REFUGEE WEEK EVENTS

Victoria

Monday 21 June - Melbourne
Launch of Refugee Week
Refugee Week 2010 will be launched in Melbourne a press conference event.Speakers will include John Gibson, President of RCOA; Pino Migliorino, Chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia (FECCA); Malcolm Fraser, former Prime Minister of Australia; Michael Gawenda, former editor of The Age and former refugee; and Nyadol Nyuon, former refugee. FECCA Director Megan Layton will be MC at the event.
Details: 10:30am-11:30am; Victorian Parliament House, Spring Street, East Melbourne; if you wish to attend, please contact the RCOA Melbourne office on (03) 9600 3302 or melbourne@refugeecouncil.org.au

Thursday 17 June - Epping
Whittlesea Community Connections
The Whittlesea Refugee Week event will celebrate the area’s long history of welcoming refugee communities by sharing what is common to us all – food, music and dance.  All are welcome to share in this free and local community event.
Details: 11.00am - 2:00pm; Epping Memorial Hall 827 High St, Epping, VIC. For more information contact Emma Antonetti on 9401 6666.

Saturday 19 June - Croydon
Freedom From Fear: A celebration in Eastern Melbourne of the contributions and achievements of people who have experienced life as a refugee.
A community event for people in the Eastern Region of Melbourne to meet recently-arrived people from refugee backgrounds to learn about their experiences and culture, and celebrate their achievements and contributions.  There will be dance and music performances, a soccer competition, art and craft displays and demonstrations, face painting and many other children’s activities, food tasting and much more.
Details: 1:00pm - 4:00pm; Maroondah Secondary College, Brentnall Road, Croydon. Wheelchair Accessible Limited Parking Available. Bus Route 670 departs from Croydon Station at 12.35pm & 1.15pm and departs from Ringwood Station at 12.20pm & 1.00pm. For more information contact the Migrant Information Centre on 03 9285 4888.

Saturday 19 June - Fitzroy
No Worries Festival
Join us for a vibrant, eclectic mix of music, soccer, information and fun on the eve of Refugee Week. There will be a soccer tournament, face painting and a visit from the fire brigade. With music and CD giveaway, the No Worries Festival promises to be fun for the whole family! The No Worries Festival is being staged by a Youth Advisory Group made up of young people from diverse cultural backgrounds in the Fitzroy area. These emerging leaders identified a need for young people in the community to get assistance connecting with service providers.  They identified music and sport as the most dynamic ways to engage young people, so the festival was born. This team of young people have created a CD that includes music and service provider info. They have also organised soccer teams for a tournament at the event.  Through this process the group is learning skills in event planning and preparation, and community mobilisation.The Brotherhood’s Ecumenical Migration Centre (EMC) and the Fitzroy Learning Network (FLN) support the Youth Advisory Group and have worked in partnership with them to plan the event.
Details: 10:00am - 2:30pm; Atherton Gardens Oval, Napier Sreet, Fitzroy Victoria. (opposite 156 Napier Street). For more information contact Tara on 03 9417 2897 or tara@fitzroylearningnetwork.org.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 - Ballarat
Refugee Day 2010 and Africa Day celebrations
This event, hosted by the Ballarat African Association, will celebrate the new lives of African refugees in Ballarat. The event will also provide an opportunity to belatedly celebrate Africa Day (25 May). The event will include recognition of refugees, individuals and institutions who are working selflessly in the community to empower others.
Details: 4:00pm-11:00pm; Cooinda Hall, 10 Learmonth Road, Wendouree, Ballarat VIC 3354; for more information and to RSVP contact Wilbert Mapombere on (03) 5227 2918 or 0448 842 307.

Sunday 20 June - Fitzroy
Emerge Festival
From Africa to the Far East, from the traditional to the contemporary, from the emerging to the established, music, dance, visual arts, exotic foods, ancient crafts and ceremonies. Emerge Festival is a dynamic celebration of Victoria’s many rich and undiscovered refugee and emerging cultures. Emerge Festival, organised by Multicultural Arts Victoria, commemorates the United Nations World Refugee Day and celebrates Refugee Week in Australia with a series of amazing performances and unique cultural experiences around Melbourne from 20 June to 3 August.
Details: 12:00pm - 5:00pm; Fitzroy Town Hall 201 Napier St Fitzroy. Entry is free.

