on (08) 8217 9500
By invitation only.

Saturday, 23 June - Adelaide
‘Song of the Spirit’ Concert
Presented by the MRCSA
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote Street, Adelaide
Contact: Matti Spellacy on (08) 8217 9510 or email admin@mrcsa.com.au or
Keith Preston on (m) 0418 839 264 or email artbeat@aol.com

Sunday, 24 June – Adelaide
Songs of Culture and Spirituality
Come and hear the Bakhita (Sudanese) Choir, followed by supper with the choir.
Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm
Venue: Otherway Centre, 185 Pirie St, Adelaide (just off Hindmarsh Square)
Contact: Gaye Mc Mahon 8232 1001
Cost: Donation

Sunday, 24 June - Murray Bridge
‘Celebrating Cultural Diversity’
Hosted by the MRCSA, Murray Bridge Rotary Club, Murray Bridge High School and Murraylands Multicultural Network
Time: 11.00am-3.00pm
Venue: Murray Bridge High School
Contact: Regina Betts on (08) 8217 9510 or email regina@mrcsa.com.au

Tasmania:

Tuesday, 12 June – Hobart
Open day at Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner
Meet Ms Sarah Bolt, the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner and her staff for an informal morning or afternoon tea. Find out about how the office can help on discrimination matters. Free event.
Time: 10am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 4.30pm
Venue: First Floor, 54 Victoria Street, Hobart
Contact: Stephanie or Santi (03) 6233 4841 or antidiscrimination@justice.tas.gov.au

Saturday, 16 June - Hobart
Refugee Week Celebration
The Migrant Resource Centre of Southern Tasmania is hosting a festival of song, music and dancing, with keynote addresses from Community Leaders
Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm
Venue: Hobart City Hall
Contact: 6234-9411 Kiros
Cost: Gold coin donation

Wednesday, 20 June – Hobart
Coffee Ceremony
The Migrant Resource Centre of Southern Tasmania is hosting a traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
Time:12.00pm – 2.00pm
Venue: Migrant Resource Centre, 49 Molle St, Hobart
Contact: RSVP 6234-9411 Kiros

Friday, 22 June - Hobart
Refugee Week Film Night - Amnesty International (Tasmania Branch)
We will be showcasing local Tasmanian film ‘Testing Taklo’, along with speeches and music and dance performances from a number of refugee groups. Food and Drink available.
Times: 7pm-10pm
Venue: Sirens Restaurant, 2nd level, 6 Victoria Street, Hobart
Contact: Amnesty International: 6221 1000
Website Link: www.amnesty.org.au
Cost: $10 Waged, $5 unwaged

Friday, 22 June – Hobart
‘My Voice’ Presentation
Hear the voices of refugee youth through a presentation by the Multicultural Youth Voice of Tasmania. Have fun with break dancing, music, bbq, mocktails, pool, x-box and so on.
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Venue: Youth Arc, 44 Collins Street, Hobart City
Contact: Al Hines (03) 6214 1472
E-mail: alh@colony47.com.au

Saturday, 23 June - Hobart
Amnesty International (Tasmania branch) - Salamanca Market Stall
Come and find out about our Refugee Campaign and how you can get involved. Letter writing materials and information available.
Times: 8am-2pm
Venue: Salamanca Market, Hobart
Contact: Amnesty International: 6221 1000
Website Link: www.amnesty.org.au
Free Event

Saturday, 23rd June - Launceston
Voice of Young Refugees in Launceston - Migrant Resource Centre
• Hear the very popular African Youth Choir
• Hear stories of some young people
• Watch some dramas, performed by young people, about their experiences while settling in Launceston
• Watch the film “An Unspoken Language”
made by TAFE student Tony Kay with the involvement of young people
• Refreshments
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Venue: Annex Theatre, Academy of the Arts, Uni TAS, Inveresk (besides the QVMAG), Invermay Rd, Launceston 7250
Contact: Karin Lê (03) 6332 2215
Email and Website Link: karin.le@mrcltn.org.au www. mrcltn.org.au
Entry free
Free tickets available from Migrant Resource Centre (N. Tas) Inc. after 14 June. Booking is essential, as only a limited number of seats will be available.

