NEWS + EVENTS
REFUGEE WEEK 2009 - June 14-20
Refugee Week 2009 was held from Sunday,
June 14 to Saturday, June 20, coinciding with World Refugee Day on June 20.
The national theme was "Freedom from Fear". To find out about
the Refugee Week 2009 events which took place in your state or territory, click
on one of the links below.
ACT | NSW | NT
|Queensland | South Australia | Tasmania
| Victoria |WA
NSW Launch
At the NSW launch of Refugee Week 2009, the speakers were John Gibson, president of RCOA, and Yasmeen Fatimah, a member of the Rohingya community in Sydney. Their speeches can be found on our Speeches page.
Our sponsors and supporters
Major sponsors for Refugee Week 2009 were the Victorian Multicultural Commission and AMES Victoria. RCOA is also indebted to the NSW sponsors of Refugee Week offering financial and in-kind support, including NSW Community Relations Commission, ACL, AMES NSW, Leichhardt Council and City of Sydney. In South Australia, Refugee Week is coordinated by the Migrant Resource Centre of SA.
Our theme: "Freedom from Fear"
The quest for freedom from fear is at the heart of a refugee's flight from danger. This is acknowledged in the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (and its 1967 Protocol), which defines a refugee as:
Any person who owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his/her nationality and is unable, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country.
The importance of freedom from fear is also affirmed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the preamble of which describes the "the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want" as the "highest aspiration of the common people."
When refugees flee, they are forced to abandon everything they know and love. They are separated from family members, lose belongings, are left with little or no money. Some are traumatised by what they have experienced. Many spend years in camps, lost in no-man's land whilst their fate is decided. Most have no idea what kind of future awaits them.
In seeking refuge in another country refugees are hoping to find freedom from that fear. They are looking for the opportunity to lead a normal life, as part of a community, where they can live in safety and security, find work and send their children to school.
In choosing our theme as "Freedom from Fear" we hoped to draw attention not just to the fear that compels refugees to run, but the relief they feel when they are welcomed into another country and given the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
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
on refugee issues, facts and information which can help. Click
here to download the kit.
Refugee
Week Events Calendar 2009
ACT | NSW | NT |Queensland | South Australia | Tasmania | Victoria |WA
Australian Capital Territory
Ongoing
Tents of Hope
Hosted by the Darfur Australian Network
A display of “Tents of Hope.” The mission is to create small fabric tents that carry messages of hope, which can be erected on the lawns of Parliament House during Refugee Week.
Contact: Meagan Rathgeber 0406 314 260
Far to Here
Hosted by the Darfur Australia Network
A photographic exhibition which documents the journeys of the Darfur community from Sudan to Australia.
Venue: Presiding Officers Exhibition Area, Parliament House
Address: Parliament House, Canberra
Date: 16 June – 5 July
Contact: Tess Whittakers (03) 8060 5659
Email: tess@darfuraustralia.org
2009 World Refugee Day Flags in Canberra
World Refugee Day flags will be raised around Canberra – a joint initiative between the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
Venue/date: The flags will be flown along major arterial roads from 14 – 28 June
Lighting up of national icons
During the week leading up to World Refugee Day, a number of iconic buildings in Canberra including Questacon, Old Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, the National Archives and the National Gallery will be lit up in blue each night.
Date: 14 - 27 June
Saturday and Sunday 13 -14 June
Refugee Week Display
Hosted by the Refugee Resettlement Committee
A display of posters, photos and information. Volunteers will be present to explain and answer questions.
Venue: Foyer of St John the Apostle Church, cnr Blackham & Chave Sts, Holt
Time: 12pm Saturday till late Sunday
Contact: Bevil Purnell (02) 6258 2098
Email: mabe-purnell@grapevine.com.au
Cost: Free
Monday 15 June
Presentation of Refugee Scholarships
Hosted by Canberra Refugee Support
An award ceremony to recognise meritorious performance and encourage and support outstanding refugee students in the pursuit of their personal development goals.
Venue: Function Room, Theo Nataras Multicultural Centre
Address: Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Time: 9am
Contact: Colleen Fox (02) 6288 3153
Email: thefoxes@homemail.com.au
Booking Required: Yes
Cost: Free
Celebrating Young Refugees
Hosted by Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Network would like to invite services and individuals to attend its own Refugee Week event. The event is sponsored by the Youth Coalition of the ACT and Multicultural Youth Services; and hosted by Amanda Bresnan MLA for Brindabella. Afternoon tea provided
Time: 2:30 – 4:30pm
Address: Reception Room, ACT Legislative Assembly, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Free
Booking: RSVP by 20 June
Contact: Erin Barry (02) 6247 3540 or erin@youthcoalition.net
Thursday 18 June
Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS) Event
MARSS will be hosting an event for its clients. The event will include two guest speakers from the Sudanese community who will speak about their experiences as refugees in refugee camps. A light lunch will be provided.
Time: 11am – 1pm
Venue: Meeting Room, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Level 2
Address: 180 London Circuit
RSVP: By 16 June to (02) 6248 8577 or marss@marss.org.au
World Refugee Day, In Support of Companion House: Assisting Survivors of Torture and Trauma
Hosted by University of Canberra
A fundraising breakfast to mark World Refugee Day.
Venue: Bruschetta Café, Building 1 above the Refectory, University of Canberra
Time: 8:30 – 9:30am
Contact: The Office of the Dean of Students on (02) 6201 5906 or penny.cameron@canberra.edu.au
Cost: Gold coin donation for UC Students, $15 for UC Staff (a proportion of this payment will go towards Companion House)
Booking required: RSVP by 12 June
Friday 19 June
Centacare and MARSS World Refugee Day celebration
Hosted by Centacare and Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS)
Program will include dancing and singing from a few cultural groups, refugees speaking about their experiences of settling in Australia and a short talk by a representative of DIAC. Lunch will also be provided. Guests include representatives from DIAC, other settlement agencies, current clients and volunteers of Centacare and MARSS. Please wear your national or cultural dress for this event.
Time: 11am - 1pm
Venue: Function Room, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Level 2
Address: 180 London Circuit
RSVP: By 16 June to Centacare on (02) 6162 6138 or mitra.naraqi@centacare-canberra.org or to MARSS on (02) 6248 8577 or marss@marss.org.au
Saturday 20 June
World Refugee Day 2009
Hosted by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Join us as we share cultural presentations, food, information
and experiences in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. A light supper and refreshments will be provided. For more information on World Refugee Day 2009 visit www.unhcr.org.au
Time: 6:30 - 9:30pm
Venue: Function Room A, 2nd Floor, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, North Building
Address: 180 London Circuit
Contact: Alex Donato (02) 6281 9108 or donato@unhcr.org
Booking required: Yes
RSVP: By 17 June
Celebrating Young Refugees
Hosted by Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Network would like to invite services and individuals to attend its own Refugee Week event. The event is sponsored by the Youth Coalition of the ACT and Multicultural Youth Services; and hosted by Amanda Bresnan MLA for Brindabella. Afternoon tea provided
Time: 2:30 – 4:30pm
Address: Reception Room, ACT Legislative Assembly, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: Free
Booking: RSVP by 20 June
Contact: Erin Barry (02) 6247 3540 or erin@youthcoalition.net
Celebration of World Refugee Day
Refugee Resettlement Committee
Features talks by three former refugees from Burma, Sierra Leone and Sudan. Conversation to follow. Light supper provided.
Venue: Community Hall below St John's Church, cnr Blackham & Chave Sts, Holt
Time: 7.30pm
Contact: Bevil Purnell (02) 6258 2098 or mabe-purnell@grapevine.com.au
Cost: Free
Booking requried: RSVP by 17 June to Bevil Purnell
Sunday 21 June
Companion House Soccer Tournament
Hosted by Companion House
UNHCR is supporting the Companion House Soccer Tournament, a friendly match between the Sierra Leone, Sudanese, Mon and Karen communities designed to promote the resilience and contribution of refugees and strengthen the ties between refugee communities in Australia.
