'The police had machine guns and they were shooting at us.'
Actor, writer and director Tony Le Nguyen fled Vietnam with his family in the wake of the Vietnam war.
Read more about: Tony's story
Refugee Week events calendar: New South Wales
Sydney launch of Refugee Week - 18 June
The Sydney Refugee Week launch will be held on Saturday 18 June from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Pitt Street Uniting Church (264 Pitt Street, Sydney). It will feature the Dario Palermo Refugee Art Exhibition, presentation of 2011 Refugee Humanitarian Awards, a screening of the Australian Refugee Film Festival, speakers and entertainment. All members and supporters of RCOA are invited to attend.
| Ariana Glass Art Exhibition Tuesday 31 May to Friday 24 June, Griffith An exquisite glasswork exhibition featuring hand engraved and painted crystal glasses, plates and vases, some of which are Bohemia crystal. All pieces handcrafted by a newly-arrived Afghan refugee who learned his craft in Afghanistan and Lebanon. All pieces are individual and for sale. Details: 10:00am-5:00pm Monday to Friday; Griffith Regional Theatre, 1 Benerembah Street, Griffith; for further details contact Margaret Kind on (02) 6962 9985 or margaret.king@griffith.nsw.gov.au |
| Public speaking, confidence-building and storytelling workshop Wednesday 1 June, Parramatta This workshop is being hosted by the Hills Holroyd Parramatta MRC as part of 2011 Refugee Week celebrations. Details: from 5:45pm; Level 4, 1 Horwood Place, Parramatta; for further details call (02) 9687 9901. |
| Putting the pieces together: a network forum Tuesday 7 June, Parramatta This forum, hosted by the Hills Holroyd Parramatta MRC, will feature presentations on employment, education and housing. Details: 1:00pm-4:00pm; Level 4, 1 Horwood Place, Parramatta; for further details call (02) 9687 9901. |
| Refugee book and cultural displays Thursday 16 June to Monday 27 June, Marrickville Marrickville library will be holding a refugee book display to raise the awareness of Refugee issues. To complement this display the library in partnership with Metro Migrant Resource Centre will show case a Refugee cultural display to celebrate the culture and diversity of Refugee in Australia. Details: Marrickville Library, cnr Marrickville and Petersham Roads, Marrickville; |
| Annual World Refugee Day Breakfast Friday 17 June, Sydney. With guest speaker Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC. With Master of Ceremonies Mr Les Murray AM. Funds raised will support community projects in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda. Details: ticket price $100 (table of 10 $1,000; corporate table of 10 $2,000 includes a tax deductible donation of $1,000). 7:15am for 7:30am-9:00am; Grand Ballroom, Lower Level, The Westin Sydney, 1 Martin Place, Sydney; for further details call (02) 92 766 812 or email rsvp@unsrefugees.org.au |
| Refugee Week Launch: Human Libraries Program Friday 17 June, Marrickville The Refugee Week Launch will premiere Marrickville Council's Human Libraries project, which showcases people from refugee backgrounds telling their stories. Our 'Human Books' have arrived from countries as diverse as Sierra Leone, Bosnia and Tibet. The Human Libraries project is supported by the Metro Migrant Resource Centre. Council's History and Library Services will also display refugee literature and cultural artefacts with the support of the Metro Migrant Resource Centre. Details: 2:00pm-4:00pm; Marrickville Library; RSVP to Dina Petrakis on (02) 9335 2156 or coordcpp@marrickville.nsw.gov.au |
| Sew Dolls for Orphans at Weftshop Workshops Saturday 18 June, Sydney Celebrate Refugee Week 2011 by joining Weftshop and women from Sydney's Karen refugee community to make as many beautiful dolls as we can to send to orphans in refugee camps on the Thai-Burma border. This is an opportunity to connect with women from different backgrounds in a creative way, share sewing skills and support communities in need on the Thai-Burma border. Doll or similar sewing experience is not essential, although we'd love to have some experienced hands to help others in the workshops. Fabrics supplied but donations/scraps gratefully accepted. Details: 9:00am-12:30pm; venue TBA; RSVP to Emma on 0402 253 889 or email weftshop@gmail.com |
