Refugee Week 2009 - Events Calendar

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