Venue: Australian Institute of Sport Soccer Oval, Bruce, ACT
Time: 10.30am – 2.30pm
RSVP: Please contact the Soccer Coordinators on (02) 6247 7227 for more information
New South Wales
Ongoing
Lighting up of national icons
Australian National Maritime Museum
Date: 14 - 27 June
During Refugee Week, the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney, and a number of iconic buildings in Canberra including Questacon, Old Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, the National Archives and the National Gallery will be lit up in blue each night.
Humanitarian Awards Australian Refugee Film Festival & Art Exhibition
Hosted by Friends of STARTTS and Australian Refugee Film Festival
Filmmakers, artists and community members coming together from across Sydney and across the globe to celebrate the diversity, creativity and achievements of refugees and the refugee community.
Venue: Uniting Church
Address: 264 Pitt St, Sydney
Date: Ongoing Event from 14 - 20 June
Time: 2pm
For more information: www.friendsofstartts.org/nominate.html
“Through My Eyes” Scrapbook Display
Hosted by Marrickville Council
Display of Scrapbooks produced by a Sierra Leone Women’s Group featuring their lives in Sierra Leone to Australia.
Venue: Marrickville Library
Address: Cnr Petersham & Marrickville Rds, Marrickville
Date: Ongoing Event from 12-18 June 2009
Time: During library hours
Contact: Multicultural Librarian (02) 9335 2166
Email: libmul@marrickville.nsw.org.au
Cost: Free
Sunday 31 May
Refugee Camp in Macarthur – Freedom From Fear
Hosted by Macarthur Diversity Services in partnership with Campbelltown City Council
Based on Doctor’s Without Borders “Refugee Camp in the Heart of the City”. The Key message is to promote a better understanding of the courage and suffering of refugees to the wider community. Visitors will have the opportunity to increase their understanding about what it means to be a refugee and the reason they come to Australia is for safety and to live a life free from fear. Refugee volunteers will help on the day and answer questions, games for children from other cultures to play and learn from.
Venue: Koshigaya Park on 31 May; Mawson Park on 17 June
Time: 10am-3pm on 31 May; 11am-2pm on 17 June
Address: Koshigaya Park (cnr Hurley & Camden Rds), Campbelltown; or Mawson Park (cnr Queen & Cordeaux Sts), Campbelltown
Contact: Sana Al-Ahmar (02) 46271188
E-mail: sana@mdsi.org.au
Cost: Free
Thursday 11 June
Refugee Week 09 in Bankstown
Hosted by Canterbury Bankstown Migrant Interagency & Bankstown City Council
Morning tea and lunch with a presentation (in Arabic & English) by Legal Aid NSW on issues that have been previously raised by refugee communities. Interpreters and solicitors will be on hand for the presentation.
Venue: Bankstown Town Hall, Landsdowne Room
Address: Cnr Chapel Rd & The Mall
Time: 10 am - 1.30 pm
Contact: Turkan Aksoy (02) 9707 9863 or Loretta Vieceli (02) 9796 2235
Cost: Free
Launch of "We have a Voice - Hear us"
Hosted by Horn of Africa Relief Agency and Development Agency
Challenges and triumphs of the refugees and migrants from the Horn of Africa countries who have settled in Australia. The report will be presented by its principal author and leader of the research team, Dr Eileen Pittaway.
Time: 6pm
Venue: The Baulkham Hills Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre
Address: Level 4, 1 Horwood Place, Parramatta
Contact: Judy Flaherty
Email: harda@harda.org.au
Booking: Please RSVP to assist with catering
Saturday 13 June
‘Freedom from Fear’ Morning Tea - Inverell
Hosted by Northern Settlement Services
Guest speakers from our local refugee community sharing their story and journey so far.
Venue: Riverside Restaurant, Inverell 2360
Time: 10:30am
Contact: Katie Wright 0423 573 939
Email: inverelllnss@nsservices.com.au
Cost: $5
Booking Required: Yes, please RSVP by 10 June 2009
Sunday 14 June
Refugee Day
Hosted by the Somali Islamic Cultural Centre
The event is about raising the profile and understanding of emerging Somali refugee community in NSW.
Venue: Somali Centre
Address: 79 Haldon St, Lakemba
Time: 6pm
Contact: Farhan Ibrahim 04252594345
Email: somalicenter@yahoo.com.au
The Colour of Freedom (Goodbye Bafana)
Hosted by Sydney Jewish Museum
Introduced by Dr. Roy Sugarman, Behavioural Psychologist.
A true story that follows the psychological journey of James Gregory, an Afrikaans prison guard who initially viewed all Blacks as subhuman.
The film highlights the evolution of a narrow-minded bigot to a sensitive, humane critic of social injustice. 118 mins
Address: 148 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst
Time: 4 pm
Contact: Charles Aronson, (02) 9360 7999
Email: marketing@sjm.com.au
Cost: $10; $8 for Museum members
Monday 15 June
Refugee Week Launch
Hosted by the Refugee Council of Australia
The Refugee Council invites you to join us at the Sydney launch of Refugee Week 2009. This event will be an opportunity to share the stories of people who have fled persecution and to highlight the many achievements and contributions that refugees have made to Australia and to the world. Speakers will include John Gibson, RCOA President, and a guest speaker from the Burmese Rohingya Community . The event will also feature the music of Assyrian World Music band Azadoota and a photo exhibition “Photo stories of Refugees” by NSW AMES in partnership with DET AMEP Consortium.
Venue:Barnet Long Room, Level 1 Customs House, Circular Quay
Address: 31 Alfred St, Circular Quay
Time: 10.30am for 11am start
RSVP: By 11 June 2009 to Natalie Gooch on info@refugeecouncil.org.au or on (02) 9211 9333.
Refugee Week Morning Tea and Guest Speaker Santino Rang Yuot
Hosted by Camden Council
Santino Rang Yuot is from Southern Sudan. He is the chairperson of Dinka Literacy Association, an organisation that teaches community members how to read and write in Dinka and is also the chairperson of Bibles and Education for Southern Sudan (BESS). Bess is raising money to build schools and clinics in Southern Sudan where decades of civil war have left the area with little or no infrastructure. Santino will speak about his country, his story and his current work.
Time: 10:30 am
Venue: Multipurpose Room, Camden Library
Contact: Denise Pritchard (02) 4645 5009
Cost: gold coin donation to support BESS would be appreciated
Tuesday 16 June
Do we, could we and should we have boundless plains to share with refugees?
Hosted by Amnesty International & NSW Young Lawyers
A light hearted and entertaining debate about whether we do, we could and we should share Australian soil with refugees and whether the Australian national anthem, originally penned in 1878, reflects the view of immigration by refugees to Australia in the 21st century.
Venue: New Law Building (LT101), University of Sydney (Camperdown)
Address: Eastern Avenue (off City Rd)
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Contact: John Bransby (Amnesty International) 0415 410 245, (02) 9664 1116
Email: nswrefugeeteam@amnesty.org.au
Cost: Free
Booking required: Yes. Please email the above email address or telephone Amnesty International at (02) 8396 7670 to secure a seat at the event.
10th Anniversary NSW Refugee Health Service
Hosted by NSW Refugee Health Service
Launch of the service’s new website. A photo exhibition “All in a Day’s Work at RHS” will also be on display.
Venue: Sunnybrook Hotel and Convention Centre
Address: 355 Hume Highway, Warwick Farm. Transport from Warwick Farm station is available on request. Please let us know with your RSVP.
Time: 9.30 – 11.30 am
Contact: Marisa Salem (02) 8778 0770
Email: refugeehealth@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
Cost: Free
Booking required: Yes, please RSVP by 29 May 2009
‘Freedom From Fear’ - a public forum
Hosted by Fairfield City Library
Public forum with three guest speakers sharing refugee stories:
* Margaret Nha-Ca Nguyen ( Local volunteer with Sudanese refugees, Fairfield City Young Australian of the Year 2005)
* Liliane Lucky Lukoki (Congolese Community of Australia)
* Alexandra Brown (Medecins Sans Frontieres Australia)
Venue: Whitlam Library, Cabramatta
Address: Whitlam Library, Railway Pde, Cabramatta (closest street: McBurney Rd)
Time: 6–8 pm
Contact: Noel Willis (02) 9725 0330, (02) 9725 0363
Email: nwillis@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
Cost: Free
Booking required: No
Celebrating Refugee Week
Hosted by Sydney Multicultural Services
Please join us for a special evening to celebrate Refugee Week and the many contributions to the Randwick community made by our Refugees. Meet and speak with Refugees living in our community, and listen to their fascinating stories of survival and success. Share a light supper.