| Hebron Leichhardt Festival of Friendship Saturday 18 June A multicultural event of music, photography, film, food and forums fundraising for a preschool in the South Hebron Hills of Occupied Palestine. This is a safe place for Palestinian refugees to tell their stories, for us to listen. Our exhibition 'Palestine to Remember' highlights the plight of Palestinian refugees (formal opening at 1:00pm). Come at 2:30pm to enjoy coffee before the film 'Return to Gaza' where a young Australian tells of his journey back to the place of his birth (3:00pm). Our forum (4:30pm) addresses the topical question of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions then the day concludes with food, wine, music and dance. Details: this is a free event but donations are appreciated; 12:00pm-8:00pm; Leichhardt Town Hall; for further details visit www.hebronleichhardt.wordpress.com, e-mail hebronleichhardt@gmail.com or call Miriam on 0414 589 643. |
| Football United v Tribal Warrior Cup Gala Day Saturday 18 June, Redfern A fun, festive, family-friendly football gala day bringing together the Sydney refugee and indigenous Koori communities in a celebration of culture, diversity and a shared love of sport. The main event will be a football game between a Football United team and a Tribal Warrior team comprised of indigenous Australians. Details: National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, Redfern; for further details contact Ziyad on 0438 618 876 or ziyadspringborg@hotmail.com |
| Refugee Week celebration Saturday 18 June, Carramar The Australian Karen Organisation is once again participating in the yearly Refugee Week program. The aims of celebration are to celebrate the contributions refugees make to Australian society; to inform the Australian public about who refugees are and why they have come to Australians; and to raise community awareness among Australian friends with regard to the human rights and humanitarian situation in Burma. Details: 3:00pm-6:00pm; Conference Hall, STARTTS, 152-168 The Horsley Drive, Carramar; for further details contact Saw Lwin Oo on (02) 9632 6248 or saw_lwinoo@yahoo.com.au |
| It's time...to end mandatory detention: Rally and festival for World Refugee Day Sunday 19 June, Sydney A range of organisations, including The Refugee Action Coalition, Chilout! Edmund Rice Centre, Balmain for Refugees, The Greens, Labor for Refugees, university refugee rights groups, and various trade unions have come together to organise a rally and festival to mark World Refugee Day. It will commence at Sydney Town Hall at 12 noon. While the full list of speakers and performers is still being finalised, we expect this will be an exciting and well attended event. Further details will be forthcoming. Details: 12:00pm-4:00pm; Town Hall (start), festival venue TBC; for further details contact Mark Goudkamp on 02-80349317 or 0422078376 or email markgoudkamp@gmail.com |
| Special Service to mark Refugee Week followed by reception Sunday 19 June, Ingleside The service will feature readings from the sacred scriptures of the world's religions and performance by the Baha'i Temple choir. Following the service, a reception will be held in the Visitors' Centre from 12:00pm. The reception will include children and youth reading selected stories from the book 'Dark Dreams, Australian Refugee Stories by young writers aged 11-20 years', edited by Sonja Dechian, Heather Millar and Eva Sallis. Details: 11:00am-1:00pm; Sydney Baha'i Temple and Vistors' Centre, 173 Mona Vale Road, Ingleside;; for further details contact Venus Khalessi on (02) 9746 8347 or Venus9@gmail.com |
| BBQ with displays and documentary screening Sunday 19 June, St Ives This event will include a sausage sizzle with display boards providing information on refugees, followed by a screening of the documentary 'A Well-Founded Fear'. Hosted by Corpus Christi Catholic Church St Ives. Details: 7:00pm; Church Hall, 263 Mona Vale Road, St Ives; for further details contact Luke Keighery on (02) 9498 8139 or lkeighery@msn.com.au |
| Conversations with Karen: Art Exhibition From Monday 20 June to Sunday 17 July, Bondi Conversations with Karen is an exploration of shared humanity and chronicles the plight of Karen refugees from Burma. The Karen are one of the largest ethnic groups who face persecution from Burma's military junta. Throughout the last few years the artist has lived and worked on the Thai-Burma border refugee camp region and more recently in Australia where she researches the experiences of Karen refugee women now living in Sydney. This exhibition communicates their stories, rarely told but deserving of a wider audience. Details: 9:00am-5:00pm daily; Porch & Parlour Cafe /Gallery, 100-102 Brighton Boulevard, North Bondi; for further details contact Paula Watkins on Paulawatkins1@gmail.com |