Sunday, 24 June – West Hobart
Amnesty International (Tasmania branch) - Annual Ausmas Dinner
Dinner with African food and a raffle, celebrating the role of refugees in our community.
Times: 5:30pm
Venue: 11 Union Street, West Hobart (off Murray Street)
Contact: Bookings essential. Amnesty International: (03) 6221 1000 or Yabbo: (03) 6234 9857
Website Link: www.amnesty.org.au
Cost: $12 or $10 concession.

Victoria:

Saturday, June 16 - Mitcham
Youth event organised by Migrant Information Centre (East Melbourne)
The event will commence with a soccer competition for young people from 12.30pm to 2pm. The program will commence at 2.30pm and include speakers from the Afghan, Chin, Karen, Liberian and Southern Sudanese communities talking about their past or present experiences as refugee young people or their future dreams. The DVD of the Living in Harmony Building Bridges project will be featured as well as cultural performances.
Time: 12.30pm – 5.30pm
Venue: Mitcham Baptist Church, 8-12 Simla Street, Mitcham
Contact: Sue Herbst (03) 9285 4888

Saturday, 16 and Sunday, 17 June - Sale
Refugee Healing Trail
Healing Trail – Refugees Finding New Dreams with Us – is the story of refugees, their dreams, hopes and feelings of angst at starting a new life in Australia. The traumas of fleeing conflicts and wars in their country of origin, living in refugee camps and detention centres and seeking asylum in Australia are the experiences and stories that have created the Healing Trail. Refugees and Australians share their experiences and their journeying together in this healing trail. It is organised by Christian World Service, National Council of Churches in Australia
Time: 16 June at 8 AM – 17 June at 9 PM
Address of Venue: St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Foster Street (Princes Highway), Sale
Contact: Rev Bernard Buckley (03) 5144 4100 (Sale) or Visier Sanyu (03) 9650 6811 (Melbourne)
Email: vsanyu@ncca.org.au
Cost: Free.

Sunday, June 17 – Fitzroy
Emerge Festival – Victorian launch of Refugee Week
Be part of this massive cultural celebration as the magnificent Fitzroy Town Hall opens its doors and closes off the street for two non-stop stages of dazzling world music performances, a vibrant cultural marketplace, the aromas of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, tasty authentic foods from all corners of the globe, creative kid’s activities with Amanda King, photographic displays by Iranian artist Mitra Malekzadeh and Kristin Diemer, bellydance workshops with Underbelly, henna tattoos, SBS Radio giveaways and much more. Featured artists will include Jali Buba Kuyateh & Diyaa Looloo (Senegambia), Diafrix (afro hip hop), Dereb Desalegn & Lion of Judah (Ethiopia), South Sudan Musica and King Bell (Sudan/ Congo), Ajak Kwai (Sudan), Wang Zheng Ting & The Australian Chinese Music Ensemble (China), Dursan Acar (Kurdistan), Sultan Miazoi (Afghanistan), Mehr Band (Iran) and more exotic sounds from Eritrea, Ethiopia and Burundi. Free event.
Time: noon to 5pm
Venue: Fitzroy Town Hall 7 Napier St, Fitzroy
http://www.multiculturalarts.com.au/

Sunday, 17 June – Braybrook
All Nations Indoor Soccer Competition
Help us celebrate Refugee Week, come along and support your team
Time: 10am to 4pm
Venue: Recwest Playground, Braybrook

Sunday, 17 June – Carlton
World Refugee Day Rally 2007
Rally to celebrate the courage and contribution of refugees and asylum seekers to our society and to make our voices heard in demanding humane policies where refugees are welcomed not jailed. Music, speakers and a colourful march to join Multicultural Arts Victoria’s Emerge Festival at Fitzroy Town Hall. Please help Victoria's Refugee Action Collective build an overwhelming show of support for refugees this World Refugee day.
Time: 12noon with march to join in the Emerge Festival at 1.30pm
Venue: Outside Melbourne Museum, Nicholson St, Carlton.
Contact: Marie Hapke 0409 252 673
Cost: free. Donations welcome.

