REFUGEE WEEK EVENTS

New South Wales

Refugee Week Sydney Events Hub

RCOA in partnership with Friends of STARTTS, the Australian Refugee Film Festival and members of the NSW Refugee Week Committee has organised a week full of events at the Pitt Street Uniting Church, 264 Pitt Street, Sydney. Come along to help us celebrate Refugee Week!

More New South Wales events

Monday 31 May to Friday 11 June - Taree
Freedom from Fear Photographic Exhibition
The exhibition celebrates with photos and an accompanying short story, refugees, who have found a sense of belonging in NSW and are helping to shape new communities. The photos are being displayed at a number of retail and business houses in the Taree CBD. The exhibition will be on display for two weeks.

Thursday 3 and 10 June - Homebush
"How I Got Here" art exhibition organised by The Smith Family Settlement Grants Program in partnership with Strathfield Council
Primary aged students from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds and their parents will be taking part in a Refugee Week Children’s Art Exhibition entitled, “Earth as Art: How I Got Here”. This is an art project focusing on issues of respect, tolerance, belonging, and freedom from fear to celebrate Refugee Week. The students and parents will be using art and story-telling to create an image that represents their journey to Australia. Artwork will be exhibited during Refugee Week at Strathfield Library.
Details: 9:00am - 5:00pm; Strathfield Library, 65-67 Rochester Street, Homebush, NSW. For more information contact Katrien Pickles on 9715 3612.

Saturday 5 June - Marrickville
Refugee African Muslim Youth (RAMY) Expressive Art Competition
Bring your creative talents to enter the competition for three categories:
Art (painting), Creative Writing (short story – one page story about your life in Australia) or Tag (design the tag under five words that is your voice as a Refugee African Muslim Youth winning tag goes onto T-shirt for RAMY). Great prizes to be won. Bring your creative talents and enjoy a pizza lunch prizes to be given at the end of the day! All art & short stories will be published in a community book about you for you and winners will be published on the RAMY website, so come on and be heard, tell Australia about the outstanding youth from the African Australian community.
Details: 12:00pm - 4:00pm; Herb Greedy Hall, 79 Petersham Road, Marrickville.

Monday 14 June -Granville
Granville College of TAFE's Refugee Week Display
A display is being held at Granville TAFE, the second largest College in NSW with 80% of enrolled students from Non English Speaking Backgrounds. If you would like to promote your services on the display, please contact Andrew Ang via email ASAP on andrew.ang@det.nsw.edu.au. The display starts week commencing June 14th for two weeks .

Wednesday 16 June - Bankstown
Refugee Week Youth Concert
The evening will include special guest speakers, information stalls, African drumming, free food, plus a special performance night led by refugee youth (including hip hop, R&B music, plus Sierra Leone and Bollywood dancing).
Details: 4:00pm - 8:00pm; Bankstown Town Hall (Next to Paul Keating Park), Chapel Road, Bankstown, NSW. For more information contact Turkan Aksoy on 02 9707 9863 or Turkan.aksoy@bankstown.nsw.gov.au.

Thursday 17 June - Saturday 26 June - Bondi Beach
Refugee All Stars Short Film Festival
Throughout refugee week, Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) will be displaying a series of short films made by young people from a refugee background, living in Western Sydney. ICE are well known for their cutting edge community development projects.
Details: Films showing at Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery Foyer, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach. Open to general public. For enquiries contact Elizabeth Reidy on 8362 3401 or elizabethRe@waverley.nsw.gov.au.

Thursday 17 June - Hamilton
African Training Market Day
African art, craft, food, hair braiding as well as African dancing and singing.  Information on refugees and settlement services will also been available.
Details: 11:00am - 3:00pm; James Street Plaza, Hamilton. For more information please contact Flora Aine or Helen Buchanan on 4969 3399 or nss@nsservices.com.au.

Friday 18 June - Sydney
World Refugee Day Breakfast
Join Australia for UNHCR at its annual flagship event to celebrate World Refugee Day and 10 years of Australian donors supporting UNHCR’s humanitarian programs around the world. With special guests: Australia for UNHCR Patron, Governor General Ms Quentin Bryce AC and Rugby legend Phil Kearns as MC.
Details: 7:30am-9:00am; ticket price $100 per seat or $1000 for a table of 10, $2000 for corporate tables of 10 (includes a tax-deductible donation of $1000); The Westin Sydney, Pitt Street, Sydney. To book, visit www.unrefugees.org.au/get-involved/event; for further information contact Helie Fitzgerald on (02) 9276 6801

Friday 18 June - Orange
World Refugee Day Luncheon
This program, organised by Migant Support Service and Youth Services will include training for youth workers on effective case management and speeches by a local refugee and Khoa Do, Vietnamese Refugee film maker and 2005 young Australian of the Year. The program costs $25 which includes lunch.
Details: 9:30am - 2:00pm; Coral Sea Room, Orange Ex Services Club. RSVP to Karen Boyde on 6393 8607 or kboyde@orange.nsw.gov.au.

