'We forget that a lot of refugees have had a hard time.'
Journalist Michael Gawenda was born in a displaced persons camp in Austria, after his parents fled persecution in Poland.
Read more about: Michael's story
Refugee Week events calendar: South Australia
Adelaide launch of Refugee Week - 20 June
In Adelaide, Refugee Week will be officially launched by Senator Kate Lundy, Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, on Monday 20 June from 10:00am at the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, University of South Australia City West Campus, Hawke Building Level 3, 50-60 North Terrace, Adelaide. The event will feature the launch of ‘Hand in Hand’, a student poster exhibition expressing the welcoming of refugees by young people, by the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, Jay Weatherill. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Grace Portolesi will also deliver a message of support for local efforts to highlight Refugee Week on behalf of the State Government. For further details, contact Matti Spellacy on (08) 8217 9510 or admin@mrcsa.com.au
| Community Expo Wedesneday 8 June, Salisbury Agencies showcasing their settlement services in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, featuring 'Managing money and family life' forum and discussion. Details: 9:30am-1:30pm; Salisbury Uniting Church Hall, corner Park Terrace and Brown Terrace, Salisbury; for further information contact Margaret Gunn on (08) 8226 6765 or email margaret.gunn@tafesa.edu.au |
| 2011 Refugee Week Student Poster Exhibition and Awards Tuesday 14 June to Wednesday 13 July, Adelaide An exhibition of posters by young artists from SA schools and tertiary institutions celebrating the 60th anniversary of the UN International Refugee Convention. The exhibition will be launched on Monday 20 June as part of SA 2011 Refugee Week launch. Details: Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, University of SA, City West Campus Hawke Building Level 3, 50-60 North Terrace, Adelaide; for further details contact Louise Carnell (08) 8302 0371 or email louise.carnell@unisa.edu.au |
| Multicultural Traditional Amusements Thursday 16 June, Adelaide Showcasing Middle Eastern arts, crafts, and traditional cooking, including table settings Details: 11:00am - 3:00pm; MRCSA Community Centre, 23 Coglin Street, Adelaide; for further details contact Shaista Kalaniya (08) 8212 0800 or email admin@mwasa.ng.au |
| Sudanese Youth Dance Competition Saturday 18 June, Adelaide Details: 1:00pm-6:00pm; The Parks Community, Theatre 2, 2-46 Cowan Street, Angle Park; for further details contact Deng Manyuon on 0413 539 104 or email dengenock_manyuon@y7mail.com |
| Shared Lunch with New Bhutanese Arrivals Saturday 18 June, Adelaide. Newly arrived Bhutanese families are invited to share lunch and meet the 'Big Sisters' and other service providers. Details: 12:30pm - 2:00pm; MRCSA Community Centre, 23 Coglin St, Adelaide; for further details contact Gauri Gajmere/Nismala Ghimirey on 0434 522 145 or 0431 573 272 or gaurigiri09@gmail.com |
| Underexposed Saturday 18 June to Sunday 26 June, North Adelaide Acclaimed refugee youth photographic exhibition featuring the work of young people from new and emerging communities. Details: 9:30pm - 4:00pm daily; St Peter's Cathedral, 27 King William Road, North Adelaide; for further details contact Cristina Descalzi on (08) 8209 6608 or 0429 588 131 or cdescalzi@anglicare-sa.org.au |
| You're Welcome Saturday 18 June, Mount Gambier A morning to share experiences and cultures with representatives from Burma, Democratic Republic of Congo and supporting agencies. An insight into the refugee experience including individual stories, videos and performance. The event will provide opportunities to network with agencies and individuals. Details: 9:00am-12:30pm; International Motor Inn, Mount Gambier; for further details contact John Merrett on (08) 8725 0211 or john.merrett@directions.org.au |