| 'Fear + Hope' art exhibition Monday 20 June to Monday 11 July, Sydney This exhibition will feature artworks by asylum seekers in immigration detention, as well as by refugees who have recently released into the community. The exhibition will include drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures by refugee artists from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Iran, China and Indonesia. Details: Mori Gallery, 168 Day Street, Sydney. |
| Screening of the 5th Annual Australian Refugee Film Festival Monday 20 June, Cronulla The Australian Refugee Film Festival aims to raise awareness of important local and international refugee issues and to celebrate the achievements, stories and indomitable spirit of refugees. This screening will be hosted by the Amnesty International Sutherland Shire Action Group. Money raised from ticket sales will be donated to Gymea Community Aid and Information Service to support a youth leadership camp for refugee young people in the Sutherland Shire. Details: tickets $15; 7:00pm; Cronulla Cinemas, 2-6 Cronulla Street, Cronulla; for further details e-mail amnesty.sutherlandshire@gmail.com |
| BBQ Monday 20 June, Sydney Free BBQ (including vegetarian option) and stall with information material to raise awareness of refugee issues. Guests will have the opportunity to meet with Macquarie students from refugee backgrounds and hear their personal stories, and also learn about campus initiatives such as the LEAP Macquarie Mentoring program that supports Sydney high school students from refugee backgrounds to progress well in their studies and successfully transition to higher education. Details: 12:00pm-1:00pm; Central Courtyard, Macquarie University (in Atrium if wet); for further details contact Ruth Tregale on 02-9850 7389 or 0400-428 623 or email ruth.tregale@mq.edu.au |
| Liverpool Refugee Forum Monday 20 June, Liverpool The Forum will be the first of its kind bringing together service providers and community leaders to discuss the changing needs of refugee communities in Liverpool. The Forum will include panel speakers from Amnesty International, Refugee Council of Australia and the LMRC to share dialogue on refugee issues on a global, NSW and local level. Details: 10:00am-2:15pm; Liverpool Library 170 George Street, Liverpool; for further information please call (02) 9821 7779 or email s.bhana@liverpool.nsw.gov.au |
| Refugee Week seminar Monday 20 June, Campbelltown During this seminar, participants will hear from a guest speaker from the refugee community and broaden their understanding of who refugees are, and the reasons that lead people to seek asylum. Lunch will be provided for participants who RSVP. Hosted by Macarthur Diversity Services. Details: 10:00am-2:00pm; Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative, L3, 171-179 Queen Street, Campbelltown; RSVP by 16 June to Erin Hoffman on (02) 4627 1188 or erin@mdsi.org.au |
| Refugee Week 2011 Monday 20 June, Roselands Launch of Refugee Art Banner developed by Sudanese African Women's Association, Punchbowl Public School playgroup parent and a youth group from Belmore Youth Resource Centre. Cr Robson and Cr Asfour will launch the art banner. Fact sheets about refugees and asylum seekers will be distributed to the public. Guest speaker, Sam Almaliki, will talk about his personal experience as a refugee and raise issues related to refugee policy. Maree Mamour and Punchbowl Public School students will perform at the event. Hosted by Canterbury Bankstown Migrant Interagency. Details: 11:30am; Roselands Shopping Centre; for further details contact Seaja Chang on (03) 9789 3744 or seaja.chang@metromrc.org.au |
| Refugee Week: Freedom from Fear Monday 20 June to Friday 24 June, Armidale An awareness display board will be displayed in the Armidale Community Health Centre's reception foyer for clients and staff. There will also be a presentation by registered nurse Jay Hamilton on refugee support. Details: from 8:30am; Armidale Community Health Centre; for further details, contact Pari Jay on (02) 6776 9600 or pari.jay@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au |
| Armidale Dumaresq Mayor's Refugee Week Morning Tea Tuesday 21 June, Armidale At a morning tea event the Armidale Dumaresq Mayor, Councillors and guests will celebrate the contribution that Refugees make in our community as well as acknowledging the plight of the millions of Refugees worldwide. Refugees and their supporters will be invited to mark this important day that demonstrates the welcome that Refugees have in our community. Details: 10:00am; Armidale Dumaresq Council Chambers; for further details contact Samantha Guest on 6770 3832 or email sguest@armidale.nsw.gov.au |