Friday 18 June - Cabramatta Town Centre
Freedom from Fear 2010
Celebrating generations of providing refuge and new life to survivors of conflict, Cabramatta’s “Freedom from Fear 2010” event will include special guest speakers, testimonials, information stalls, and entertainment from Cabramatta’s many talented former refugees. Try your hand in our Burundian drumming competition. A feature of this year’s event will be our “safe haven” tent which will include interactive activities for participants to experience the reality of life in a refugee camp. Entry is free.
Details: 11:00am - 2:00pm; Freedom Plaza, Cabramatta Town Centre. For more information contact Tara Russell on 02 97270477.

Friday 18 June - Marrickville
Launch of Refugee Week celebrations in Marrickville
Marrickville Council will launch its Refugee Week activities at Marrickville Library with a display of refugee-related literature, and special guest speakers including Sister Aileen Crowe, Marrickville’s Citizen of the Year. Sister Aileen has dedicated many years to helping asylum seekers. Her acceptance of other cultures and traditions has spread justice, peace and harmony. Afternoon tea will be provided. As well, Council will hang banners on Newtown Neighbourhood Centre and Petersham Town Hall from Monday 14 June. Council’s 2010 Refugee Week School Activity Pack is being sent to all local schools and is available from the Coordinator coordcpp@marrickville.nsw.gov.au.
Details: 2:00pm - 4:00pm; Marrickville Library, cnr Marrickville and Petersham Roads, Marrickville NSW. See the website for more details: http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/refugeeweek.

Friday 18 June - Ashfield
Family Planning NSW lunch and celebration
Family Planning NSW is hosting a lunch and celebration for all internal staff and other local allied health staff. There will be a talk from a refugee, a performance and a lunch. There will also be a showcase some of the resources Family Planning NSW utilise for CALD populations in general.
Details: 12:30pm - 2:00pm; Family Planning Ashfield premises,328-336 Liverpool Road, Ashfield. For more information call Kath Bennett on 02 9754 1322.

Saturday 19 June - Woy Woy
Refugee Vigil
The Catholic parish of St John the Baptist Woy Woy Peninsula will be holding a vigil of prayers and reflections concerned with the plight of refugees to Australia. The Vigil will commence with a gathering for people to get to know each other a little and then proceed into the church to have prayers and testimony from refugees.
Details: 2:00pm-4:00pm; Cnr Victoria and Blackwall Roads, Woy Woy NSW. For more information contact Bernard Edwards on 02 43416343 or bernie54@optusnet.com.au.

Saturday 19 June - Cronulla Library
Screening of "Well Founded Fear" and stories of seeking asylum and refuge
Phil Glendenning's "Well Founded Fear" comprises of interviews with people who were euphemistically called "failed asylum seekers" from Nauru. Phil Glendenning from Edmund Rice Centre, Rosie Scott, author and member of PEN International, Virginia walker from Bridge for Asylum Seeker Foundation and others will speak following the documentary screening.
Details: 12.30pm for 1:00pm start - 3.30pm; Cronulla Central Community Halls 38-60 Croydon Street, Cronulla or off Cronulla mall with shared entrance for Cronulla Library. Car park in Croydon St. For more information contact Diane Gosden or Ngareta Rossell on 9389 8163 or dianegosden@exemail.com.au.

Saturday 19 June - ABC Radio National
The five fingers of Sri Lanka, Documentary Series
In May 2009 when the war in Sri Lanka ended the Tamil and Singhalese communities in Australia tried to make sense of the years of fighting. There was violence and protest on the streets of Sydney as Tamils maintained the rage for relatives and friends in Sri Lanka who were dead or missing. From the war zone of Northern Sri Lanka stories of violence and treachery on both sides of the conflict emerge; a woman whose leg was amputated out of revenge, a hospital filled with traumatised children, the daily threat of suicide bombers. For this program producer Johan Gabrielsson travelled to parts of Sri Lanka where no other media had access.
Details: 2:00pm; ABC Radio National.

Saturday 19 June - Central Coast
A Multicultural Lunch
This celebration of Refugee week is in partnership with the Green Point Community Centre. A Tibetan refugee will share their personal experiences and there will be a Multicultural lunch, two short documentaries and performances from Iran, Greece and China, with the Gosford Mayor to open the day.
Details: 10:00am - 2:00pm; Green Point Neighbourhood Centre, Central Coast. Please RSVP for catering purposes to Green Point Community Centre on 4367 7591 or info@greenpointcommunitycentre.com.au.

Saturday 19 June - Glebe
Amnesty International Community Information Stall
Come and find out more about the current campaigns Amnesty International Australia are working on. The stall will also have details about how to become involved with local community groups.
Details: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Glebe Market, Glebe Pt. Road, Glebe NSW, 2037.