Time: 5:30 - 7 pm
Venue: Bowen Library, Level 1 Auditorium
Address: 669-673 Anzac Pde, Maroubra Junction
Cost: Free
Contact: Yasmine Loupis (02) 9663 3922
Email: Yasminel@sydneymcs.org.au
Booking: Please RSVP by 12 June 2009
Refugee Week Photographic Exhibition Launch
Exhibition runs from 15 to 22 June, Concord Library
In association with Refugee Week, the City of Canada Bay is showcasing a special photographic exhibition. The exhibition is a visual journey into the lives of 10 refugees. The launch will also feature talks and a film screening of the experiences of refugees.
Time: 6.30 – 7.30pm
Venue: Concord Library, 60 Flavelle Street, Concord
Wine, cheese and light refreshments will be served
Contact: Council’s Community Services team on 9911 6523
Email cynthia.prasad@canadabay.nsw.gov.au
"Freedom from Fear" You're welcome here! Launch of Gosford City Council as a "Refugee Welcome Zone"
Hosted By Gosford City Council
A morning tea with the Mayor Councillor Chris Holstein to launch Gosford Council as a Refugee Welcome Zone. Guest speakers Atem Malual and Nina Angela from the refugee community to speak of the experiences of being a refugee in Australia.
Time: 10am - 11:30am
Venue: Gosford City Council
Address: Council Chamber, Floor 1, 49 Mann St Gosford
Contact: Jennie Dias (02) 4325 8381
Email: jennie.dias@gosford.nsw.gov.au
Cost: Free
Wednesday 17 June
All Nations Indoor Soccer World Cup
Hosted by Marrickville Council
Schools will participate in forming teams for the annual Refugee Week All Nations Indoor Soccer Tournament and celebrate the contribution refugees have made to our local area.
Venue: Debbie and Abbey Borgia Community Recreation Centre
Address: 531 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville
Time: 9am-3pm
Contact: Council’s Recreation Officer (02) 9335 2191
Email: recoff@marrickville.nsw.gov.au
Refugee Week 'Freedom' Art X-Press Exhibition
Hosted by Anglicare
A cultural celebration showcasing the Art X-Press entries, a presentation of awards plus music, dance and afternoon tea.
Venue: Anglicare’s Migrant and Refugee Services Department in Parramatta
Address: 16 Parkes Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
Time: 4pm
Contact: Sa Kaio-Tietie at skaiotietie@anglicare.org.au or 9895 8008.
Cost: Free
Thursday 18 June
Wrap With Love - Knitting for Refugees
Hosted by the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre
See the colourful display of blankets knitted by Wrap With Love, a community knitting group, before they are sent to refugees. You can even knit a square yourself! There will also be information about current refugee issues and how you can speak up for refugee rights. Free tea and coffee and nibblies.
Venue: Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (opposite Newtown Station)
Address: 1 Bedford St, Newtown
Time: 10.30am -12.30pm
Freedom from Fear
Hosted by the Centre for Refugee Research
Come and celebrate the resilience and courage of our new and emerging communities. Free childcare, henna and face painting, and council safety consultation. Guest speaker: Dr. Eileen Pittaway, Director Centre for Refugee Research.
Venue: Bowman Hall
Address: Campbell St, Blacktown
Time: 4–8 pm
Cost: Free
Sudanese Stories Oral History Project
Hosted by Blacktown City Council, the Migration Heritage Centre, Syd West Multicultural Services and the Sudanese Community of Blacktown
Blacktown residents from South Sudan tell their stories. To be launched by Cr. Cathie Collins.
Venue: Max Webber Library, Blacktown
Address: Flushcombe Rd, outside West Point Shopping Centre
Time: 3-4 pm
Contact: Monir Rowshan (02) 9839 6821
E-mail: monir.rowshan@blacktown.nws.gov.au
Tibet Cry for Freedom screening
Hosted by Crows Nest Centre, the Tibetan Community in Australia and Crows Nest Rotary Club
Join us for a BBQ lunch and a screening of the documentary “Tibet Cry for Freedom”.
Venue: Crows Nest Centre
Address: 2 Ernest Place, Crows Nest
Time: 12-2pm
Reservation contact: Isabel 9439-5122, Sue 0414-739-462 or Dorjee 0407-556-722
Cost: Free
Friday 19 June
Refugee Week @ the Refugee Review Tribunal - “Freedom from fear”
Hosted by the Refugee Review Tribunal
The Tribunal is hosting an open afternoon where visitors will get an insight into its operations. There will also be short presentations on the legal and country research aspects of the Tribunal’s work. Guided tours commence at 2.30 and 3:30pm. Staff will be available to provide information and answer questions about the Tribunal’s processes and light refreshments will be provided.
Venue: Refugee Review Tribunal
Address: Level 11, 83 Clarence St, Sydney (close to Wynyard Station)
Time: From 2pm. Tours commence at 2:30 and 3:30pm.
Contact: Kate Dolman, (02) 9276 5443 or refugeeweek2009@mrt-rrt.gov.au
Cost: Free
Booking required: Yes, by email or telephone
Refugee Week Street Festival
Hosted by Liverpool City Council in partnership with members of Liverpool Refugee Week Committee
Live cultural music and performances, information stall, cultural art and craft displays, family fun activities and the Award Ceremony.
Venue: Macquarie St Mall, Liverpool
Time: 10am-2pm
Contact: Galavizh Ahmadinia 1300 36 2170
Email: g.ahmadinia@liverpool.nsw.gov.au
A Discovery Tour to Sydney
Hosted by Angels of Mercy Welfare Services Inc.
A bus tour with interpreter to introduce newly arrived migrants and refugees from Sudan to see the historical sites at the Sydney City area followed by dinner.
Venue: A bus tour
Time: 4 - 12 pm
Contact: Antoinette Abdelseed (02) 9623 2798, 0404 041 257
Email: angelsofmercy40@hotmail.com
RSVP: By 5 June 2009
Welcome Here 2009
Hosted by Illawarra Ethnic Communities Council
Welcome Here is a unique community festival and project celebrating the contributions made by refugees and former refugees in the Wollongong area.
Venue: ITSA Tafe Function Centre
Time: 10am - 3pm
Contact: Mignon Lee-Warden (02) 4229 7566 or mignon@iecc.org.au
Cost: Free
World Refugee Day Breakfast
Hosted by Australia for UNHCR
Australia for UNHCR is hosting a World Refugee Day breakfast to be held at the
Westin Hotel in Sydney on Friday 19 June. The guest speaker this year will be
the Governor General Quentin Bryce. The event is a fundraiser.
Time: 7:30am
Venue: The Westin
Address: 1 Martin Place
Contact: Lynn (02) 9262 5377 or lynn@australiaforunhcr.org.au
Cost: $100 per head or $2000 for a corporate table of ten
Booking Required: Yes
Working with Refugee Communities - Training session and celebration
Hosted by Nepean Migrant Access, Penrith Council, TRI Community Exchange, Syd West Area Health Service and Penrith Women’s Heath Centre
In morning – STARTTS and Refugee Health will provide training on the psychological impact of a refugee background on Settlement. In afternoon - Celebration of refugee culture through performance at Penrith’s Westfield Plaza
Time: Training from 9:15am - 12:45pm, then free celebration of refugee culture through performance 1 - 3 pm
Venue: Penrith Library Theatrette, Penrith Plaza East Wing
Address: 601 High St, Penrith, Westfield Plaza – East Wing
Contact: Rosie Smith or Laura Sardo on (02) 47328096, 0419 219990 or (02) 9833 2416 or rsmith@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
Cost: Training $15, celebration/performance free
Bookings: Required for training only. Call (02) 9833 2416 for registration form.
Saturday 20 June
Celebrate! Triumphs of Refugees
Hosted by Liverpool City Council in partnership with members of Liverpool Refugee Week Committee
A theatrical performance by young people from refugee backgrounds depicting their true life experiences. The event also will include screening of few short films about refugees and cultural performances.