| Refugee Week seminar Tuesday 21 June, Camden During this seminar, participants will hear from a guest speaker from the refugee community and broaden their understanding of who refugees are, and the reasons that lead people to seek asylum. Lunch will be provided for participants who RSVP. Hosted by Macarthur Diversity Services. Details: 10:00am-2:00pm; Camden Civic Centre, Mitchell Street, Camden; RSVP by 16 June to Erin Hoffman on (02) 4627 1188 or erin@mdsi.org.au |
| Refugee Symposium Wednesday 22 June Hosted by the Fairfield Immigrant and Refugee Women's Network. Light refreshments provided. Details: 9:30am-1:30pm; Karitane Function and Conference Centre, 138-150 The Horsley Drive, Carramar; Limited Places available. To book your place or for further enquiries, please contact Nada Damcevska through Nada.Damcevska@sswahs.nsw.gov.au |
| Refugee Talking Tent Wednesday 22 June, Toongabbie For this half-day event, hosted by Boronia Multicultural Services, a tent will be erected were members from refugee communities will narrate, recite, enact or perform their experiences. The local community will be invited to participate and the tent will provide a safe space for them to interact with each other and learn about each other. Details: 10A Octavia Street , Toongabbie. |
| Newcastle Amnesty Group fundraiser film night: Mother Fish Wednesday 22 June, Newcaslte The inspiring story of four refugees fleeing Vietnam in 1980, Mother Fish goes inside the mind of one of the survivors. The present melds with the past as a quiet factory worker relives the extraordinary journey when she and her sister took to the sea in a creaky river boat in search of a better life. Also screening 'Australian Family Reunion' - a short film, by Coleman Ridge, about a family involved in the December 2010 Christmas Island boat tragedy. Details: tickets $15; 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start; The Royal Exchange, 32-34 Bolton St, Newcastle; for further information call Toni on 0428 895 616. |
| 2011 Refugee Symposium Wednesday 22 June, Carramar Organised by Fairfield Immigrant and Refugee Women's Network, this event will include guest speakers, refugee stories and a panel discussion. Places are limited so please RSVP. Details: 9:30am-1:30pm; Karitane Function and Conference Centre, 138-150 The Horsley Drive, Carramar; RSVP by 15 June to Nada Damcevska on (02) 8717 4000 or Nada.Damcevska@sswahs.nsw.gov.au |
| Celebration of refugees: BBQ and art exhibition Wednesday 22 June, Kings Cross Jesuit Refugee Service is hosting a BBQ and art exhibition to celebrate refugees and asylum seekers during Refugee Week. Come and join us for a lunchtime get together and appreciate the resourcefulness and resilience of the people we work with. Details: 12:00pm-2:30pm; 24 Roslyn Street, Elizabeth Bay (Kings Cross); for further details contact Louise Stack on (02) 9356 3888 or jrsreception@jrs.org.au |
| Refugee Week morning tea Wednesday 22 June, Ultimo The Ultimo College Students' Association is hosting a fundraising morning tea in support of the Sudan Orphan Education Support (SOES) project in Southern Sudan. Infrastructure in this war torn region, including school facilities, is sadly lacking as many refugees and broken families return to the area. Southern Sudanese refugees in Australia have set up the organisation, in conjunction with teachers at Ultimo TAFE and AMES, in order to assist children in the region with the opportunity for a primary education they missed out on during the years of war. Ultimo Bakery students and staff will provide pastries for the event. There will be slide exhibition of photos of local children and their current facilities in the project area. Details: entry by gold coin donation; 10:00am-12:30pm; Ultimo TAFE; for further details contact Janet Dyne on 0402 722 053 or janet.dyne@gmail.com |
| Youth theatre workshop Wednesday 22 June, Lismore RaRa Youth Theatre is a small youth theatre group devising a play to raise funds and awareness for the mostly unaccompanied asylum seeking children currently detained in Australian detention centres. The group is organising a 10-week workshop involving writing letters to real refugees and using this correspondence as inspiration for the play. Young people aged 11-25 are welcome to join in for the workshops or the whole project. Details: 4:30pm; The Channon Hall; for further details, contact Tamlin Mackenzie on (02) 6688 6551 or tamlinmackenzie@gmail.com |
| Refugee Week 2011 Film Screening 'Mother Fish' Thursday 23 June, Kogarah To mark Refugee Week 2011, Kogarah Council will be holding a free movie screening of the award winning film MOTHER FISH, directed by acclaimed director Khoa Do. Timely, innovative, daring and moving, Mother Fish is Australia's first feature film to star an all Vietnamese cast. There will also be a guest speaker, and light refreshments will be provided. The event is FREE and all interested community members are welcome to attend, however, we are encouraging a gold coin donation (minimum!) on the night. All money raised will go to a refugee charity. Details: 6:00pm-9:00pm; Kogarah City Library; RSVP to (02) 9330 9551. |