Saturday 19 June - Green Point
Multicultural Day
The Central Coast Amnesty International action group will be hosting an information stall and will have all the latest information about current human rights campaigning Amnesty International is undertaking both local and internationally.
Details: 10:00am - 2:00pm; Green Point Community Centre, 96 Koolang Road, Green Point NSW, 2251.

Sunday 20 June - Blue Mountains
Wentworth Falls Refugee Week Movie Screening and Afternoon Tea
Join the community in recognising Refugee Week through a screening of the Australian produced film Lucky Miles, a bittersweet comedy about a very serious subject. This event is also an opportunity to learn how you can get involved so that everyone may live in freedom from fear. Ricardo Andino will also tell his story of escaping El Salvador as a refugee. Afternoon tea included.
Details: 1:45pm for a 2:00pm start - 5:00pm; Wentworth Falls School of Arts
217-219 Great Western Highway Corner Adele Ave. For more information contact Can Yasmut on can.mcrn@bigpond.com or 02 4759 3599 or Dr Beatriz Cardona
on b.cardona@uws.edu.au or 02 9685 9084.

Sunday 20 June - Wollongong
Celebrating Freedom from Fear
Enjoy performances by refugees and hear their stories, including local artists Penny Hartgerink and Elemental Groove. Come along for dancing, singing, a fashion parade and to hear stories of personal journeys.
Details: 2:00pm - 4:30pm; Regent Theatre, Keira St, Wollongong. Gold Coin Donation. For more information contact scarf1@optusnet.com.au or 4227 1600.

Sunday 20 June - SBS TV
Movie - Kandahar
Mohsen Makhmalbaf's award-winning film about an Afghani-born Canadian
resident who goes to Afghanistan in the midst of war in search of her
sister. Joining a caravan of refugees returning to war-torn country for a
variety of reasons, Nafas soon gets a clear and disturbing portrait of the
toll the Taliban regime has taken upon its people.
Details:11.30pm, SBS 2. See www.sbs.com.au/refugees for more information.

Sunday 20 June - Waverley
Waverly Library Book Display
A collection of works suggested by Refugee Council of Australia will be put on display.
Detail: Display will be up for a week; Waverley Library, 32- 48 Denison Street, Bondi Junction. Books will be open to all library borrowers for loan. For enquires call Roniet on 9386 7708.

Sunday 20 June - Cronulla
“Freedom from Fear” Community Picnic
The Amnesty International Sutherland Shire Action Group invites you to a community picnic in Cronulla to celebrate World Refugee Day. Come along to welcome refugees to our community and show that the Sutherland Shire is a place where refugees can find freedom from fear.
Details: 11:30am-2:00pm; Gunnamatta Park, Cronulla; bring a picnic rug and a plate of food to share; e-mail amnesty.sutherlandshire@gmail.com for more information.

Sunday 20 June - Lane Cove
Lane Cove ALIVE Art & Design Makers Markets, Lane Cove
The Lane Cove local group will be celebrating refugee week by hosting an information stall as part of the ALIVE Art & Design Makers Markets. The information stall will have all the current information about the human rights campaigns Amnesty International Australia is working on local and internationally.
Details: 9:00am - 3:00pm; Lane Cove Plaza, 45 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove NSW, 2066.

Monday 21 June - Sydney City
The Refugee Mentoring Project (RMP) Refugee Week Event
This event aims to provide an insight into what it may be like to have a “well founded fear” of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality or membership of a particular social group or political opinion. This speaking event features Lamin Tucker, a former Olympian from Sierra Leone who had been living in exile in Cuba and sought asylum whilst participating in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Also speaking is Amadu Bangura is a star law student, and has since arriving in Australia, spent time boosting his own cultural community as well as broader society by doing extensive work with the elderly requiring general assistance and translation as well as teaching young children in his free time. Other speakers include, Chris Barker, Associate Professor of Cultural Studies at the University of Wollongong Andrew Roe, Asia Pacific Director for the Golden Key International Honour Society and Nick Goodwin, International Project Manager for the University of Sydney.
Details: 12:00pm - 2:00pm; Pitt Street Uniting Church, 264 Pitt Street, Sydney 2000. For more information and to RSVP,
visit http://www.sydneycommunitycollege.com.au/course/RPM2.

Monday 21 June - Friday 25 June - Sutherland Library
Refugee Film Festival
View 9 short films shown at the Australian Refugee Film Festival at the Sutherland Library lounge. The launch for the film festival will be on Monday the 21st of June at 10:00am.
Details: Screenings will be Monday - Friday: 10:00am, 2:00pm and 6:30pm and Saturday: 10:00am and 1:30pm in the library lounge, Sutherland Library, 30-36 Belmont Street, Sutherland NSW 2232.