| 'Here and Now' Photographic Exhibition Sunday 19 June to Sunday 3 July, Adelaide A photographic exhibition of new arrivals and their stories. Details: 10:00am - 4:00pm daily; EBI Auditorium, 10 Byron Place, Adelaide; for further details contact Cristina Descalzi or Kym Green on (08) 8211 7635 or email ebiradio@5ebi.com.au |
| Church Service Sunday 19 June, North Adelaide Service to pray for other refugees still living in refugee camps around the world. Details: 10:00am - 12:30pm; Elizabeth Downs Primary School, Heard Street, Elizabeth Downs; for further details contact Antoine Mutsiri on 0413 785 427 or email lepeadelaidechurch@yahoo.com |
| Cultural Diversity in the Murraylands Sunday 19 June, Murraylands To recognise the contributions of new and established migrant communities in the Murraylands. Details: 12:00pm-3:00pm; Drama Suite, Murray Bridge High School, Lohmann Street, Murray Bridge; for further information contact Stan Lewinski on (08) 8532 3922 or (08) 8217 9510 or email stan@mrcsa.com.au |
| Welcome to Australia: A Celebration High Tea. Sunday 19 June, Adelaide Hills Hills residents from all walks of life come together for a scrumptious afternoon tea to say a resounding 'welcome' to all 'who have come across the seas'. Details: 2:00pm-4:30pm; Lobethal Senior Citizens Hall, 36 Main Road, Lobethal (next to Centennial Hall); for further information contact Rebekkah Sparrow on 0404 896 106 or email skysparrowyoga@yahoo.com.au |
| Candlelight Vigil Sunday 19 June, Adelaide Acknowledging and respecting the courage and perseverance of refugees around the world in their daily encounters with hardships and suffering. Details: 3:00pm-4:00pm; Salisbury Baptist Church, 191 Park Terrace, Brahma Lodge; for further details contact Simon Cinzah (08) 8217 9535 or email simon@mrcsa.com.au |
| Dance: Let Us Remember Our Brothers and Sisters Sunday 19 June, Adelaide Fifteen women will come together and dance for all people from different backgrounds. Details: 4:00pm; 17 Bagster Road, Salisbury North; for further details contact Lidia Inarukundo 0423 264 042 or email Lidiaaruk@yahoo.com.au |
| Adelaide World Refugee Day meeting and rally Sunday 19 June, Adelaide Be part of a national day of protest, involving many groups and individuals who support refugee rights. Let's come together and send a clear message to the government: it's time to end mandatory detention. Details: 1:00pm-2:30pm; Hall behind Pilgrim Uniting Church, 12 Flinders Street, Adelaide; for further details visit www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=225276464155929 |
| Launch of South Australian 2011 Refugee Week Monday 20 June, Adelaide Details: 10:00am; Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, University of SA, City West Campus Hawke Building Level 3, 50-60 North Terrace, Adelaide; for further details contact Matti Spellacy on (08) 8217 9510 or email admin@mrcsa.com.au |
| Speaking Australian Monday 20 June, Adelaide Confidence-building for women of new and emerging communities - understanding Australian idioms and slang. Registered participants only. Details: 12:00pm-2:00pm; NAMRC, 28 Mary Street, Salisbury, Adelaide; for further details contact Reagan Bledee on (08) 8283 0844 or Pat Booth on (08) 8336 6388 or email patrica.2@optusnet.com.au |
| My Journey 'From Then Till Now' Monday 20, Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 June, Adelaide A variety of guests, including Juma Abuyi and past students, sharing their stories during a series of lunch meetings. Details: 12:00pm-1:00pm; TAFE SA Adelaide Campus, 120 Currie Street, Adelaide; for further details contact Pam Wright on (08) 8207 8481or email pamela.wright2@tafesa.edu.au |