| Celebrating Refugee Week Thursday 23 June, Parramatta This celebration, hosted by the Hills Holroyd Parramatta MRC, will feature refugee stories, music, dancing, entertainment and morning tea. Details: 10:30am-12:30pm; Old Goverment House, Parramatta; for further details call (02) 9687 9901. |
| Refugee Week Event 2011 Thursday 23 June, Bankstown Refugee Living Library Sessions. Live Concert. Lunch provided. Details: 10:00am-1:00pm; Melkite Welfare Association 76 Waterloo Road, Greenacre NSW; for further details contact Turkan Akstoy on 9707 9863 or email turkan.aksoy@bankstown.nsw.gov.au |
| Refugee Week Conversation Workshop Thursday 23 June, Sydney Hosted by Amnesty International, this training workshop will understand the facts, handle people's objections and develop your conversation skills so that you can dispel myths and misinformation about refugees and asylum seekers. Details: 6:00pm-7:30pm NSW Action Centre, 79 Myrtle Street, Chippendale; RSVP to |
| Screening of 5th Annual Refugee Film Festival Thursday 23 June, Bondi Short films from arounf the world on the refugee experience - from homeland to settlement and beyond. Guest speakers and supper provided. Proudly supported by Waverley Council. Details: entry by donation; 6:30pm-9:00pm; Waverley Community and Seniors' Centre, 31-33 Spring Street, Bondi Junction; RSVP by Monday 20 June to joanneh@waverley.nsw.gov.au. For more information call (02) 9386 7923. |
| Refugee Week seminar Thursday 23 June, Tahmoor During this seminar, participants will hear from a guest speaker from the refugee community and broaden their understanding of who refugees are, and the reasons that lead people to seek asylum. Lunch will be provided for participants who RSVP. Hosted by Macarthur Diversity Services. Details: 10:00am-2:00pm The Youth Hub, 6 Harper Close, Tahmoor; RSVP by 16 June to Erin Hoffman on (02) 4627 1188 or erin@mdsi.org.au |
| Yarramundi Kids Puppet Show Thursday 23 June, Newcastle Yarramundi Kids Puppet show will entertain and educate children from local playgroups, preschools and Kinder to Year 1 school students. The show will explore the importance of family and friends, celebrate difference and look at problem solving, understanding behaviour, choices and consequences. Places are limited so bookings are essential. Details: $1 per child or $2 per family; 11:30am-12:00pm; Corpus Christ School Hall, Platt Street, Waratah; to book, call Kiri Hata on (02) 4969 3399. |
| Hurstville City Council Celebrates Refugee Week "Freedom from Fear" Thursday 23 June, Hurstville An event to mark Refugee Week 2011. Keynote speaker Dr Barbara Ferguson OAM has dedicated many years to helping displaced people around the world to rebuild their lives and give them the opportunity to lead a normal life. Details: 10:00am-12:00pm; Entertainment Centre, MacMahon Street, Hurstville; RSVP by 17 June to Jamal Bassam on (02) 9330 6069 or jbassam@hurstville.nsw.gov.au |
| Refugee Awareness Exhibition Thursday 23 June, Kendall Hosted by Aung Mingala farm. Details: 9:00am-2:00pm; Kendall Community Hall; for further details contact Tin Hta Nu on (02) 6559 4834 or tinhtanu@gmail.com |
| Welcome to Oz: An exhibition by young people of the Inner West to celebrate Refugee Week 2011 Thursday 23 June, Newtown Newtown Neighbourhood Centre in partnership with Marrickville Youth Resource Centre, Metro Migrant Resource Centre and the House of Welcome, will be hosting this art exhibition featuring works by newly arrived refugee young people. Entertainment, including a performances by Miss Krys and Yarrie, and traditional food will be available on the night. Details: 5:00pm-7:30pm; Main Hall, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre; for further details, contact Angela Baddour or Richelle Figliuzzi on (02) 9564 7333 or family@newtowncentre.org |
| Public forum: Histories and Experiences Thursday 23 June, Rockdale Come and see the short film 'Villawood Mums', which follows the experiences of two mothers through the Villawood Detention Centre. Following the film there will be a panel discussion featuring: Kate Temby, Director of the Human Rights Unit, Australian Human Rights Commission, talking about the Commissions latest report into the Villawood Detention Centre; Mike Grewcock, Lecturer in the Law Department at UNSW, discussing the historical trajectory of race politics that has resulted in the contemporary policy of mandatory detention; and Hadi Hosseini, who has recently been released from immigration detention and will talk about his experiences inside detention, and share his analysis of the effects of the border protection regime. Details: 6:00pm-8:30pm; Rockdale City Council Conference Room, Level 2, 2 Bryant Street, Rockdale; for further details, contact Shane Reside on (02) 9597 5455 or sgpmigrant@sgmrc.org.au |