Monday 21 June - Maitland
Freedom From Fear Celebration
The Celebration, a partnership between the Maitland Neighbourhood Centre, Northern Settlement Services and the ECC of Newcastle and the Hunter Region includes a morning tea, 3 refugee speakers, African dancing, singing, arts and crafts. There will also be an extensive display of memorabilia of the Greta Migrant Camp, with George Boyko from the ECC of Newcastle and the Hunter Region explains the origins of the display.
Details: 10:30am - 12:30pm; Rutherford Community Centre, Arthur St Maitland NSW 2320. For more information contact Nicole Cooney on 4932 0950 or nicole.mnc@live.com.au.

Monday 21 June - SBS TV
Movie - Baran
A racist, naive Iranian labourer falls in love when he realises that the
Afghan boy who stole his job and whom he was angry with, is actually a girl. Directed one of Iran's most celebrated directors, Majid Majidi and stars
Hossein Abedidi and Mohammad Reza Naji. (From Iran, in Farsi, English
subtitles) (Drama) 2001 (Rpt) PG WS
Details: 11.30pm, SBS 2. See www.sbs.com.au/refugees for more information.

Monday 21 June - Crows Nest
Freedom from Fear Workshop
The workshop aims to raise awareness of refugee settlement in Australia and promote harmony, understanding and acceptance of the diversity of Australia's cultural make-up through working in partnership with selected high schools in the Lower North Shore. The morning will include special Guest Speakers, information stall, free food and entertainment.
Details: 10:30am-1:00pm; Johnson Hall, Crow’s Nest Centre, 2 Ernest Place, Crows Nest NSW.

Tuesday 22 June - Fairfield
Fairfield Immigrant and Refugee Womens Network Refugee Week Celebration of Refugee Week
Organised by the Fairfield Immigrant and Refugee Womens Network, this morning event includes guest speakers, information and live performances.
Details: 10:00am - 12:30pm; Fairfield Community Hall, 25 Barbara Street, Fairfield, NSW. For enquiries please contact Nada Damcevska on 02 8717 4000.

Tuesday 22 June - Castle Hill
Freedom From Fear, Refugee Awareness Day
The Hills Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre would like to invite you to a refugee awareness session to promote understanding of why people become refugees, highlight their journey to Australia, listen to their stories and celebrate their contributions to society. Mr Paul Power, CEO of the Refugee Council of Australia will speak on the Australia Refugee Program and current issues affecting refugees. Light refreshments provided.
Details: 10:00am - 12:00pm; Pioneer Room, 2 Castle Grand, Cnr Pennant & Castle Street, Castle Hill. Please RSVP to arahman@thhpmrc.org.au, 9687 9901 or brangganadhan@thehills.nsw.gov.au, 9843 0192.

Tuesday 22 June - Tamworth
Celebrating Refugees in Our Community
An Afternoon tea with the local African Community.
Details: 5:30pm; Suite 10, 56 - 58 Dowe Street, Tamworth. For more information contact Amalin Sundaravej on 6766 5070 or nsstam@nsservices.com.au.

Tuesday 22 June - Armidale
An event for refugees: Morning Tea with the Mayor of Armidale
This is an event for Refugee settlers and their supporters living in Armidale, Northern NSW. This is an opportunity for Refugees to have a special meeting with the Mayor and to have a demonstration of the welcome that the Armidale Dumaresq Council has offered to Refugees.
Details: 10:30am; Armidale-Dumaresq Council chambers. RSVP to Angela  Clarke on 6770  3870 or aclarke@armidale.nsw.gov.au.

Wednesday 23 June - Elizabeth Bay
Beyond the Statistics - A Human Face
Join Jesuit Refugee Service to enjoy a barbeque and view an art exhibition, with work done by refugees and asylum seekers. We decided this year to look at the “Freedom from Fear” theme from a different angle – to look beyond the statistics and our own fears of people we don’t yet know, and see the human face of refugees.
Details: 11:30am - 2:00pm; Jesuit Refugee Service, 24 Roslyn Street, Elizabeth Bay, Sydney. For more details, contact Louise Stack on 9365 3888 or Louise.stack@jrs.org.au

Wednesday 23 June - Chippendale
Overboard Seminar Series - Mike Grewcock
Amnesty's NSW Refugee Network presents THE OVERBOARD SEMINARS - countering the myths with fact and informed opinion. Our respected guest speakers present their expertise in refugee-related fields and address your questions. Criminologist Michael Grewcock (UNSW) argues in his book "Border Crimes" that Australia's treatment of asylum seekers should itself be regarded as criminal. Join Amnesty on Wed 23 June to hear Grewcock explain how the concept of "state crime" might change our perceptions of "boat people" for ever.
Details: 6:30pm for 6:45p, start - 7:45pm; 1/79 Myrtle Street, Chippendale, Sydney. For more information contact Jo Lee on 0450 643 916 or nswrefugeeteam@amnesty.org.au.