| Uighur Culture Exhibition. Free Guided Tour. 20 June, Adelaide Learning more about the South Australian Uighur community and their refugee experiences. Details: 1:00pm-2:00pm; 'The Forum' Community Gallery, Migration Museum, 82 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide; for further details contact Elspeth Grant on (08) 8207 7570 or email migrationmuseum@history.sa.gov.au |
| Refugee Week 2011 Celebration in the City of Onkaparinga Monday 20 June, Noarlunga Centre For many years, the City of Onkaparinga has welcomed refugees within its communities. A celebration for Refugee Week will again be held in 2011 in recognition of our new residents of refugee backgrounds. To celebrate Refugee Week in 2011 the City of Onkaparinga in conjunction with the Cultural Diversity Working group is organising a BBQ lunch and information stall (the Hopgood Theatre foyer has also been booked in case of bad weather). A stall will be set up to display Refugee Week, Cultural Diversity Working Group and other relevant community information. Refugee Week 2011 information will be displayed and a film about Refugees will be shown. Free BBQ will be provided. Details: 10:00am-1:00pm; Ramsay Place, Noarlunga Centre; RSVP by 13 June to (08) 8384 0537 or |
| Limestone Coast: Celebrating Diversity. 21 June, Mount Gambier Morning tea, cultural performances and refugee stories. Details: 10:00am; North Primary School, Heath Street, Mt Gambier; for further details contact Heather Muirhead on (08) 8725 2753 or email limestonecoast@mrcsa.com.au |
| Refugee Stories Tuesday 21 June, Adelaide Students sharing their refugee stories during morning tea in classrooms Details: 10:00am; 68 Grenfell Street, Adelaide; for further details contact Vijay D'Mello on (08) 8100 7200 or email vijay.dmello@languagecentre.com.au |
| Listen to My Story as Refugee Tuesday 21 June, Adelaide In-house session for ShineSA workers to hear refugees share their stories and experiences of settling in SA. Details: 12:00pm-4:00pm; 64c Woodville Road, Woodville; for further details contact Jacqueline Rivera on (08) 8300 5330 or Rob Kulka on (08) 8300 5344 |
| 60 Years of the Refugee Convention and What It Means to Australia Tuesday 21 June, Adelaide Keynote Speaker Claire O'Connor speaking about the human rights of refugees and the law. Please register to attend. Details: 5:00pm-6:00pm; Law Society, Professional Development Centre, Level 2, 132 Franklin St, Adelaide; for further information contact Lorna Hartwell on (08) 8229 0235 or email lorna.hartwell@lawsocietysa.asn.au |
| The Sweetest Embrace Tuesday 21 June, Adelaide Movie documenting the return of two Afghan refugees to Afghanistan in search of their families. Details: 7:00pm; North Adelaide Community Centre, 176 Tynte Street, North Adelaide; for further details contact Matthias Tomczak on 0423 900 889 or email mtomczak@internode.on.net |
| Multicultural Breakfast Safari Wednesday 22 June, Adelaide Join us for a food adventure for the first and most important meal of the day - breakfasts of different cultures around the world. Details: 8:00am-9:00am; Harma Centre Library, 1 Brooker Terrace, Hilton; for further details contact Michelle Mitolo on (08) 8416 6252 or email mmitolo@wtcc.sa.gov.au |
| Guest Speaker Wednesday 22 June, Adelaide Mwajeni Hussein, project officer for the African Women's Federation, sharing her personal story, followed by morning tea with a donation of $2 Details: 10:00am for 10:15am; Seaford Ecumenical Mission Centre, corner of Main Road and Grand Boulevard, Seaford; for further details contact Shelia on (08) 8386 2732 or email witcomb1@optusnet.com.au |
| Bilingual Story-Time Wednesday 22 June, Adelaide Enjoy our international story-time - read in languages from around the world and join in weekly crafts. Details: 10:15am; Harma Centre Library, 1 Brooker Terrace, Hilton; for further details contact Michelle Mitolo on (08) 8416 6252 or email mmitolo@wtcc.sa.gov.au |