| Refugee Week RRT Open Day Friday 24 June, Sydney As part of Refugee Week, the New South Wales Registry of the Refugee Review Tribunal will be hosting open information sessions. Visitors will be able to gain an insight into the operations of the Refugee Review Tribunal. A staged hearing will be held, with presentations and panel discussions by the Deputy Principal Member, Tribunal Members, Legal Services, Country Advice and Registry staff. Information about the Tribunal's caseload and processes will be available and staff will be on hand to answer any questions. Light refreshments will be provided. Details: 10:00pm & 2:00pm (two sessions); Level 11, 83 Clarence Street, Sydney; RSVP essential to refugeeweek2011@mrt-rrt.gov.au |
| 'Freedom from fear' workshop presented by Refugee Youth Worker from STARTTS Friday 24 June, Crows Nest The object for this workshop is to help promote understanding, harmony and acceptance of Australia's current diverse society within the school community. Local school groups will be able to learn about Afghani culture and have discussion with Afghani refugees living in the area. The speaker will talk about Refugees experience in both fleeing their homeland and also resettling in a new country. Details: 9:00am-12:30pm; Johnson Hall at Crows Nest Community Centre; for further details contact Isabel Almendrades on (02) 94395122 or 0402418930 or email isabel@crowsnestcentre.org.au |
| Refugee Week 2011 'Freedom from Fear' Friday 24 June, Maroubra Hear inspirational stories from people who came as refugees to Australia. The event will include the launch of the 'Housing Resource Booklet' developed by SydneyMCS for new arrivals in Australia and provide you a chance to interact with the different accommodation service providers. There will be guest speakers, cultural performances and light refreshments. Bookings essential for catering purposes. Details: 6:30pm-8:30pm; Level 3, Bowen library, 669-673 Anzac Pde, Maroubra; for further details or to rsvp please contact Randwick City Library Service on 93144888 |
| Refugee Week 2011 Screening of the Annual Australian Refugee Film Festival Friday 24 June, Coffs Harbour Coffs Harbour will acknowledge the contribution our local refugees make in the community by screening the 2011 Australian Refugee Film Festival at the Jetty Memorial Theatre. The free community event will be managed by local refugees and include performances and food tasting. The event is supported by Council's Multicultural Reference Group and staff. Details: 6:30pm; Jetty Memorial Theatre, Crn Edinburg Street & Hardbour Drive, Coffs Harbour; for further details contact Susan Clarke on (02) 6648 4833 or email Susan.clarke@chcc.nsw.gov.au |
| Freedom from Fear: Refugee Week Wollongong 2011 Friday 24 June, Wollongong This event will be a celebration of the contribution refugees and former refugees have made to the Wollongong community. There will be performances on the stage and crafts and information stalls. There will also be activities in the Church in the Mall Hall nearby such as the Connections Migrant Project and exhibitions. Details: 11:00am-2:00pm; Wollongong Mall. |
| Freedom from Fear celebtation Friday 24 June, Fairfield A refugee's journey to find freedom from fear is unique. To reach asylum and complete that journey is a magnificent achievement. In Refugee Week we are celebrating the individual achievements of the many thousands of people in our community who have found freedom and now live in safety and security, raise families and play their part in building the peace and prosperity of Fairfield. Special guest speaker will be the Hon Chris Bowen, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. The event will also include live cultural performances and other guest speakers. Details: 10:00am-1:00pm; Freedom Plaza, Cabramatta Town Centre; RSVP to Simon Emsley by 21 June on (02) 9727 0477. |
| Street festival Friday 24 June, Liverpool A free community event featuring a variety of multicultural entertainment, family activities, drumming workshop, information stalls and annual awards ceremony. Details: 10:00am-2:00pm; Macquarie Street Mall, Liverpool; for further information please call (02) 9821 7779 or email s.bhana@liverpool.nsw.gov.au |