Thursday 24 June - Liverpool
International Tracing
A free Red Cross information session for newly arrived refugees who have been separated from or have lost family members and relatives.
Details: 12:00pm-1:00pm; Liverpool Multicultural Resource Centre, 108 Moore Street, Liverpool NSW.

Tuesday 24 June - Newtown
Wrap with love
Open session of the Newtown Wrap with Love knitting group at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. There will be displays of wraps, a refugee awareness display and pictures of their use from around the world.
Details: 10:00am - 5:00pm; Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Bedford Street Newtown. For more information contact Paul Adabie on 9516 4755 or program@newtowncentre.org.

Thursday 24 June - Balmain
Refugee Week 2010 @ your library
Join us as we hear first-person stories of the journey to resettlement in Australia and of the work of local groups Bridge for Asylum Seekers and Balmain for Refugees. Refreshments provided. A free event, all are welcome!
Details: 2:00pm; Balmain Library, Ground floor, Balmain Town Hall, 370 Darling Street, Balmain. RSVP required - please call 9367 9215. For more information contact Bruce Carter on 9367 9266 or brucec@lmc.nsw.gov.au.

Friday 25 June - Penrith
Penrith Migrant & Refugee Anthology Launch
This marks the launch of the Penrith Migrant and Refugee Anthology which is a collection of stories written by school students after interviewing migrants and refugees living in the Penrith region.
Details: 10:30am - 1:00pm; Memorial Hall, St Marys Corner, Corner of Great Western Highway and Mamre Road. Event is free but RSVP is required. Please contact Rosie Smith at Penrith City Council on 4732 8096 or rsmith@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au.

Friday 25 June - Sydney City
Open morning at the Refugee Review Tribunal
The Refugee Review Tribunal will be hosting an open morning where visitors will be able to gain an insight into its operations. There will be short presentations from Registry staff, Legal Services, Country Research and Tribunal Members. A mock hearing will also take place and staff will be available to provide information and answer questions about the Tribunal’s processes. Light refreshments will be provided.
Details: 10:30am - 12:30pm; Refugee Review Tribunal, Level 11, 83 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000. Please RSVP by telephone or email to refugeeweek2010@mrt-rrt.gov.au or 02 9276 5443. If your RSVP is by email, please include the following subject line: Sydney - RRT open morning.

Friday 25 & Saturday 26 June - Albury
BOOK FAIR: A Bounty of Bargain Books!
The Murray Valley Sanctuary Refugee Group has collected thousands of used books of all descriptions. They will be on sale at bargain prices! All received funds will be used to assist in the support of refugees who will settle in the Albury-Wodonga area. Come along and find a special book or two! Enjoy a cuppa and a scone and chat with our volunteers, receive a lucky door ticket and indulge in the raffle with great prizes. Know that your participation and funds are helping refugees to gain freedom from fear!
Details: 9:00am - 4:00pm; St Davids Church Hall, Wilson Street, Albury, NSW 2640. For more information, contact Mary Doyle on 02 6021 0649.

Friday 25 June - Liverpool
Annual Street Festival
This annual Liverpool community event includes multicultural performances, information stalls and Liverpool ’s Annual Refugee Week Awards Ceremony. Special activities this year are the launch of “Refugee Migration Stories” and “Public Art Statement Project”. Refugee Migration Stories invites recently arrived refugees and refugees that have arrived in previous years to share experiences of settling in Australia. The aim of this project is to compare these experiences and raise awareness of changing needs and settlement services. Stories will be published and launched at the Street Festival on 25 June.
Details: 10:00am-2:00pm; Macquarie Street Mall, Liverpool NSW

Friday 25 June - Liverpool
Sharing our Culture With No Fear - Information Stall
The Sabian Mandaean Association Ltd will display authentic Mandaean artwork, traditional jewellery, religious candles, Mandaean logo/flag and books in the Mandaean language, folklore items and photos of Mandaean celebrities and achievers.
Details: 10:00am - 2:00pm; Macquarie Street Mall, Liverpool NSW.

Friday 25 June - King Street Warf
ALIV Fun Raiser Cocktail Cruise
The Australian League of Immigration Volunteers (ALIV) invites you to join in their Fun Raiser and celebration of Refugee Week 2010! It will be a hugely entertaining night with activities sourced from across our programs in Sydney, Darwin and Christmas Island, including -  African drumming, balloon tying, juggling, body art, party games, dancing and so much more! There will also be delicious canapés and unlimited beverages for all guests. The event is wholly run by volunteers, and every single dollar will be going towards the ALIV camps which are run throughout the year to provide much needed leisure time for refugee families. The camps are also vital to the development of the refugee children as they fire their imagination, expand their knowledge and heal their minds. Help ALIV raise $10,000 to not only sustain these camps, but to also make them better than ever!
Details: 6:30pm - 11:00pm. Pick up from King Street Wharf. The theme is wear your favourite colour! Tickets are $90 Standard Price, $80 students or ALIV volunteers. This is a 400 people capacity event and is anticipated to sell out. For tickets, enquiries or if you want to help out, feel free to contact Julia on fundraising@aliv.org.au or 0401 797 116.