Venue: Casula Powerhouse
Address: 1 Casula Rd, Casula
Time: 6–9 pm
Contact: Galavizh Ahmadinia 1300 36 2170
Email: g.ahmadinia@liverpool.nsw.gov.au
From there to Here: Freedom from Fear
Hosted by Centre for Community Services Branch Coffs Harbour City Council
Stories by local Refugees and a showing of the film "Celebration of Refugee Lives - Stories of Strength and Resilience”. There will be music, dance, song and food.
Venue: Cavanbah Community Centre, Coffs Harbour
Time: 7pm
Contact: Susan Clarke (02) 6648 4833
Email: susan.clarke@chcc.nsw.gov.au
“Kiss of Saddam”
Hosted by Fairfield City Library
Launch of the book “Kiss of Saddam” and talk with author Michelle McDonald and Selma Masson. One woman’s extraordinary story of life, love and her fight for freedom.
Venue: Whitlam Library, Cabramatta
Address: Whitlam Library, Railway Pde, Cabramatta (closest street: McBurney Rd)
Time: 1 - 3:30 pmContact: Noel Willis (02) 9725 0330, (02) 9725 0363
Email: nwillis@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
Cost: Free
Booking required: No
Refugee Week Celebration
Hosted by the Australian Karen Organisation (NSW Branch)
The celebration will bring together refugees from different countries and political struggle and cultural backgrounds. This celebration is also showing our sincere gratitude for refugee settlements program (IHSS) by the Australian Government and IHSS's service providers.
Time: 4 - 7pm
Venue: Villawood Senior Citizen's Hall
Address: Villawood Road, Villawood
Contact: Saw Lwin Oo, Tel/Fax (02) 96326248 or saw_lwinoo@yahoo.com.au
Celebration of Freedom ceremony
Hosted by Auburn Diversity Services
This event celebrates the rich diversity of Auburn population and recognises the energy and achievements of its refugee youth.
Time: 2 – 6 pm
Venue: Auburn Town Hall, 1 Susan St, Auburn
Contact: Elena or Delilah on (02) 9649 6955
Sunday 21 June
Special Service for Refugee
Hosted by Australian Baha’i Community
Reception with guest speaker and devotional service drawing on Scriptures of the world’s great religions.
Venue: Baha’i House of Worship
Address: 173 Mona Vale Rd, Ingleside
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Contact: (02) 9877 5826
Email: Natalie.mobini@bnc.bahai.org.au
Cost: Free
All Nations Indoor Soccer Tournament
Hosted by Marrickville Council
Teams of all ages are invited to participate in this community soccer event, to celebrate the contribution refugees have made to our local area.
Venue: Debbie and Abbey Borgia Community Recreation Centre
Address: 531 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville
Time: 9am - 5pm
Contact: Council’s Recreation Officer (02) 9335 2191
Email: recoff@marrickville.nsw.gov.au
Cost: Free
Booking required: Team registration closes 1 June 2009
Monday 22 June
Refugee Engagement & Settlement Training Forum: Pathways to Better Service Provision for Refugee Young People
Hosted by The Baulkham Hills Holroyd Parramatta MRC, Granville Multicultural Community Centre, Merrylands Community Health, NSW Refugee Health Service, Parramatta Police
The day will include guest speakers, presentations from service providers, and workshops on strategies (focusing on health, young people & the law, family relationships & education pathways) for working with young people from refugee backgrounds. It will be a great opportunity for community workers, youth workers, health workers, teachers, counsellors, police and young people to interact and learn from each other.
Time: 9:30am – 3pm
Venue: BHHP MRC, 1 Horwood Place, Level 4
RSVP: (02) 9687 9901
Wednesday 24 June
Refugee Forum
Hosted by Canterbury Bankstown Migrant Interagency
Celebration of Refugee Week for local residents and communities from refugee backgrounds. 2 Guest speakers and performance groups from Refugee backgrounds will share their successful settlement stories and inspire the audience. A Photovoice media project will also be launched. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Time: 10am - 1pm
Address: Lakemba Senior Citizen Centre (Cnr The Boulevarde & Croydon St, Lakemba)
Contact: Seaja Chang (02) 9789 3744
Cost: Free
Booking Required: No
Friday 17 July (yes, July)
Music Nights #1 "Freedom from Fear!"
Hosted by Marrickville Council
Headspace and MYRC present a night celebrating Refugee Week and promoting mental health awareness. Featuring Sydney's own Killa Queenz plus local bands, MCs and Sierra Leonean Cultural Performance Group. For ages 12 and over. Proudly drug and alcohol free!
Venue: Marrickville Youth Resource Centre
Address: Cnr Yaboley Ave and Northcote St, Marrickville
Contact: Special Projects Coordinator, Alex (02) 9564 3222
Email: special-projects@bigpond.com
Cost: Free
Booking Required: No
Northern Territory
Saturday 20 June
World Refugee Day Free Community Event
Hosted by Melaleuca Refugee Centre
Communities of refugee background in Darwin are planning to hold a community event which raises awareness of refugee-related issues through speeches and other forms of aritistic expression.
Venue: Malak Park
Address: Malak Crescent, Malak, Darwin
Time: 4-8 pm
Contact: Kylie Smith (08) 8985 311
Email: kylie.smith@melaleuca.org.au
Cost: Free
Booking required: No
Queensland
Ongoing
Refugees Living Without Fear in Townsville
Hosted by Townsville Multicultural Support Group Inc
Declaration of Townsville becoming a refugee welcome zone and a public lecture by national policy director Tamara Domicelj from the Refugee Council of Australia.
Venue: Perc Tucker Gallery
Address: Cnr of Flinders St and Denham St, The Mall, Townsville
Contact: Cailin O’Rourke or Meg Davis on (07) 4775 1588 or cailinorourke323@hotmail.com or megdavis@beyond.net.au
Date: Week beginning 29 June – 3 July 2009
Time: TBC
Thursday 18 June
Refugee Week Film Festival 2009
Hosted by the Romero Centre
The night includes music, a complimentary glass of wine and refreshments. Come along to hear guest speakers Dr Christine Mason and Chaman Shah and stick around after to hear a discussion regarding current issues facing refugees and Australia.
Address: Yungaba, 120 Main St, Kangaroo Pt
Contact: (07) 3846 3250 or admin@romerocentre.org.au
Cost: $25 or $15 for concession
Booking: Tickets sold at the door or can be purchased prior to the event
Friday 19 June
Candle Light Walk
Hosted by: Multicultural Development Association
Walk across the Goodwill Bridge from MDA then return to MDA for a warm drink. Safe candles will be provided to everyone.
Venue: 512 Stanley St, South Brisbane
Contact: Claire Uwimana (07) 3337 5460
Email: claireu@mdabne.org.au
Cost: None
Booking: Not required
Refugee Week Celebration
Hosted by: Toowoomba Refugee & Migrant Support Service (TRAMS), Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT) Family Relationships Centre, YWCA, Centacare, and Spiritus
An evening to celebrate the safety of refugee entrants now living in Toowoomba and Grafton
Venue: Empire Church Theatre, Neil St, Toowoomba
Time: 6pm
Contact: Jenny Withnall (07) 4659 5015 or (07) 4632 9285
Email: jenniferwithnall@qpastt.org.au
Cost: None
Booking: Not require
Sunday 28 June
World Refugee Day: Community Festival ‘09
Hosted by Brisbane City Council, Multicultural Development Association & Multicultural Affairs Queensland
What's on: Soccer and volleyball tournaments - Cultural performances - Music - Dance - Drumming - Art exhibition - Camel rides - International food stalls - Arts and draft stalls - Kid’s activities - Animal farm - Amusement rides - Workshop activities.
Venue: Annerley Soccer Club, Fields Ridge & Juliette Streets, Annerley
Time: 9am–4pm
Cost: Free
South Australia
Check SA MRC's Calendar of Events. The calendar is produced by the SA Refugee Week committee, Chairperson Mr Greg Clark, SM, coordinated by the Migrant Resource Centre of South Australia.
Ongoing
Diaspora Gathered Exhibition
Hosted by Nexus Multicultural Arts Centre
An exhibition by Sydney based artist Adam Geczy, facilitated by the Armenian Community in Sydney. A work not only of remembrance and resistance, but also
of reconciliation.