Sunday 20 June - Melbourne
Rally and March on World Refugee Day
Join the "Refugee Advocates Network" for a major rally on World Refugee Day.
The recent decisions to freeze processing of all claims by asylum seekers from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, and to re-open the notorious Curtin detention centre, are taking us back to the dark days of Australia's recent past. Refugees should be welcomed to this country, not vilified, victimised and used as political footballs to secure electoral advantage. Seeking asylum is not a crime - it is a human right. Help make sure that it is not only those promoting intolerance and inhumane policies who are heard in this election year.
Details: 12:00pm; State Library, Swanston Street. To add your endorsement please email refugeeadvocacynetwork@gmail.com or call 0413 377 978. For more information visit the rally website:
https://sites.google.com/site/worldrefugeedaymelbourne/

Sunday 20 June - Torquay
'Kindness'
This event will be included in the Torquay Froth and Bubble Literary Festival, June 19-20. ‘Kindness’ will be presented by actress Anne Phelan. She will use music, stories and poems to highlight the needs of asylum seekers and refugees. Surf Coast RAR will also offer a display of books, paintings, photographs and posters. The Refugee Week theme of ‘Freedom from Fear’ will be strengthened during the Festival with writers like Arnold Zable (as Keynote Speaker on Saturday June 19, 10.05 -11am) and Dr Serge Liberman (speaking of his experiences as a refugee, Sunday afternoon June 20).
Details: 3:00pm - 4:00pm; Torquay P12 College  Grossmans Rd, Torquay Victoria, 3228. Entry is free, See www.torquayfrothandbubbleliteraryfestival.com for more details.

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.

Monday 21 June - Fitzroy
Refugee Week Focused Programming on Melbourne Ethnic Community Radio – 92.3 FM
ECCV in partnership with ethnic community radio station 3ZZZ 92.3FM, will be broadcasting an hour long program during Refugee Week 2010. The program will explore how ethnic communities can better represent themselves in the mainstream media – by providing concrete steps to getting your message heard and to combat negative stereotypes. The program will include excerpts from the recent ECCV Spotlight on Stereotypes media forum featuring Indira Naidoo, Misha Ketchell, Paul Cutler, Dr Andre Renzaho, Aamer Raham, Brian Walers and Andrew Jackubowicz. These experts will give the inside story on the Australian media and debate whether fair reporting and representation has a future.
Details: Monday June 21 from 9am – 10am; 3ZZZ – Melbourne Ethnic Community Radio – 92.3 FM. For further information, please contact Sarah Hunt on 03) 9349 4122 or email shunt@eccv.org.au

Monday 21 June - Footscray
Western Bulldogs ESL AFL Cup
The ESL Cup is a football (AFL) tournament for students at secondary schools that are studying English as a Second Language. The newly arrived Australians will be competing in football matches with the aim to promote the game of AFL football and to celebrate diversity.
Details: 10:00am - 2:00pm; Whitten Oval, 417 Barkly Street, Footscray. For more information contact Nish Moses on 03 9680 6166 or nish.moses@westernbulldogs.com.au.

Monday 21 June - Dandenong
Freedom from Fear and Towards Better Mental Health
The Women’s Health In the South East are dedicating a day to give a positive message on good mental health and wellbeing, emphasising the individuals who came to Australia as refugees or asylum seekers. A range of activities have been organised including a walking and exercise group, guest speakers who work with refugees including a medical practitioner, hearing refugee stories and experiences and dancing and arts and craft workshops. Light lunch will be provided.
Details: 10:00am - 4:00pm; 15 Scott Street Dandenong, Victoria. There is no cost, but please RSVP to Iresha Buthgamuwa on 03 9794 8677 or ibuthgamuwa@whise.org.au.