Friday 25 June - Rockdale
Freedom from Fear: Theatre performance of the play Mr Balkan
Mr Balkan is a tragic-comedy play staged by the Australian-Macedonian Theatre of Sydney, directed by Stefo Nantsou. My Balkan is a very funny and sometimes bittersweet true story of a Macedonian man locked in a time of fear and upheaval. The play celebrates the survival of Macedonian refugee children and others around the world who've struggled through the harshest moments of history. The play will be performed in Sydney (two production), Quenbeyan, Wollongong and Newcastle.
Details: 7:30pm; Macedonian Cultural Centre Ilinden, 65 Railway Street, Rockdale. Tickets are $15, available from Kings Court Deli Rockdale, Fresh Cut Deli Mortdale and Izvor Deli Bankstown.For further information about the above events, call Dushan Ristevski on 0425231335.

Friday 25 June - Inverell
Tree Planting in Guide Park
Join Northern Settlement Services Ltd in planting a tree for the refugee community living in Inverell. The tree represents a relationship between the Inverell Community and people who arrived in Australia from Refugee backgrounds. We do this in recognition of the contribution made to Australia by the 700, 000  refugees who have come to Australia, and especially those who settled in Inverell, since the end of World War II and have supported our growth, strength and harmony. A light morning tea will follow at the Girl Guide Building.
Details: 10:30am; Guide Park, Campbell St, Inverell NSW 2360. For catering purposes, RSVP by the 21st of June to Katie Wright on 0423 573 939 or inverellnss@nsservices.com.au.

Friday 25 June - Leichhardt
Festival of Friendship
The Leichhardt Friends of Hebron are hosting a cultural event, 'Festival of Friendship,' to highlight the Palestinian refugee situation. The Festival of Friendship begins with the opening of a photography exhibition by Jamie Parker, Mayor of Leichhardt and Dr Izzatt Abdul-Hadi, Head of Palestinian Delegation in Australia, Um Yusuf, a Palestinian refugee and proud Australian and Randa Abdel-Fattah, an Australian author and human rights advocate. Great food and wine available throughout the night. The Leichhardt Friends of Hebron will be fundraising for a much needed kindergarten in the South Hebron Hills.
Details: Friday 7:00pm - late; Leichhardt Town Hall, cnr Marion and Norton Streets, Leichhardt NSW. Entry by donation. For more information contact Sonia on 02 9569 2584 or hebronleichhardt@gmail.com.

Friday 25 June - Bondi Beach
Workshop: A Day in the Life of a Refugee
The Australian Red Cross will be holding "A Day in the Life of Refugee" workshop for people to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people fleeing their homes and what essential services the Red Cross provides in this process. This workshop is recommended for community workers and people interested in refugee issues.
Details: 2:00pm - 4:00pm; High Tide Room, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach. For bookings and enquiries contact Joanne Harney on 9386 7923 or joanneh@waverley.nsw.gov.au. Limited spaces!

Friday 25 June - Bondi Beach
Refugee Action Coalition Community Advocacy Discussion
Join Ian Rintoul from the Refugee Action Coalition for a discussion about community advocacy, current legislation changes and refugees.
Details: 4:00pm - 5:00pm; High Tide Room, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach. For bookings and enquiries contact Joanne Harney on 9386 7923 or joanneh@waverley.nsw.gov.au.

Friday 25 June - Bondi Beach
Australian Refugee Film Festival Screening
The 4th annual Australian Refugee Film Festival will be screening for the first time at the Bondi Pavilion. This festival, organised by friends of STARRTS includes short films selected from around the world on a range of aspects of the refugee experience from homeland to settlement and beyond. This two hour film festival is a must see for anyone interested in social justice. The evening will be opened by the Mayor Sally Betts with special guest speakers. For more information on the festival visit www.australianrefugeefilmfestival.org.
Details: 6:30pm - 10:00pm; High Tide Room, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach. Entry by donation, everyone welcome. For bookings and enquiries contact Joanne Harney on 9386 7923 or joanneh@waverley.nsw.gov.au.

Friday 25 June - Randwick
Freedom From Fear – Stories of Courage
Come along for an evening of inspiration, courage and connection. Hear from trauma psychologist, Deb Gould; Refugee Services Coordinator, Avi Reitzer; Migration Support Programs; the Red Cross and a refugee who has made Australia home.
Details: 7:00pm - 8:30pm; Randwick Branch Library, Level 1, Royal Randwick Shopping Centre, Avoca Street, Randwick NSW 2031. Event is free, but RSVP is required. Please contact Michelle on 9399 6966 or michelle.kline@randwick.nsw.gov.au.