Venue: Nexus Multicultural Arts Centre
Address: Cnr North Tce & Morphett St, Adelaide
Contact: Tamara Baillie (08) 8212 4276 or exhibition@nexus.asn.au
Date: 11 June – 9 July 2009
Time: 9am – 5pm (open to the public during office hours)
Friday 12 June
Quiz Night
Hosted by Hills Circle of Friends
A fun and stimulating evening for all the family with refreshments available and all proceeds going to aid refugees. Compèred by Estelle and Richard Symonds.
Venue: Heathfield High School Hall
Address: 99 Longwood Rd, Heathfield (in the hills)
Time: 7–9 pm
Contact: Patsy Burley (08) 8370 8447, 0416 197 696, patsyburley@yahoo.com.au
Saturday 13 June
African Cultural Party
Hosted by MRC Arts
An evening of music, dance, comedy, drumming, food and cultural performances by Adelaide’s talented young African performers from a variety of communities.
Venue: SA Folk Centre, cnr South Rd & George St, Thebarton
Contact: Keith Preston (08) 8217 9510 or keith@mrcsa.com.au
Time: 7.30pm
Sunday 14 June
Cultural Visit to Ganesh Mandir
Hosted by the Bhutanese Community
An event including prayers and offerings, worshiping and paying homage, having prasada and sharing in a tea party.
Venue: Ganesh Temple, Oaklands Park
Time: 10am – 1pm
Contact: Laxman Yogi (08) 8217 9500
Celebrating Cultural Diversity in the Murraylands
Hosted by Murray Bridge Rotary, Murray Bridge High School,
Murraylands Multicultural Network & Murraylands Migrant Resource Centre
A day of food, music and performances.
Venue: Murray Bridge High School, Lohmann St, Murray Bridge
Time: 12:30–3pm
Contact: Stan Lewinski (08) 8217 9513 or stan@mrcsa.com.au, or Namrata Kamath (08) 8532 3922
Diversity Around the World
Hosted by City of West Torrens
An afternoon of music, food & art from around the world.
Venue: Hamra Centre Library
Address: City of West Torrens Auditorium, 1 Brooker Tce, Hilton
Time: 2–4pm
Contact: Michelle Mitolo (08) 8416 6252 or mmitolo@wtcc.sa.gov.au or Hanna Jasinka (08) 8416 6214 or hjasinska@wtcc.sa.gov.au
MRCArts UnderXposed Photographic Exhibition
Hosted by the City of West Torrens
A photographic exhibition depicting the experiences, perceptions and aspirations of young people from refugee backgrounds.
Venue: City of West Torrens ‘Kurri Trukko’ Auditorium Gallery
Address: 1 Brooker Tce, Hilton
Time: 2-4 pm
Contact: Michelle Mitolo (08) 8416 6252 or mmitolo@wtcc.sa.gov.au
African Actor Auditions
Hosted by Brink Productions
Free auditions for acting roles for a new play by a professional theatre company.
Venue: MRCSA Community Centre
Address: 23 Coglin St, Adelaide
Time: 2-5 pm
Contact: Kay Jamieson (08) 8211 6565 or info@brinkproductions.com
Bookings required: Essential in order to register a place
Adelaide Chin Christian Fellowship
Candle-Lit Prayer Service and Tea Party
Please join the Burmese/Chin congregation for a candle-lit service in honour of refugees all over the world. The service will be followed by a light tea party.
Venue: Salisbury Baptist Church, Park Tce, Brahma Lodge
Time: 3.30pm
Contact: Simon Cin Zeh 0402 755 622 or simon@mrcsa.com.au, or Van Bawi on 0432 549 087 or van@mrcsa.com.au
Monday 15 June
Launch of SA Refugee Week 2009: Freedom from Fear
Hosted by the Migrant Resource Centre of SA and Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre
Join Mr. Hieu van Le, Lieutenant Governor of SA, Chairperson SA Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Committee, and Ms. Elizabeth Ho, Director of the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, in the Launch of Refugee Week & Book Launch of ‘To the Tune of His Own Drum’, a biography of Mr Ben Yengi OAM, one of the first Africans in South Australia.
Venue: Kerry Packer Civic Gallery
Address: Hawke Building, UniSA City West campus, 50 North Tce, Adelaide
Time: 10.30am
Bookings: By 12 June 2009 to Matti Spellacy admin@mrcsa.com.au or fax (08) 8217 9556
Tuesday 16 June
Forum - ‘Building Community Together’
Hosted by Australian Partnership of Religious Organisation in association with the Migrant Resource Centre of South Australia, Multicultural SA and the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia
Venue: MRCSA Hall
Address: 59 King William Street, Adelaide
Time: 9am – 5pm
Contact: (08) 8217 9510 or admin@mrcsa.com.au
Women’s Employment Forum
Host: Women’s Information Service
A forum about training, career development and employment issues for women from refugee backgrounds over 25 years of age.
Venue: Conference Room, Office for Women
Address: 101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide
Time: 1-3pm
Contact: Lies Zuidland or Genevieve Adzanku on (08) 8463 7562 or zuidland.lies@agd.sa.gov.au or adzanku.geieve@agd.sa.gov.au
Wednesday 17 June
Carers talk
Hosted by Carers SA
Guest speakers from refugee background communities will come together to celebrate their diversity and share with Carers SA staff their migration journey, the complexities of their settlement process, and their aspirations and hopes.
By invitation only
Venue: Carers SA
Address: 58 King William Road, Goodwood
Time: 9.45am - 12.30pm
Contact: Patricia Rios on (08) 8291 5600 or patricia@carers-sa.asn.au
OZLIVING Reunion: A Successful Living in Harmony Program in 2008
Hosted by Girl Guides South Australia
A reunion event between the participating African women and Soroptimists
Venue: MRCSA Community Centre
Address: 23 Coglin St, Adelaide
Time: 12.00 – 2.00pm
Contact: Margie Berlemon on 0438 836 837 or margie@girlguidessa.org.au
Celebration of Cultural Diversity
Hosted by South Australia Police & Mansfield Primary School
An opportunity for police and refugees to come together at Mansfield Park Primary School to celebrate cultural diversity. Guest performance by Eddie Peters.
Venue: Mansfield Park Primary School
Address: Henry Street, Mansfield Park
Time: 1.30pm
Contact: Constable Joanne Grinter on (08) 8207 6325 or joanne.grinter@police.sa.gov.au
‘A Night of Stars’ – Showcasing people from Africa working in government in South Australia
Hosted by Families SA – Refugee Services
Time: 6pm
Contact: Margaret Hess for venue details and other information on (08) 8226 4896 or margaret.hess@dfc.sa.gov.au
Launch of the African Births, Deaths and Marriages Directory
Hosted by Lutheran Community Care Refugee Service
Venue: Enfield Community Centre
Address: 540 Regency Road, Enfield
Time: 7-8pm
Contact: Cathy Lawson regarding bookings on (08) 8269 9300 or clawson@lccsa.org.au
Thursday 18 June
Whole School Morning Tea
Hosted by NAVITAS LM Training Specialists
Morning tea will be provided to all students studying English. Refugee students will share stories of their personal journeys.