Monday, 18 June - Montmorency
Montmorency Asylum Seekers Support Group Luncheon
Two course luncheon to raise funds for Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) with guest speaker from the ASRC. Members, friends and all interested parties welcome. Cost: $15 per person.
Time: noon until 3pm.
Venue: Montmorency RSL, Petrie Park, Mountain View Rd, Montmorency (Melways 21 D6)
Contact: maree.krohn@bigpond.com

Tuesday, 19 June - Gisborne
Refugee Day at Gisborne Secondary College
We are celebrating Refugee Day at Gisborne Secondary College by having 2 speakers from the Centre for multicultural youth issues come and speak to approximately 200 year 10 students about their lives prior to living in Australia and also about their experiences adapting to Australia and its culture. We are also having the Asylum Seekers Catering Service cater for the event with finger food from other cultures.
Times: 1.15 to 3.15pm
Venue: Gisborne Secondary College, Gisborne Melton Road Gisborne.
Contact: Jan Taylor 54278272
Email: jant@macedon-ranges.vic.gov.au

Tuesday, 19 June - Fitzroy
Fitzroy Learning Network Open Day
Fitzroy Learning Network will be celebrating Refugee Week with an Open Day, including the launch of the new Computer Clubhouse Facility, Christmas in June Community Lunch, End of Term Celebrations, with food, festivities and fun.
Time:12.00 noon onwards
Venue: Fitzroy Learning Network,198 Napier Street, Fitzroy (opposite Fitzroy Town Hall)
Contact: (03) 9417 2897
Email: adminfln@vicnet.net.au
Website:http://www.fitzroylearningnetwork.org.au/
Cost: Free. Please bring a plate of food to share.

Tuesday, 19 June – Castlemaine
Screening of “The Lost Boys of Sudan”
Castlemaine Community House and Rural Australians for Refugees Castlemaine, in association with the Tomorrow Foundation, will hold a screening of the acclaimed documentary “The Lost Boys of Sudan”. $5 entry.
Time: 7pm
Venue: Theatre Royal, Hargreaves Street, Castlemaine
Contact: (03) 5472 4842.

Tuesday, 19 June to Friday, 22 June – Brunswick
Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre, Refugee Week Display
Display in Library foyer. Input from asylum seekers and volunteers to display various activities for the ASWC, how the centre operates and what it means to the clients and volunteers.
Time: 9am – 5pm Daily
Venue: Brunswick Library, 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Contact: Ann Feely, 9388 2459
Email: aswc@uniting.com.au

Wednesday, 20 June 2007 – Canterbury
Launch of Sanctuary Victoria
Sanctuary Victoria is an independent, not for profit organisation offering sponsorship and settlement assistance to refugees. We are celebrating the arrival of a Congolese family of 5 from Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya with an exhibition of photos taken by the family in Kakuma, children’s drawings and live Congolese drumming.
Times: 7.30pm – 9pm
Venue: St David’s Uniting Church, corner Burke and Mont Albert Roads, Canterbury
Contact: Diana Renner, mob: 0422 246 264 on
Email and Website Link: info@sanctuaryvictoria.org, www.sanctuaryvictoria.org
Entry by donation

Wednesday, 20 June - Melbourne
Launch of Refugee Speakers' Bureau
UNHCR Regional Representative Richard Towle & Australian Red Cross Chief Executive Officer Robert Tickner invite you to the launch of the Refugee Speakers' Bureau. The Refugee Speakers’ Bureau is a new public awareness project to increase public understanding about refugee issues through the sharing of personal stories.
Time: 12.30pm,
Venue: Conference Centre, State Library of Victoria, Entry 3, La Trobe Street
Melbourne
RSVP: by Thursday 14 June
Contact: Jo Szwarc on (03) 9345 1804, jszwarc@redcross.org.au
Francesca Wollaston on (02) 6120 1100 or aulcapi@unhcr.org

Wednesday, 20 June – Melbourne
Department of Justice Event for World Refugee Day 2007
Time: 12pm – 1.30pm
Venue: Department of Justice, Level 27, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Contact: Karen.martyr@justice.vic.gov.au
Invite only.

Wednesday, 20 June – Dandenong
Celebrating Cultural Diversity, Promoting Tolerance and Respect
World Refugee Day and Refugee Week celebration featuring cultural performances from diverse community. Recognising young people’s achievements and contributions toward the refugee community and wider community in general. The event has been organised by Multicultural Youth Action Group: South-Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre, the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues, Foundation House, Centrelink, SEAAC, SFYS, Greater Dandenong Community Health Service, Reconnect and Connection, in conjunction with City of Casey and City of Greater Dandenong youth services.A barbeque will be provided.
Time: 4.00pm to 8.00pm
Venue:The Castle, Princes Hwy, Dandenong (Melway 90 C6)
Contact: Kyaw (Joe) Soemoe, Youth Development Officer, City of Greater Dandenong Youth Services (03) 9547 4698 or 0414 015 919
http://www.greaterdandenong.com/Documents.asp?ID=7600&Title=Greater+Dandenong+Youth+Network
Free entry to all participants. Drug and alcohol free event.