Friday 25 June - Singleton
Singleton Multicultural Women’s Group Refugee Event
Morning tea and guest speaker.
Details: 10:30am - 12:00pm; Singleton Library, Singleton. For more information contact Rose Oku on 4969 3399 or css_welfare@nsservices.com.au.

Friday 25 June - Coffs Harbour
2010 Austalian Refugee Film Festival
Coffs Harbour City Council invites you to a screening of the Australian Refugee Film Festival at an inaugural event, which will include performances by local refugee communities. Funds raised will go towards next year's annual Multicultural Harmony Festival (warning: parental guidance is recommended for children under 15 years of age).
Details: 6:30pm; entry $5; Coffs Harbour's Jetty Memorial Theatre; for more information contact Susan Clark on (02) 6648 4833 or susan.clarke@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Saturday 26 June - Leichhardt
Photo Exhibition
Photography exhibition by Al Khalil, Hebron: A city under siege. Open all day from 10am. The day also includes market stalls, speakers, presentations, discussion, film premiere and live music from 7pm onwards.
Details: 10:00am - late; Leichhardt Town Hall, cnr Marion and Norton Streets, Leichhardt NSW.

Saturday 26 June - City
Rally for Refugee Week: Refugees are Welcome! No to another Tampa election
The Rudd government’s decision to freeze new visa applications for Sri Lankan and Afghan refugees and re-open the notorious Curtin detention centre is a return to anti-refugee policies of the Howard government. The government's claim that the situation in Sri Lanka is improving was exposed as false by a US State Department report released in March which found Tamils and other opposition figures in Sri Lanka continue to suffer imprisonment, killing and discrimination. Afghanistan remains war-torn and unsafe due to occupation by US, Australian and other troops. Ethnic and religious minorities, including the Hazara population - the largest percentage fleeing the country, remain at risk of persecution. The UN recently closed its mission in Kandahar and evacuated foreign staff due to safety concerns. The re-opening of the Curtin detention centre to hold asylum seekers whose claims for refugee status have been frozen is also of grave concern. Curtin was one of the worst detention centres operated by the Howard government—located in the desert 28 hours by road from Perth. Come to the rally to demand that the visa freeze be lifted immediately, that detention centres like Curtin are closed and that the Australian government welcome refugee boats and put an end to the Howard government’s policy of offshore processing by closing the Christmas Island detention centre. Speakers include: Andrew Bartlett (The Greens) Shiko Hader (Afghan refugee), speaker from the Tamil community, Paul McAleer (Maritime Union of Australia) plus performances by the Solidarity and Sydney Trade Union Choirs.
Details: 1:00pm; Sydney Town Hall, marching to Dept of Immigration, Railway Square. For more information and updates visit http://refugeeactioncoalitionsydney.wordpress.com/or contact Ian Rintoul on 0417275713 or irintoul@ozemail.com.au.

Saturday 26 June - Marrickville
Community Indoor Soccer Tournament on World Refugee Rally Day
The annual Community Indoor Soccer tournament is a free community event that celebrates the contribution made by refugees to the Marrickville community. People of all ages form teams to take part in the round robin competition. Lunch is provided.
Details: 8:00am - 12.30pm; Debbie & Abbey Borgia Centre, 531 Illawarra Road Marrickville. Event is free, but registration is required. Contact Neil Finlay on 02 9335 2191 or recoff@marrickville.nsw.gov.au.

Saturday 26 June - Villawood
Refugee Week Celebration
This event is dedicated to those refugees who have been able to overcome their hardships. It will be a time to reflect on the many adverse trials and tribulations that asylum seekers and refugees have experienced over the years (and in the case of the Karen- at the hands of the Burmese military regime).The first part of the program includes speeches, refugee’s experience sharing, words of encouragement by elders, video documentary presentation and cultural performances. Refreshments will be served at the end of the first part of the program. The second part of the program begins with live entertainment. Food stalls will open for fundraising for the Internally displaced people of eastern Burma.
Details: 1:00pm - 4:00pm; Villawood Senior Citizens' Hall, Villawood, NSW, 2163. For more information contact Saw Lwin Oo on 0412 344 009. The event is free. If your group would like to perform, send your details by 19 June to Saw Lwin Oo, 0412344009.

Saturday 26 June - Granville
4th Annual Horn of Africa Cultural Night
This annual event celebrates African culture and heritage and is an opportunity to demonstrate the many successful African Australians living in the wider Australian community. Experience East African food and culture and entertainment by African performers. This is a free event.
Details: 6:00pm; Granville Town Hall, 10 Carlton Street, Granville (1 minute walk from Granville train station). Parking available at Granville Library. Please RSVP for catering purposes by contacting HARDA on 02 8762 4223 or harda@harda.org.au.