| Refugee Week celebration Friday 24 June, Penrith Celebrate the contribution of refugees in Western Sydney at this free event. Music, entertainment, and information including performances for Karifi African drummers and an artwork display called 'Welcome to Australia'. Details: 2:30pm-4:30pm; Forecourt, State Government Offices, 2-6 Station Street, Penrith; for further details contact Rosie Smith on (02) 4732 8096 or rsmith@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au |
| Launch of Sudanese Oral History Project Saturday 25 June, Sutherland A joint project between Gymea Community Aid & Information Service and the Sudanese community will be launched during Refugee Week 2011 at Sutherland library. The launch will showcase highlights from the oral history project which provides insights into the circumstances which led people from Sudan to call Australia home and the help they received from the Sutherland Shire community when settling. All are welcome to help celebrate these unique stories about the experiences of being a refugee in the Sutherland Shire & living with Freedom from Fear. Refreshments and traditional Sudanese entertainment will be available on the day. Details: 12:00pm-2:00pm; Sutherland Library, 30-36 Belmont Street, Sutherland; for further details contact Jenny Grey on (02) 9524 9559. |
| 'Freedom from Fear' community picnic Saturday 25 June, Sutherland Join the Amnesty International Sutherland Shire Action Group invites at a community picnic to celebrate Refugee Week. Come along to welcome refugees to our community and show that the Sutherland Shire is a place where refugees can find freedom from fear. Bring a picnic rug and a plate of food to share. Details: 2:30pm; Peace Park, 22 Eton Street, Sutherland; for further details e-mail amnesty.sutherlandshire@gmail.com |
| The Cultural Night 2011 Saturday 25 June, Granville This annual event is a night of celebration and fun for the Horn of Africa communities that have settled in Western Sydney. It showcases food and entertainment. Details: 6:00pm; Granville Town Hall, 10 Carlton Street, Granville; for further details contact Abdemalik Omar on 8762 4223 or email Harda@harda.org.au |
| Postcard Exhibition Final exhibition Saturday 25 June In the weeks leading up to Refugee Week, community members are invited to pick up a postcard from their local Riverina Regional Library branch and respond to the question "What would you take if you only had five minutes to flee your home" Postcards from across the Riverina will then be put on display at the Refugee Week Community Celebration at Kyeamba Smith Hall, Wagga Wagga Showgrounds. Details: 11:00am-2:00pm; Kyeamba Smith Hall Wagga Wagga and Riverina Regional Libraries; for further details contact Scott Howie on (02) 69216890 or on 0421885247 or email rado@easternriverinaarts.org.au |
| World Refugee Day Saturday 25 June, Auburn Auburn is home to many new and emerging cultures of Australian society and a very large percentage of refugees that come to Australia start off their residency in this area. To celebrate that fact and make the new refugees of Auburn feel welcome, Auburn City Council, in conjunction with a variety of local community groups is again hosting an event that showcases the colour, culture and diversity of refugees in Australia. This event will consist of musical and dance performances, interactive workshops and information stalls. Details: 11:00am-2:00pm; Auburn Central forecourt; for further details contact Chau Nguyen on 9735 1288 or email Chau.nguyen@auburn.nsw.gov.au |
| Asylum Seekers, Refugees and the Truth Thursday 30 June, Tamworth Sophie Peer, Communications Manager, Refugee Council of Australia will give a presentation entitled 'Asylum Seekers, Refugees and the Truth'. A free public information event and a chance for the community to ask tough questions. Details: 3:00pm to 5:00pm; Tamworth City Public Library; for further details, contact Amalin Sundaravej on (02) 6766 5070 or nsstam@nsservices.com.au |
| Gosford Welcomes Refugees: Children's postcard exhibition Tuesday 5 July to Tuesday 19 July, Gosford Gosford City Council's seven childcare centres are exhibiting a series of postcards that the children have created with images of how they would welcome refugees to the Central Coast. Throughout Refugee Week they will be reading stories and discussing how we can all welcome refugees. The postcards will then be on public exhibition at the Erina Fair Shopping Centre throughout the school holidays. Details: Erina Fair Shopping Centre; for further details contact Emma Bedwin on (02) 4325 8908 or Emma.Bedwin@gosford.nsw.gov.au |