Monday 21 June - University of Melbourne
Free Public Lecture
Free public lecture on the mental health needs of asylum seekers, presented by Professor Patrick McGorry, Australian of the Year 2010. Prior to the lecture, Sir Gustav Nossal will launch the “Refugees’ Australian Stories” project. The “Refugees’ Australian Stories” project materials will be presented on the Researchers for Asylum Seekers website (visit www.ras.unimelb.edu.au), on LCD screens at University of Melbourne libraries, and broadcast by the National Ethnic & Multicultural Broadcasters' Council (www.nembc.org.au).
Details: 6:15pm - 8:00pm; Copland Theatre, Economics and Commerce Building, University of Melbourne.

Monday 21 June - Melbourne
Open Afternoon at the Refugee Review Tribunal
The Victorian Registry of the Refugee Review Tribunal will be hosting an open afternoon where visitors will gain an insight into its operations. There will be short presentations from Registry staff, Legal Services, Country Research and Tribunal Members. A staged 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: 2:30pm - 4.30pm; Refugee Review Tribunal, Level 12, 460 Lonsdale St, Melbourne. RSVP to refugeeweek2010@mrt-rrt.gov.au or phone 03 8600 5812.

Monday 21 June - Yarraville
Refugee Week Film Festival
The evening will feature War Child, an international award winning film which follows the story of hip hop artist Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier in Sudan’s brutal civil war. Interspersed with original interviews, live concerts and shocking rare footage of Emmanuel as a seven year-old
boy, War Child is raw and confronting and celebrates the power of hope. The evening also features a series of fabulous short films showcasing the talents and stories of community members from a refugee background. Come along to celebrate the beginning of Refugee Week
and to learn more about the refugee experience. These films may contain scenes that are distressing to some viewers. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Details: 6:30pm - 9:30pm; Sun Theatre, 8 Ballarat Street, Yarraville, Victoria. Gold coin donation. Please RSVP to 9688 0148 or csi@citywestwater.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. See www.sbs.com.au/refugees for more information.

Tuesday 22 - 27 June - Box Hill
Refugee Week Exhibition
Each year the Box Hill Community Arts Centre displays an exhibition to recognise Refugee Week. An opportunity currently exists for any refugee artists or relevant community organisations that would like to participate in this years exhibition at the Box Hill Community Arts Centre.
Details: 470 Station Street, Box Hill, VIC. For more information please contact the Centre on (03) 9895 8888 or email bhcac@whitehorse.vic.gov.au.

Tuesday 22 June - Carlton
Professional Learning Activity
Come and hear Robert Hillman and Najaf Mazari talk about their collaboration on Najaf’s refugee story, The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif. Refreshments will be provided.
Details: 4:30pm - 6:30pm; Statewide Resource Centre, 150 Palmerston Street, Carlton. Cost is free, but please RSVP to Daina Coles on 03) 9637 2132 or email Coles.daina.d@edumail.vic.gov.au.

Tuesday 22 - Wednesday 23 June - Carlton
Justice for Refugees Program Symposium
The Symposium aims to bring together key stakeholders involved in the establishment and management of multicultural liaison, community engagement officers and community educators. It provides an opportunity for all agencies involved to collectively share best practice models, information and identify current and possible and future challenges each agency may face regarding service provision.
Details: Ridgest on Swanston, 701 Swanston Street, Carlton. For more details phone 0429 230 316 or email doj.rsvp@justice.vic.gov.au.

Tuesday 22 June - University of Melbourne.
As part of the Australian Refugee Film Festival, RAS will be screening short films made by, with or about refugees, asylum seekers or internally displaced persons. Details: 6.15pm; Latham Theatre, Redmond Barry Building (ground floor), University of Melbourne. Visit www.unimelb.edu.au for details.

Tuesday 22 June - Collingwood
City of Yarra Refugee Week Celebrations
The Yarra Settlement Forum is celebrating Refugee Week on the 22nd of June at Collingwood Town Hall. Local school students will be attending but all are welcome to attend and join in the various cultural activities on the day, including drumming, story telling and a cultural games clinic.
Details: 10:00am - 2:00pm; Collingwood Town Hall, 201 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC. To find out more about the event please contact Melinie Ridge on 94113525.