Venue: NAVITAS LM Training Specialists
Address: 68 Grenfell St, Adelaide
Time: 10-11am
Contact: Dawn Aubuchon on (08) 8100 7200 or Dawn.Aubuchon@languagecentre.com.au
Friendship Cup Soccer
Hosted by Families SA – Refugee Services
Come and cheer the players at a soccer match between of a the Adelaide Secondary School of English (ASSE) and Saint Ignatius College
Venue: Saint Ignatius College
Address: 2 Manresa Court, Athelstone
Time: 1pm
Contact: Mr Kouv Chang on (08) 8226 4901 or Kouv.Chang@dfc.sa.gov.au
Friday 19 June
‘African Ageing Needs: Home and Community Care Services’
Hosted by African Communities Council of South Australia
An information workshop for African communities to raise awareness about HACC services
Venue: MRCSA Hall
Address: 59 King William St, Adelaide
Time: 12.30pm
Contact: Martin Maya on (08) 8217 9520 or admin@accsa.com.au
Bhutanese Women’s Support Group – Acculturalisation Workshop
Hosted by Migrant Resource Centre of South Australia
Address: Meeting Room, Level 2, MRCSA, 59 King William Street, Adelaide
Time: 3pm – 5pm
Contact: Nancy Adiya on (08) 8217 9500 or nancy@mrcsa.com.au
Lord Mayor’s Civic Reception
By invitation
Venue: Queen Adelaide Room, Adelaide Town Hall, King William Street, Adelaide
Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Contact: Ms Matti Spellacy on (tel) 8217 9510 or email admin@mrcsa.com.au
Saturday 20 June
Multicultural Market Day
Hosted by Muslim Women’s Association & Wandana Community Centre
Trading tables, halal food, cultural displays and arts and crafts
Venue: Wandana Community Centre
Address: 14 Blacks Road, Gilles Plains
Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm
Contact: Ms Sharifa Khan on (tel) 8212 0800 or email mwa222@hotmail.com or
Ms Rille Walshe on (tel) 8261 8124 or email wandanacc@centacare.org.au
Freedom from Fear – A Celebration of Cultural Diversity
Hosted by City of Prospect
Refugees tell their stories through music, dance, arts and crafts to form closer bonds with the wider community
Venue: Prospect Town Hall
Address: 128 Prospect Road, Prospect
Time: 11.00am – 4.00pm
Contact: Mr Nigel Dale on (tel) 8342 8058 or email nigel@prospect.sa.gov.au
Jambo Africa Writing Awards
Hosted by SA Writers Centre & MRC Arts
Awards and readings for the first Jambo Africa creative writing competition
All welcome
Venue: SA Writers Centre
Address: 2nd floor, 187 Rundle Street, Adelaide
Time: 12.30pm
Contact: Jude Aquilina on (08) 8223 7662 or sawriters@sawc.org.au
Middle Eastern Communities Council of SA
Hosted by Middle Eastern Women’s Forum
Venue: Enfield High School
Address: 350 Grand Junction Road, Enfield
Time: 6-8pm
Contact: MECCSA on (08) 8217 9523 or admin@meccsa.com.au
Sunday 21 June
‘Life’s a Cabernet’ Cabaret
Hosted by Arts Excentrix (special performance on behalf of Circle of Friends)
Come and enjoy talented musicians, singers and dancers.
Booking recommended.
Cost: Adults $25.00 / children under 12 years $12.00
Venue: Memorial Hall
Address: 21 Coromandel Road, Blackwood
Time: 2 – 4.30pm
Contact: Pasty Burley on (08) 8370 8447, 0416 197 696, or pastyburley@yahoo.com.au
Tuesday 23 June
‘Community Connections’
Hosted by Northern Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service
A training morning for CAMHS Northern Team staff that will incorporate training in the use of interpreters, further training in the therapeutic use of the Tree of Life program with groups and individuals, case studies and exploration of ways to develop continued support for refugee children and families.
By invitation.
Venue: Northern CAMHS
Address: LB 215, SC 11, Suite 11 Sidney Chambers, Elizabeth Shopping Centre, Elizabeth
Time: 9am – 12.30pm
Contact: Sue Martin on (08) 8252 0133 or martin.sue@saugov.sa.gov.au
Wednesday 24 June
Redefining the Reading Experience
Hosted by City of Charles Sturt
The launch of ‘PressDisplay.com’ from NewspaperDirect, the world’s largest on-line newspaper kiosk, will be combined with the re-launch of the Multicultural Story Time.
Venue: Civic Library, City of Charles Sturt
Address: 72 Woodville Road, Woodville
Time: 11am
Contact: Judith Robertson on (08) 8408 1332 or jrobertson@charlessturt.sa.gov.au
Celebrating Volunteers
Hosted by Migrant Resource Centre of South Australia
This event will celebrate the wonderful work of MRCSA volunteers and casual interpreters, each of whom will be awarded a Certificate of Appreciation. Please come along and support their important contribution to the work of the MRCSA and to their community’s settlement.
Please register for catering purposes.
Venue: MRCSA Hall
Address: 59 King William St, Adelaide
Time: 11.30am – 2pm
Contact: Michelle Dieu on (08) 8217 9510 or michelle@mrcsa.com.au
Friday 26 June
Mount Gambier Multicultural Concert
Hosted by Limestone Coast MRCA
This event will include dance and music as well as a display of local humanitarian entrants’ craft and art
Venue: Wehl Street Theatre
Address: Wehl Street South, Mount Gambier
Time: 7 – 9.30pm
Contact: Heather Muirhead on (08) 8725 2753, 0400 587 977 or limestonecoast@mrcsa.com.au
Monday 29 June
Launch of ‘Multicultural Art in Health’ Project Mural
Hosted by Murray Mallee Community Health Service
Venue: Murray Mallee Community Health Service
Address: Swanport Rd, Murray Bridge
Time: 12pm (to be confirmed)
Contact: Rosemary Neal on 0448 411 283 or rosemaryneal@senet.com.au
Tasmania
Ongoing
Retaining Cultural Memory
Hosted by Moonah Arts Centre and Migrant Resource Centre (Southern Tasmania) Inc.
The exhibition celebrates the value of traditional skills as cultural memory and promotes the maintenance, development and sharing of cultural art and craft practices. Share in the many forms our migrant communities continue to maintain and express their cultures.
Venue: Moonah Arts Centre
Address: 65 Hopkins St, Moonah
Date: Ongoing Event from 17 - 30 June 2009
Contact: (03) 6214 7633
Email: anotherworldispossible@live.com.au
Thursday 18 June
Tasmanians Working Together
A forum where 3 Sudanese men and one from Sierra Leone will share their
experiences of being a taxi driver in Southern Tasmania.
Time: 10am - 1pm
Venue: Hobart Town Hall, Lower Ground (Elizabeth Street)
RSVP: Anne Hamilton before 11 June on (03) 6221 0912
Friday 19 June
Multicultural Youth (MY) Voices from past refugees living in Hobart
Hosted by youth from the MY Schools Voice Reference Group with guest presentations from the Tasmanian African Youth Association and Glenorchy Young Women’s Group
Time: 6 - 8:30pm
Enquiries: Georgi Marshall on (03) 6221 0910
Saturday 20 June
Rwandan Coffee Club Morning Coffee
Hosted by the Rwandan Coffee Club
Come with a friend to sample Rwandan Coffee Club coffees or teas for free, served with delicious slices. You can buy small to large packs of coffee beans, ground coffee or teas to take home. Also experience African culture first hand with live drumming, dancing, singing and hair braiding.
Time: 10 – 11:30 am
Venue: St Paul’s Anglican Church, Cecilia St
Contact: (03) 6354 1021 or 0428 898 848 for group/table booking enquiries
Friday 26 June
United Nations International Day in Support of Victims and Torture
Hosted by the Southern Tasmanian Migrant Resource Centre and the Phoenix Centre
The International Day in support of Victims and Torture seeks to further prevent and punish those who utilize torture. The day also recognises the often profound implications this abuse of human rights has on survivors.
Time: 1pm
Venue: The Phoenix Centre
Address: 188 Collins St, Hobart
Contact: (03) 6221 0999
Victoria
Ongoing
Emerge Festival 2009
Hosted by Multicultural Arts Victoria
A dynamic celebration of Victoria's many rich and undiscovered refugee and emerging cultures. From Africa to the Far East, traditional and contemporary music, dance, visual arts, exotic foods, ancient crafts and ceremonies.
Venue: Fitzroy Town Hall & Napier St, Fitzroy
Dates: Ongoing Event from 16 - 26 July
Contact: Jayne Lovelock (03) 9417 6777, 0430 199 552
Email: office@multiculturalarts.com.au
Booking: Essential
Friday 12 June
Finding Shelter
Hosted by Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project
Guest speaker: Graeme Innes, Human Rights and Disability Discrimination Commissioner, AHRC
Time: 5.30 - 7.30 pm
Address: Gallery 314, Richmond Uniting Church, 314 Church St, Richmond
RSVP: By 5 June to Samantha on (03) 9326 8343 or sam.asp@hothammission.org.au
Kick Start Refugee Week
Hosted by Fitzroy Learning Network
Look out for the 2nd Year Interior Design Student Exhibition from Swinburne University. Students have been working on creating ideas for the network and future directions for our hall, Clubhouse and courtyard. Come and see the great work they've done in their studio: Changing Patterns in Social Space. BBQ and party to follow.