Wednesday, 20 June – Melbourne
Refugee Review Tribunal open afternoon
The RRT will open its Melbourne Registry for the afternoon. Members of the public are welcome to come and see the premises and observe how the RRT fulfils its statutory function of reviewing decisions to refuse to grant protection visas. Staff will be available to provide information and answer questions about the Tribunal’s processes. At 2.30pm and 3.30pm there will be a presentation about the role and objectives of the RRT followed by a demonstration hearing. Refreshments will be provided.
Time: 2pm to 4.30pm
Venue: Refugee Review Tribunal, Level 12, 460 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

Wednesday, 20 June – Sunshine
Community Expo to mark International Refugee Day
Time: 11 am till 5 pm
Venue: Victoria University Sunshine Campus, Building E (Old School Building), 460 Ballarat Road, Sunshine (Melway 26 J10)
Contact: Dianne Wilson Phone (03) 9919 7244

Wednesday, 20 June – Melbourne
Refugee Week Youth Event
The event “Still on the Boat” will be a celebration young refugee people through performances and speeches.
Time: 5pm to 8pm
Venue: To be confirmed
Contact: Natalia Pereira (03) 9898 9340

Wednesday, 20 June – Melbourne
Fundraiser Movie Screening – “Lucky Miles”
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights is holding fundraiser film night in Melbourne during Refugee Week. The film is a new Australian release called Lucky Miles about refugees landing in remote WA by boat. Guest Speakers include Alice Pung (lawyer and author of 'Unpolished Gem', a memoir about growing up in Australia in a Chinese Cambodian family), and her father Pung Kuan, (a Cambodian refugee who survived the Khmer Rouge killing fields and fled Cambodia in 1979).
Time: 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start
Venue: Kino Dendy Cinema, 45 Collins St, Melbourne
Contact: Selva Veeriah 0434 878 033
Email and Website : On-line Bookings available at:
http://www.alhr.asn.au/html/main/Melbourne_Fundraiser.html
Cost: $20 (Tickets to be pre-purchased prior to screening)

Thursday, 21 June – Geelong
Launch of Geelong Refugee Education Assistance Team Project
The main focus of the project is to assist children of Refugee families with their homework in their family set up by trained volunteer tutors. The intended audience for the event includes - Refugee families, the Geelong community as a whole and volunteers.
Time: 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Venue: The Supper Room, Geelong West Town Hall, 153 Pakington St, Geelong West
Contact: Veema Mooniapah 0408 575 991
Cost: Free

Thursday, 21 June - Fitzroy
Researchers for Asylum Seekers Fundraiser
The Researchers for Asylum Seekers (RAS) group is a voluntary and non-profit group based at the University of Melbourne concerned about the current treatment of asylum seekers in Australia. The Refugee Week Fundraiser is a night of live music with Light Says Solo, Clinkerfield, Ryan Sterling and RGB and all proceeds will go towards a book launch and conference on current refugee issues.
Time: 7pm – 12pm
Venue: The Cape Live (upstairs), 298 Brunswick Street (Corner of Johnston), Fitzroy
Contact: Nikola: 0418 541 527
Email and Website Link: balvinn@unimelv.edu.au
http://www.ras.unimelb.edu.au/
Cost: $10 – buy tickets at the door

Thursday, 21 June – Melbourne City
Darfur Australia Network Short Film & Silent Auction Evening
The night will include a photography exhibition, silent auction, and the screening of the short film ‘Children of Darfur’.
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Venue: Loop Bar 23, Meyers Place, Melbourne City
Contact: Kate Elton, 0404 690 985
Free. Donations welcomed.