Tuesday 22 June - East Melbourne
An Introduction to Refugee Advocacy
What are the most effective ways to advocate for refugees in the current Australian political climate? How do we lobby for change and campaign on issues such as increased quotas, boat arrivals and detention centres? Guest speaker Pamela Curr is the Campaign Coordinator of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and is a long-time advocate for refugee rights.
Details: 5:30pm - 8:00pm; Mezzanine, Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane. Register online at http://crisishub.org.au/campaigns/evening-sessions-registration/.

Tuesday 22 June - Flagstaff Gardens
Statewide Multicultural Sport forum for Refugee Week: Winning Tactics - successful projects involving young refugees and migrants in sport
Are you trying to involve young refugees and newly-arrived migrants in your sports and recreation programs but are not sure where to start? Or are you just keen to hear about other programs and get some new ideas? Come to the forum and hear about soccer and cooking classes for young refugees in Dandenong, refugee young people learning to swim in Werribee, one young man’s journey from Endeavour Hills to US College Basketball, young people doing it for themselves and more!
Details: 9:30am-12:30pm; Melbourne Bowls Club, in the Flagstaff Gardens. RSVP to info@cmy.net.au.

Wednesday 23 June -Braybrook
Cultural Games
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about other culture’s traditional games and sports such as Kabaddi, Cane Ball, Toma Todo and Truyen-Truyen. People from refugee and multicultural backgrounds will have the opportunity to share their games and teach it to the community.
Details: 10:00am - 12:00pm; RecWest Community Centre, Lily Street, Braybrook VIC. Please RSVP to Kiemi Lai on (03) 9680 6182 or kiemi.lai@westernbulldogs.com.au.

Wednesday 23 June - Federation Square
Freedom from Fear through The Song Room
New arrival students from English Language Schools participating in Song Room workshop programs will perform and the audience will also see a professional performance by Peter Gray.  A visual performer, Peter’s expressive characterisations are full of humour, gentle whimsy and pathos. His outstanding mime and circus skills, a striking set and beautiful soundtrack combine in an unforgettable theatrical experience which has touched and delighted audiences throughout Australia.
Details: 11:00am – 12.30pm; BMW Edge, Federation Square. RSVP required. Please contact Debora Nicolson on (03) 9495 6422 or deborah@songroom.org.au.

Wednesday 23 June - Dandenong
Connecting Youth Services
This special event, coordinated by OnSide Victoria is designed to provide an insight into the critical issues relating to youth in new and emerging communities, hear how 'positive' results are being achieved by proactive community service providers, expose participants to new ideas and innovative methods for community capacity building, interact and develop networks and links related to the community services sector and is an opportunity to promote your services and products to new clients. Trade tables available contact Lorraine Borthwick on 9705 0666 / 0419 789 280.
Details: 1:30pm - 5:00pm; Chisholm Institute, Stud Road, Dandenong, VIC. To register visit http://sofiiconnectingyouthservices.eventbrite.com. RSVP essential - pleas contact Gen Dawson on 9705 0666 by the 16th of June.

Wednesday 23 June - Brimbank
Refugee Week Conversations
Join Brimbank City Council to celebrate Refugee Week in Brimbank.  Commencing at 10:00am, enjoy light refreshments whilst being entertained by Brimbank’s ‘Singlish’ group and a Bosnian dance group.   From 11:00am hear highly praised writer Arnold Zable lead our guest speakers in group discussions about their experiences of coming to Australia and resettlement. Connect with our speakers formerly from Sudan, Iran and Bosnia to engage in discussion topics.  Followed by a delicious lunch, use the opportunity to network and further speak with our guests.
Details: 10:00am-1:00pm; Victoria University Convention Centre, Ballarat Road Sunshine; RSVP to Chris McIntyre on (03) 9361 6603, 0400 955 811 or chrismac@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Thursday 24 June - Footscray
Inter-AMES Football Carnival
Come and see students from the Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES) Youth Sports Program display their football skills at the home of the Western Bulldogs, Whitten Oval. All the students are newly arrived to Australia and have come via countries as diverse as Ethiopia, Burma, Vietnam, China and Sudan. Despite only learning how to play Australia’s national game for a short time, the students’ natural athletic talents and enthusiasm will amaze you. The students have been training hard over the past school term to represent their AMES centre. Werribee and Footscray are locked at one championship each. Come along to find out who will lead the championship count after the 3rd annual Inter-AMES Football Carnival.
Details: 10:30am - 12:30pm; Whitten Oval, 417 Barkly Street, Footscray, VIC.For more information contact Kiemi Lai on (03) 9680 6182 or kiemi.lai@westernbulldogs.com.au.