RSVP: By 10 June for catering purposes on (03) 9417 2897 or admin@fitzroylearningnetwork.org.au
Saturday June 13
"Returning Sudanese"
Hosted by Surf Coast Rural Australians for Refugees
Akoch Manhiem, Trent McCarthy and Ajak Kwai present their hilarious and heartwarming show fresh from the 2009 Melbourne Comedy Festival.
Venue: Torquay Senior Citizens Hall
Address: 16 Price St, Torquay
Time: 7:30pm
Contact: Jan Hale (03) 5261 9660
Email: jbhale@bigpond.net.au
Booking required: No
Cost: $15, $12 concession, family $30
Sunday 14 June
Freedom from Fear Soccer Friendly
Hosted by Brimbank City Council
An inaugural soccer friendly event for all ages, races and genders together with community service organisations offering free information. Cultural experiences and fantastic food.
Venue: Selwyn Park
Address: Selwyn St, Ardeer
Time: 11am – 3pm
Contact: Chris McIntyre (03) 9361 6600
Email: ChrisMAC@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Booking Required: No
Cost: Free
Justice for Refugees
Hosted by Sanganatham Tamil Community Volunteer Broadcast
Young refugee and asylum seekers will participate in launching the Refugee Week Broadcasting Program.
Venue: Emerald, 3MDR Radio Station 97.1 FM
Address: Tune your radio to 97.1 FM
Time: 8 – 10am
Contact: Wicki on 0404 059 231 or www.sanganatham.net
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Booking required: Yes
Monday 15 June
Refugee Week Launch
Hosted by the Refugee Council of Australia
You are invited to join us at the launch of Refugee Week 2009. This event will be an opportunity to share the stories of people who have fled persecution and to highlight the many achievements and contributions that refugees have made to Australia and to the world. The evening will include:
- Guest speakers reflecting on the current regional and global issues impacting on the lives of refugees and asylum seekers
- a screening of local and international short-films, including Ahmad’s Garden, the true story of an Afghan refugee’s attempt to create a home within a detention centre in Australia, and Stories from Near and Far, tales read and illustrated by young refugees in Australia
- musical performances
- food provided by Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Catering
Venue: Cinema 2, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Federation Square
Time: 5:30pm for 6 pm start
RSVP: By 11 June 2009 to Rebecca Eckard on melbourne@refugeecouncil.org.au or on 03 9348 2245
Tuesday 16 June
Inter-AMES Football Competition
Hosted by Maribyrnong City Council
Come along and join the city’s up and coming football stars at the Inter-AMES football competition
Time: 10:30am
Address: Whitten Oval, 417 Barkly St, Footscray
Cost: None
Booking Required: No
“Love Burma Love Freedom” Exhibition
An exhibition by Andrea Draper, Saw Chu Cil and Timothy Syrota
A unique exhibition that reflects the people and the rich traditions of Burma. Love Burma Love Freedom brings together the work of three creatives working in different disciplines: Andrea Draper a digital artist with Burmese origins; Saw Chu Cil a refugee painter who lives on the Thai Burmese border; and Timothy Syrota an author, photographer & film maker whose work has focused on Burma since first visiting Burma 1997.
Venue: fortyfivedownstairs
Address: 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Time: 6pm for 6.30 – 9pm
Open Afternoon
Hosted by Refugee Review Tribunal – Victoria Registry
Short presentations on the Legal and Country Research aspects of the Tribunal’s work. A staged hearing will be performed. Staff will be available to provide information and answer questions about the Tribunal’s processes. Afternoon tea will also be provided.
Time: 2:30pm
Venue: Premises on the VIC Registry of the Refugee Review Tribunal
Contact: Tina Edwards 9276 5064
Email: tina.edwards@mrt-rrt.gov.au
Refugee Week at the Song Room’s
Performances by children from various schools, includes singing, percussion, drumming and dance.
Time: 11am-1.30pm
Venue:BMW Edge Theatre
Contact: Deborah Nicolson 94956422 or 0407316602
Email: deborah@songroom.org.au
Wednesday 17 June
Emerge Festival Forum : “Love Burma, Love Freedom”
Hosted by the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria
To provide an open forum for discussion about the experiences of displaced people from Burma and to offer members of the Karen, Chin and Zomi communities in Melbourne to talk about their experiences in refugee camps and on settlement in Australia.
Venue: fortyfivedownstairs
Address: 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Time: 6pm for 6.30 – 9pm
Screening of “A Well-Founded Fear"
Hosted by Researchers for Asylum Seekers (RAS), University of Melbourne
As part of Refugee Week, Researchers for Asylum Seekers (RAS) are holding a screening of the documentary “A Well-Founded Fear”.
Venue: Gryphon Gallery, Graduate Centre (1888 building), University of Melbourne
Address: Grattan St, Parkville
Time: 6:30pm
Contact: Jo Tropea 0401 338 230 or Joanne.Tropea@mh.org.au
Cost: Gold coin donation
Centacare's Refugee Week Celebration by Women’s Groups
Hosted by Centacare Catholic Family Services
Please join us in celebrating the wonderful contributions made by our
refugee communities and enjoy delicious food prepared by the Karen, Chin
and African women from our Support Groups in the West.
Venue: Tarneit Community Learning Centre
Address: 150 Sunset View Bvd, Tarneit 3029
Time: 11:20am – 1pm
RSVP: By 10 June 2009 to Inderdeep Thapar or Lulu Johny on (03) 9689 3888 or
Inderdeep.Thapar@centacaremelbourne.org.au
Cost: Free
Hosted by Ringwood Library
Who are our new neighbours? Where did they come from? Join us at Ringwood Library where local residents from the Chin and Karen communities in Burma will share their refugee experiences with us. Morning tea provided.
Venue: Ringwood Library
Address: 4 Melbourne St Mall, Ringwood
Time: 10 am – 11:30 am
Cost: Free
Bookings: (03) 9870 0177
Refugee Week Event
Hosted by Borondara Interfaith Network
Join in celebrating an event in exploring faith and the experience of refugees. David Vincent and guest speakers will reflect on their personal faith journeys as refugees with an opportunity for discussions and reflections. Morning tea will be provided.
Venue: Mayor’s Room, Hawthorn Town Hall
Address: 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Contact: (03) 9278 4753
Email: traci.alchin@boroondara.vic.gov.au
Booking: RSVP by Friday 12 June
Refugee Week Debate and Dinner
Hosted by Maribyrnong Council
Come along and enjoy a free multicultural dinner and as the debating dynamos take on the subject: ‘It’s better to make music than to kick goals.” Council’s Building Bridges – Cultural Games booklet will also be officially launched on the night. Experience a new culture and be the first to try games from nine different countries.
Address: Whitten Oval, 417 Barkly St, Footscray
Cost: Free
Booking Required: Yes.
Contact: Vanessa Korfiatis on 9688 0148 or vanessa.korfiatis@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Thursday 18 June
Yarra Settlement Forum Refugee Week Celebration
Hosted by Yarra Settlement Forum
Celebrating refugees in the community, especially at local schools, through participation in, e.g., music, dancing, art and community services displays
Venue: to be confirmed
Time: 11am-3pm
Contact: Maggie Abdelmalak (02) 9411 3525
Email: maggie.abdelmalak@nych.org.au
Cost: Free
Booking required: No, but informing us of the numbers coming would be helpful.
The Whittlesea Refugee Week Celebration
Music. Dance, Cultural Performance, Food
Time: 11am - 2pm
Venue: Epping Memorial Hall
Address: 827 High St, Epping
Cost: Free
Contact: Emma Antonetti on (03) 9401 6666 or
eantonetti@whittleseacommunityconnections.org.au
Friday 19 June
Afternoon of Song
Hosted by Maribyrnong Council
Enjoy a concert of traditional South Sudanese as part of Refugee Week 2009. Afternoon tea and refreshments will be provided.