Thursday, 21 June – Northcote
Benefit Gig – “Rock the Boat”
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre is hosting the event to fund essential services for asylum seekers, including legal, health, counselling, English classes and a food bank. Performing on the night will be the Counterfeit Gypsies, the Dili Allstars and Vox Congo, as well as guest speakers.
Time: 8.00pm – 11.30pm
Venue: The Northcote Social Club, 301 High St, Northcote
Contact: (03) 9326-6066
Email and Website: www.asrc.org.au
Cost: $16 pre-sale + booking fee. $18 at the door. Tickets available from the venue Monday - Saturday 3.00 -7.00pm (301 High St, Northcote), on 9486 1677 and online http://www.northcotesocialclub.com

Thursday – Friday, 22 – 23 June – Warrnambool
Refugee Hut Display
The Student Association of South West TAFE at Warrnambool has erected a “Refugee Hut” at the entrance to the Student lounge to highlight the plight of Refugees.
Venue: Student Lounge, South West TAFE, Warrnambool
Contact: Andrew Paton 0428 773 270
Email and Contact: student-president@swtafe.vic.edu.au

Friday, 22 June - Melbourne
Boite Schools Chorus, Nongoma - Mother of Song
350 students sing songs from across Africa supported by leading African musicians. Featuring, David Marama, Kuukua Acqua, Isaac Paa Brown, King Marong, Bev Parker-O'Hagan, Brahim Benhim. Choir director: Vicki KingThis is an exciting event for students and community members of all ages. Nongoma is a culturally aware event which engages students with African culture and offers a unique approach to learning about aspects of living on the African continent. Nongoma provides an insight into the vibrant musical traditions active in our Melbourne community. Comprehensive teaching notes will be made available outlining aspects of the event which are relevant to the Victorian Essential Learning Standards. Times 1:00pm – 2:00pm Venue: Dallas Brooks Hall, 300 Albert Street Melbourne 3000
Contact: 9417 1983
Email and Website Link: projects@boite.com.au www.boite.com.au
Cost: Bookings of 10 or more may be made through the Boite office. All other tickets can be purchased at the door.$5 students, $10 adults, accompanying teachers free of charge

Friday, 22 June – Fitzroy
Yarra Settlement Forum
Refugee Week celebrations will be hosted by Yarra Settlement Forum along with Collingwood Language School, Fitzroy Learning Network, City of Yarra, North Yarra Community Health and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Celebrations will include lunch, dancing, music, metropolitan fire and emergency services demonstrations, fire trucks, art and performances.
Time: 11am to 2.30pm
Venue: Fitzroy Town Hall, Cnr Napier & Moor Streets, Fitzroy
Contact: Maggie Abdelmalak (03) 9411 4333 or (03) 9411 3555, Aldo Malavisi (03) 9205 5036
Cost: free

Friday, 22 June – Epping
World Refugee Day Celebration
The Whittlesea Community Connections is hosting a celebration of cultural exchange through song, dance, arts and crafts. There will also be food provided and children’s activities.
Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm
Venue: Epping Memorial Hall, High St, Epping
Contact: Emma Antonetti (03) 9401-6666
Email and Contact: eantonetti@whittleseacommunityconnections.org.au
Cost: Free (Please RSVP to Emma to register your attendance)

Saturday, 23 June – Geelong
Bus Trip to Bendigo
To celebrate Refugee Week a free trip has been organised for Refugees in the Geelong area to Bendigo and back. The trip will focus on the celebration of cultural diversity, peace, social justice and tolerance. Food and cultural performances will be provided by the Burmese Refugees.
Time: 8.30am – 6.00pm
Venue: Geelong West Town Hall, 153 Pakington St, Geelong West
Contact: Veema Mooniapah 0408 575 991
Cost: Free

Saturday 23 June – North Fitzroy
Boite World Music Cafe Concert for Refugee Week
A concert featuring 2 local community choirs: the Pan-African Choir directed by Jen Skate and Chris Lesser and Thursday's Children Community Choir directed by Therese Virtue. The event is designed to host cameo performances from one or two fledgling women's performance groups currently being developed in the Sudanese and Liberian communities in Melbourne.
Time: 8.00pm
Venue: 1 Mark St. North Fitzroy
Contact: Therese Virtue (03) 9417 3550
Email: therese@boite.com.au
Cost per person: $16, $11 concession.