Thursday 24 June - Shepparton
Celebrating New Arrivals and Cultural Diversity
The event will include a panel of refugees from a vareity of backgrounds, telling stories and answering questions and a UCCE staff panel to discuss programs and answer questions. Lunch is also provided.
Details: 11:00am - 2:00pm; 136 Maude Street, Shepparton, VIC 3630. Cost TBC. For more information contact Angela O'Connor on (03) 5831 6157.

Thursday 24 June - Fitzroy
Refugee Week Lunch
This event is an opportunity to share lunch with Brotherhood of St Laurence staff and Ecumenical Migration Centre (EMC) clients and community groups associated with the EMC to celebrate refugee week. The event is free.
Details: 12:30 - 1:30; Brotherhood of St Laurence Head Office, Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. For more details contact Alana Smith on 9483 1393 or Asmith2@bsl.org.au.

Thursday 24 June - Hoppers Crossing
Wyndham Refugee Week – Celebrating our Freedom
The Wyndham Humanitarian Network is hosting an event to celebrate freedom and uphold multiculturalism in our community. There will be performances from the Karen and Sudanese community to artistically showcase their victories in dance. The mayor will grace the event and a light lunch will be served.
Details: 10:30am - 2:00pm; Wyndham Events and Leisure Centre, 80 Derrimut Rd, Hoppers Crossing, VIC 3029. For more information contact Judy Bowman on 03 9742 4013 or judyb@werribeecc.net

Thursday 24 June - Whittlesea
Refugee Week Youth Celebration
This event, designed for young people aged 12-25 years, will include a photo exhibition, Refugee Experience DVD and a halal lunch.
Details: 4:00pm-6:00pm; Edge – Services for Young People, Shop MM1, Westfield Plenty Valley Shopping Centre, 415 McDonalds Road, Mill Park (Melway: 183 B11); RSVP by 21 June to Abdi on 0408 104 723 or 9404 8800 or email abdi.aden@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Thursday 24 June - Dandenong
Refugee Week Celebration 2010
South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre invites to to an entertaining celebration of Refugee Week. The event will include multicultural dance and music performances, hip hop performances and free food.
Details: 5:00pm -7:30pm; South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre, Level 1, 314 Thomas Street, Dandenong.

Friday 25 June - Footscray
“A Taste of Home” Cultural Food Expo
Come and taste different food from around the world at “A Taste of Home” – a cultural food expo as part of Maribyrnong Refugee Week 2010. Enjoy some food sampling, music, food demonstrations, dancing and other entertainment on the day.
Details: 12:00pm - 3:00pm; Footscray Baptist Church Hall 60 Paisley Street, Footscray. For more information, contact Nicole Kopel on 9334 6657 or nicoleko@wrhc.com.au.

Friday 25 June - Across Victoria
Asylum Seekers Resource Centre 2010 Refugee Week Essay & Poster Competition for High School Students
Victorian school students from years 7 to 10 are invited to write an essay or design a poster that reflects on the National Refugee Week theme of "Freedom from Fear". Entries will be judged on accuracy and depth of understanding shown of asylum seeker issues, as well as the creativity, originality, and positive impact of the work with regard to the aim of raising public awareness.
Details: For entry forms and more information contact Jana Favero on (03) 9326 6066 or youth@asrc.org.au.

Friday 25 June - St Kilda
Anytime the Wind Can Change
Arnold Zable recounts tales of immigrant and refugee stories performed with singer – songwriter Kavisha Mazzella. This is an event to fundraise for the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Program. Morning tea also provided. The event is open to community members as well as Port Phillip Council Staff.
Details: 10:30am - 11:30am; St Kilda Town Hall Council Chamber, Brighton Road (corner Carlisle Street), St Kilda. Gold coin donation on entry. Please RSVP to Cristina Del Frante on 03 9209 6385 or cdelfrat@portphillip.vic.gov.au.

