From the 18th to the 24th of June, we celebrate Refugee Week. This week aims to raise awareness and create a better understanding between communities regarding the successful integration of refugees, whilst making positive and valuable contributions to Australia. This year’s theme is ‘Finding Freedom’.
As stated on refugeeweek.org.au the aims of Refugee Week are:
- to educate the Australian public about who refugees are and why they have come to Australia
- to help people understand the many challenges refugees face coming to Australia
- to celebrate the contribution refugees make to our community
- to focus on how the community can provide a safe and welcoming environment for refugees
- for community groups and individuals to do something positive for refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people, within Australia but also around the world
- for service providers to reflect on whether they are providing the best possible services to refugees
The first Refugee Week event was held in 1886, organised by Austcare, and soon became a national event in 1988. It has also been celebrated in other countries over the past 20 years. During this week, communities are able to experience the diversity of refugee communities through dance, music, film and more. Many schools, businesses, councils, community organisations and faith-based organisations often host or take part in Refugee Week events.
“Let us show compassion and celebrate the resilience that makes up parts of our wider community. For freedom should not be an ask, it should be a way of life.”