Time: Please come along at 1pm to be seated at 1:30pm
Address: Uniting Church, 302 Barkly Street, Footscray
Cost: Free
Booking Required: Yes
Contact: Chrisoula Kanaris on 9376 5244 or chrisoulak@newhope.asn.au
Women’s Power Forum
Hosted by VIRWC
Celebrates women refugees with guest speakers: Amara Hamid, Myint Myint, San
Zelaihkha Akram. Refreshment will be provided
Time: 3 – 5 pm
Venue: Queen Victoria Women's Centre, Victoria Room
Address: 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Contact: (03) 9654 1243
Email: virwc@virwc.org.au
Booking: RSVP by 16 June
Cost: $15 and $10 Concession
From Refugee to Resident
Hosted by Prioletti Consultants
A Forum about the first refugees in Australia. Early experiences of refugees first arriving in Australia can provide an insight into service barriers and cultural needs. We invite you to share the fascinating personal journey of three refugees who arrived in Australia in the 1940s and 1950s. Speakers are Mrs Helen Schloetzer (Polish Displaced Person),Mrs Eugenie Demidenko (Russian Displaced Person) and Ms Tibet Curciali (Speaker from the Albanian community).
Venue: Reception Room, Level 1, Footscray Town Hall
Address: Cnr Hyde and Napier Sts, Footscray
Time:10am–12pm (registrations open at 9:30am, forum commences at 10am
sharp)
Cost: $55
Bookings: Online at www.prioletticonsultants.com.au
Contact: Josie at josie@prioletticonsultants.com.au or 0438 846 584
Refugee Week Youth Forum – A Place to Call Home
Hosted by the City of Whittlesea
ForYoung People 12 – 25 years. Slide show on the Refugee Experience, Performances by MultiCultural Youth Crew (MYC), Snacks included (Halal)
Time: 10 - 12 pm
Venue: EdgeShop MM1
Address: Westfield Plenty Valley Shopping Centre, 415 McDonalds Rd, Mill Park
Bookings: By 7 June to Abdi Aden on 0408 104 723 or (03) 9404 8800 or abdi.aden@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Saturday 20 June
Grounded
Hosted by Footprints Enterprises Inc.
A mixture of traditional and modern performances and displays including the hottest emerging youth talent from the Hip Hop, Dance, African Drumming and Visual Arts Scene.
Venue: The Castle
Address: Hemmings Park, Princes Hwy, Dandenong
Time: 7-8pm
Contact: Sarah Williams 0418146601
Email: anotherworldispossible@live.com.au
Booking required: Yes
Cost: Free
Cultural Runway
Hosted by the Centre for Multicultural Youth
Cultural Runway is an event that celebrates cultural diversity through fashion, food and music.
Venue: Melton Youth Services
Address: 193 Barries Road, Melton (next to Bunnings)
Time: 12-4.30pm
Contact: Caitlin Wilks 0419 779 553 or cwilks@cmy.net.au
Cost: Gold coin donation
Booking required: No
Knitathon for Refugees
Hosted by the Victorian Multicultural Commission
Join New Hope Werribee in a massive ‘Knit Off’ for Refugee Week. We would like to invite the wider community to participate in trying to knit between 3-400 scarves for newly arrived refugees settling in Werribee to be handed out on Refugee Day. Tell you friends, family, colleagues; get out your knitting needles and a cuppa. Any colour, shape, size (babies to elderly).
Contact: Alison (03) 9974 1700
Refugee Day Celebrations
Hosted by New Hope Foundation
Celebrating the diverse culture of emergency refugee and communities in Wyndham: Food! African band and dancing! Bush dancing! Clowns! Face Painitng! Rides! Soccer!
Venue: Kelly Park
Address: Synnot St, Werribee
Contact: (03) 9974 1700
Email: Werribee@newhope.asn.au
Cost: None
Booking: Not required
Freedom for Refugees
Hosted by the Victorian Tamil Cultural Association Inc, Justice & Freedom for Ceylon Tamils Inc, and Tamil Community Volunteer Broadcast Inc
A seminar aimed at bringing together communities to discuss refugee issues. Afternoon tea provided.
Time: 5pm
Address: Band Room, 1 Robinson St Art Gallery
Cost: Free
Booking: Yes
Contact: Wicki and Sunthar on 0404 059 231
4us: Young People with Refugee Backgrounds Living in Australia
Hosted by the Refugee Health Research Centre and Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
Watch a series of short documentaries on young people with refugee backgrounds living in Australia.
Time: 2 – 5pm (Please note this event will begin promptly at 2pm)
Venue: ACMI Studio 1, Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne
RSVP: By Friday 12 June at rhrc@latrobe.edu.au or (03) 9479 5874
Sunday June 21
Emerge Festival Main Event
Hosted by Multicultural Arts Victoria
A smorgasbord of Panafrican, Indigenous & Pacific Islander music, dance on two stages with food, a marketplace and cultural workshops.
Venue: Fitzroy Town Hall
Address: Napier St (cnr Moor St), Fitzroy
Time: 12 – 5pm
Contact:Jayne Lovelock (03) 9417 6777
Email: office@multiculturalarts.com.au
Cost: Free
Booking required: No
Wednesday June 24
ABC Music Deli Concert
Hosted by Multicultural Arts Victoria
Hosted by ABC’s Paul Petran, a beautiful concert of exquisite music for voices and strings from Turkey, Afghanistan, Japan & India, made in Australia. Featuring Dya Singh (India), Khalil Gudaz (Afghanistan), Noriko Tadano & George Kamikawa, (Japan) and Huzzam (Turkey).
Venue: IWAKI Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre
Address: Southbank Blvd, Southbank
Time: 6.30 for 7pm start, till 9.30pm
Contact: Jayne Lovelock (03) 9417 6777
Email: office@multiculturalarts.com.au
Cost: Free
Booking required: No
Western Australia
Tuesday 16 June
Refugee Week 2009 “Freedom from Fear”
Hosted by the Refugee Review Tribunal
You are invited to attend an Open Afternoon at the Refugee Review Tribunal. This is an opportunity for visitors to gain an insight into the Tribunal's operations. An introduction to the Tribunal will be given, and a Q & A Session. A Tribunal Member will be available to provide general information and answer questions about the Tribunal’s processes. Coffee and tea will be provided.
Venue: AAT Hearing Room 3, Level 4, 111 St Georges Tce, Perth
Time: 1.00pm
Bookings: By Tuesday 9 June 2009 to Antoinette Brydon or Genevieve Cantwell on (03 8600 5822) or Antoinette.Brydon@mrt-rrt.gov.au or genevieve.cantwell@mrt-rrt.gov.au
Friday 19 June
Public Forum – Refugee Week Event
Hosted by the UnitingChurch in Western Australia
A public forum will be held with guest speakers John Broadbent and Phil Sparrow. The theme of the evening is the ‘push’ factors in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Light refreshments will also be available.
Venue: Queen’s Building, Uniting Church in the City, William St, Perth (entrance in William St next to show shop – take stairs or lift from the courtyard to the 1st floor to the Hall)
Time: 5pm for 5:30 – 6:30pm
Contact: Marg Staff 08 9260 9800
Saturday 20 June
Freedom From Fear
Hosted by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship
There will be a variety of information stalls, performances and displays from different cultures and the opportunity to participate in a number of activities including an art workshop where people can explore what "Freedom from Fear" means to them. The highlight of the day will be "Stories from the Suitcase" written and produced by Yvette Wall from Frog Prince Productions. This short production reflects the experiences of people who, as refugees, have made Australia their home.
Venue: Fremantle Town Hall
Time: 10 am
Contact: Jaquelline Satie (08) 9415 9076 or Issihaka.toure@asetts.org.au
Sunday 21 June
Art exhibition at Tai Jin house
Hosted by Christmas Island District High School
An art exhibtion showcasing the talents of asylum seekers on Christmas Island, from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq and Iran. Includes hand-drawn sketches, portraits, pottery, embroidery, jewellery, paintings and some sculpture.
Venue: Tai Jin House
Address: Christmas Island
Time: 2 – 5 pm
Contact: Jennie Collins, 0407 190027, 08 9164 8456
Email: jcollins@cidh.cx
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