Friday 25 June - Brunswick
Celebrating Refugee Week 2010
Featuring musical performances from several members of the Asylum Seekers Welcome Centre community, as well as locally renowned artists Jodie Lane and Bad Boys Batucada, this event will celebrate refugee week and support the clients of the Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre.
Details: 6:00pm - 9:00pm; Brunswick Town Hall, Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056. $10 entry. Finger food provided. Alcohol will not be served at this event. For more information visit www.aswc.org.au.

Friday  25 June – Fitzroy
Ogaden Cultural Day
This event is an opportunity for the Ogaden Community to invite and inform agencies, government and other stake holders about who the Ogaden Community is, including our background, our strengths, culture and needs adjusting to Australia. It is also an opportunity for the Ogaden Community to feel more included in the mainstream community. There will also be culture food and dances.
Details: 6:30pm-9:30pm; Fitzroy Town Hall , 201 Napier Street, Fitzroy VIC; for more information contact Mrta Kreiser on (03) 9483 2472 or 0401 478 158 or e-mail mkreiser@bsl.org.au

Saturday 26 June - Altona Meadows
Melodius Operandi – Music Performance
Melodius Operandi is an exciting group of musicians from a variety of multicultural backgrounds who use world music to celebrate the coming together of many cultures. Instruments played include the Borneo ‘sapeh’ lute, acoustic and electric guitar, harmonica, latin percussion and woodwind instruments. Organised by Hobsons Bay Libraries, this is a free performance for the whole family.
Details: 11:00am - 12:00pm; Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, 2 Newham Way, Central Square Shopping Centre. To RSVP call 9932 3020 or book online www.melodius.eventbrite.com.

Saturday 26 June - Fitzroy
Songs and stories of the journeys – to Australia from Africa and Burma
The Sierra Leonean women of Kankelay present songs and stories of their last 10 years, journeying from Africa to Australia. Young Karen musicians from Burma bring a batch of new, original songs, with Moses Chitlu Wyn. Imaginative, inspiring Australian musician Mal Webb will host the night.
Details: 8:00pm; 1 Mark Street, North Fitzroy. Cost = $18/$12. No RSVP required, but bookings and enquires are welcome on 9417 1983.

Saturday 26 June - Preston
Refugee Week Concert
Darebin City Brass Community Youth Band is holding a Refugee Week concert. Federal Member for Batman Martin Ferguson, Victorian Member for Preston Robin Scott and local councillors will be in attendance.
Details: 2:00pm; Salvation Army Hall, Gower Street, Preston VIC.

Saturday 26 June - Springvale
Justice and Freedom for Refugees
This event, hosted by Justice and Freedom for Ceylon Tamils, will provide an opportunity for refugee communities, refugee advocates and refugee young people to gather an exchange their experiences both back at home and in Australia.
Details: 5:30pm for a 6:00pm start; $15 includes entry and meal; Springvale Town Hall Supper Room; RSVP essential to wickiram@hotmail.com; for more information contact Sanganatham at sangantham@gmail.com

From Sunday 27 June - St Kilda
Children in Detention Exhibition
An exhibition of drawings by children held in the Woomera and Maribyrnong Detention Centres.
Details: until 8 August 2010; Gross Gallery, Jewish Museum of Australia, 26 Alma Rd St Kilda; for opening hours and admission prices see www.jewishmuseum.com.au

Friday 2 July - Melbourne
Celebrating the work of pioneering Eritrean women in Victoria
The Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women's Coalition (VIRWC) invites you to the 2010 Women's Power Forum. The forum will celebrate the work of the Eritrean Women's Group, which organised and implemented the first educational campaign against female circumcision in Australia. The event will be hosted by Joan Kirner, VIRWC patron, and speakers will include Munira Adam, Amara Hamid, Meriem Idriess and Amina Maleken.
Details: 12:00pm-2:00pm; $15 entry (includes lunch); Queen Victoria Women's Centre, Victoria Room, 210 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC; RSVP by Wednesday 30 June to (03) 9654 1245 or virwc@virwc.org.au