Saturday 26 June - Waratah
Freedom From Fear Celebration Dinner
In recognition of Refugee Week, the Ethnic Communities Council of Newcastle & Hunter Region Inc is hosting a 'Freedom from Fear' celebration dinner. All proceeds will assist year 10 refugee students at Waratah Technology Campus to attend a leadership camp.
Details: 6:00pm - 10:00pm; The John Gebhardt Centre, 2a Platt Street, Waratah (site of former Waratah Bowling Club). Tickets are $30pp (includes two course dinner and entertainment), tables of 6, BYO. To RSVP call Helen Paliokas on 02 4960 8248. Please advise dietary requirements when booking.

Saturday 26 June - Sans Souci
Refugee Week 2010 - Cruise the scenic Georges River
55 people of Refugee background and their families in St George region will cruise in Georges River with Bass and Flinders cruise.  The program consists of welcome speeches, performances, stories from refugees and fun activities. A lunch will be provided to participants. (Fully Booked)
Details:10:30am - 3:30pm; Sans Souci Wharf. For more information contact Jamal Bassam on 9330 6069 or jbassam@hurstville.nsw.gov.au.

Saturday 26 June - Auburn
Auburn Celebration of Freedom
Come along and bring the whole family to enjoy lots of fun activities at this Refugee Week celebration. The event will feature singing and dancing from diverse cultural groups, face painting, a jumping castle, a community art workshop to prepare a permanent mural painting at the Auburn Train Station, drumming workshops, culinary flavours of Auburn, show bags and much more. The event will also include presentation of the Western Sydney Refugee Youth Awards, designed to recognise the outstanding achievements of migrant and refugee young people in academia, sports, arts and community leadership.
Details: 12:00pm-4:00pm; Auburn Central; for more information phone (02) 9735 1288; for more information contact Patrick Baffoun on (02) 9735 1288 or 0420 922 958 or patrick.baffoun@auburn.nsw.gov.au

Saturday 26 June - Bathurst
Raising awareness of human rights abuses in Congo and the refugee experience
Members of the Congolese Community of Australia will be speaking and performing to raise awareness of human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Bathurst Refugee Support Group invites residents to attend what will be a thought provoking, compelling and educational event. There will be three speakers presenting the following topics:
• Stop the rape of the Congo
• Integration of Congolese in Australia: Challenges
• Refugee life experience: Women and children offshore and onshore
The event will also include a performance by Sudanese singer Mary Mamour and lunch provided by members of the Bathurst Refugee Support Group.
Details: 11:00am-2:00pm; Uniting Church Hall, William Street, Bathurst; direct media enquiries to Elysha Hickey on 0415 411 174 or ehickey@csu.edu.au

Sunday 27 June - North Sydney
Workshops organised by Christ Church Anglican Church
To coincide with Refugee Week, this workshop will help develop a better understanding of what it means to be a refugee and explain refugee issues as they impact the wider Australian community. Iranian refugee Amir Mesrinejad will tell the fascinating story of his experience as a refugee – his journey to Australia, his detention at Villawood and his acceptance into the Australian community, and Bruce Baird, former Member of Parliament, will give his observations on Amir’s experience and comment on the present “refugee problem” in Australia, the Christmas island detention centre and the decision to defer consideration for refugee status to all applicants from Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. There will be plenty of time for questions and comments from the floor.
Details: 2:00pm - 4:00pm; Christ Church, Lavender Bay, Corner Lavender and Walker Streets, North Sydney.

Tuesday 29 June - Manly
Refugee Week Celebration
Presentation of a powerful DVD, 'Surviving War, Surviving Peace' and two refugee guest speakers (Mr Sawathey Ek OAM, Barrister and Masters of Law and Pavica Kupack, Journalist and Welfare) who came to Australia as refugees and have very successfully, not only settled but contributed to Australian Society in the fields of Law and Welfare. Morning Tea will be provided.
Details: 10:00am - 12:00pm; Manly Community Centre, 12 Wentworth Street, Manly, NSW 2095. Please RSVP to Maria-Elena Chidzey on 02 9977 1066 or Mcc6@bigpond.net.au.

Saturday 3 July - Bankstown
Freedom from Fear: Theatre performance of the play Mr Balkan
Mr Balkan is a tragic-comedy play staged by the Australian-Macedonian Theatre of Sydney, directed by Stefo Nantsou. My Balkan is a very funny and sometimes bittersweet true story of a Macedonian man locked in a time of fear and upheaval. The play celebrates the survival of Macedonian refugee children and others around the world who've struggled through the harshest moments of history. The play will be performed in Sydney (two production), Quenbeyan, Wollongong and Newcastle.
Details: 7:30pm; The Theatre at Bankstown Town Hall, Crn Chapel and Rickard Road, Bankstown. Tickets are $15, available from Kings Court Deli Rockdale, Fresh Cut Deli Mortdale and Izvor Deli Bankstown. For further information about the above events, call Dushan Ristevski on 0425 231 335.