Saturday, 23 June – Carlton North
Fitzroy Ball
Fitzroy Learning Network is holding its annual fundraising event, the Fitzroy Ball. All proceeds will support our refugee program and the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse.
Time: 7.00 pm to Midnight
Venue: San Remo Ballroom, 365 Nicholson Street, Carlton North
Contact: Tickets available on (03) 9417 2897 or visit http://www.moshtix.com.au/
Cost: $90

Wednesday, June 27 - Shepparton
Performance by Actors for Refugees
Actors for Refugees will be performing for approximately 150 of our Senior Students
Time:1:45 -3:00pm
Venue: Notre Dame College, Knight St, Shepparton
Contact: Peter Chalkle, (03) 5821 6622
Email: peter.chalkley@notredame.vic.edu.au
Cost: Free

Western Australia:

Thursday, 14 June – Friday, 22 June – Perth
“My Life as a River” Art Exhibition - Office for Children and Youth
The exhibition encompasses the mediums of painting and photography submitted by young refugees aged 12 to 18 years, who have been selected from Balga Senior High School’s Intensive English Centre, the Australian Islamic College (Kewdale) and the Edmund Rice Centre to participate in an Art Exhibition to celebrate “The Voices of Young Refugees” Refugee Week 2007. The artists have utilised the characteristics of a river (meandering, turbulent, strong, renewing etc) to describe their emotional and/or physical journey to Western Australia.
Times: 9:00am to 5:00pm (weekdays only)
Venue: Foyer, Central Park Building, 152-158 St George’s Terrace, Perth
Contact: Natalie La Touche – (08) 6217 8422 / 0410 553 297
Email and Website Link: natalie.latouche@dcd.wa.gov.au
http://www.childrenandyouth.wa.gov.au/showevent.asp?EID=87

Monday, 18 June – Northbridge
Book Launch organised by CARAD
Acting from the Heart; Australian advocates for asylum seekers tell their stories
An inspiring book of courage, compassion, friendship and determination.
MC: Tony Pestell, CARAD. Speakers: Rosemary Miller, Uniting Church and CARAD; Sue Hoffman and Anne Pedersen who contributed to the book. The event will also include: Display of artwork by Adam Janali; Showing of DVD of the SIEV X memorial event Oct 2006, attended by 1,000 people from all over Australia. Food and drink available for purchase.
Time: 5.45 - 8.00pm
Venue: Elephant and Wheelbarrow, cnr Lake and Aberdeen Streets, Northbridge
Contact: CARAD on (08) 9227 7322 for more information.

Wednesday, 20 June - University of WA, Matilda Bay
World Refugee Day - The Voice of Young Refugees
Speakers/presentations
• Professor Linda Briskman, Chair of Human Rights Education at Curtin University and Convener of the People's Inquiry into Detention.
• An update on the Iraqi refugee situation with emphasis on youth by Sue Hoffman, recently returned from Middle East.
• Personal perspectives by refugee youth from Sierra Leone, Somalia, Burma and Burundi sharing their first hand experiences in WA.
• Enjoy a short theatrical piece performed for the first time by refugee school students from Melville and Northlake Senior High Schools.
A collaboration between: Amnesty International Australia, ASeTTS, WA Refugee Alliance, CARAD, CASE, RRaFT Educators, Centre for Human Rights Education - Curtin University, Uniting Church, Centrecare Catholic Migrant Services, Edmund Rice Centre, Ethnic Communities Council, Office of Multicultural Interests.
Time: 6.30 - 8.30pm
Venue: Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, UWA. Enter from Hackett Drive Parking at Car park 1
Contact: Please RSVP to Amnesty on (08) 9476 4800 or jim.sharp@bigpond.com for catering purposes (same contact details to get posters). Light refreshments will be provided.

Friday, 22 June – Fremantle
Why The Boats Must Come…Four speakers and a movie
Speakers: Dr Carmen Lawrence, Retiring Member for Fremantle, Melissa Parke, UN lawyer and ALP Candidate for Fremantle, Jessie Taylor, The Justice Project, Scott Ludlam, Greens Senate Candidate. Movie: "We Will Be Remembered For This", featuring Malcolm Fraser and Julian Burnside QC.
Time: 7.45 pm
Venue: The Navy Club 2nd Floor, 64 High Street, Fremantle WA
Project Safecom event sponsored by Kulcha Multicultural Arts of WA, The Fremantle Herald, and The Justice Project, Melbourne
Cost: By generous donation
Event details: http://www.safecom.org.au/wrd2007.htm