| Freedom and Peace Wednesday 22 June, Adelaide Music, dance performances and displays of artwork by the students of Thebarton Senior College. Details: 12:30pm-1:30pm; Thebarton Senior College Ashley St, Torrensville; for further details contact Eva Kannis-Torry on (08) 8352 5811 or email eva.lannis@tsc.sa.edu.au |
| 2011 Refugee Week Reception Wednesday 22 June, Adelaide By invitation. Details: 5:30pm; Local Government Association of SA, 148 Frome Road, Adelaide; for further details please contact Matti Spellacy on (08) 8217 9510 or email admin@mrcsa.com.au |
| Fun Time Playgroup Thursday 23 June, Adelaide Welcoming parents and children to a fun time participating in activities such as painting, play dough and musical instruments - morning tea available. Details: 10:00am-12:00pm; Uniting Care Wesley Bowden, 77 Gibson Street, Bowden; for further details contact Anne McNamara on (08) 8245 7308 or 0408 089 611 or email anne.mcnamara@ucwb.org.au |
| Cultural Awareness Training Session Thursday 23 June, Adelaide Professional development opportunity providing staff of the City of Tea Tree Gully with cultural awareness training focusing on the Burundian culture. Details: 11:00am-12:00pm; 571 Montague Road, Modbury; for further details contact Liz Gunn on (08) 8397 7444 or email liz.gunn@cttg.sa.gov.au |
| Healthy Eating for Refugee Week Thursday 23 June, Adelaide. Healthy eating information day and BBQ. Details: 11am - 1pm; Northern Area MRC, 28 Mary Street, Salisbury; for further details contact Reagan Bledee on (08) 8283 0844 or email reagan@mrcsa.com.au |
| Friendship Cup Thursday 23 June, City of Campbelltown. Friendly soccer match between St Ignatius College and Adelaide Secondary School of English. Details: 11am - 2pm; St Ignatius College, 2 Manresa Court, Athelstone; for further details contact Kouv Chang on (08) 8226 4901 or email kouv.chang@dfc.sa.gov.au |
| 2011 Migration Update Conference Thursday 23 and Friday 24 June, Adelaide. A collaborative initiative of the Don Dunstan Foundation, The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and Flinders University. Bookings essential. Details: 2pm - 5pm Thursday and 9am - 5pm Friday; Basil Hetzel Lecture Theatre, Institute Building, State Library of SA. cnr North Terrace and Kintore Ave, Adelaide; for further details contact Sharna Pearce on (08) 8303 6246 or Claire Bossley on (08) 8303 6247 or email sharna.pearce@adelaide.edu.au Claire.bossley@adelaide.edu.au |
| Speaking Australian Thursday 23 June, Adelaide. Confidence-building for new and emerging community women - understanding Australian idioms and slang. Registered participants only. Details: 2:30pm - 4:30pm; MRCSA, 59 King William Street, Adelaide; for further details contact Cynthia Caird on (08) 8217 9505 or Pat Booth on (08) 8336 6388 or email patrica.2@optusnet.com.au |
| Akuna Matata: African Comedy Cabaret Thursday 23, Friday 24 and Sunday 26 June, Adelaide. Three concerts of African comedy theatre, sketches, original songs and dance. Details: 7pm; Nexus Arts Centre, Lion Arts Centre, corner North Terrace and Morphett Street, Adelaide; for further details contact Charles Onzi events@nexus.asn.au www.venuetix.com |
| Whole School Assembly Friday 24 June, Adelaide. Members of refugee background communities share their experiences with our students who may work on murals depicting their concepts of Refugee Week. Details: 10:20 am - 10:40am; Ingle Farm Primary School GYM, 2 Belalie Road, Ingle Farm; for further details contact Wahid Halimee on (08) 8262 4864 or email w.halimee@ifps.sa.edu.au |
| Fashion Parade in the North Friday 24 June, Adelaide. Fashion parade showcasing the creations of women of refugee background who meet weekly for sewing classes and social support. Details: 11am - 2pm; Northern Area MRC, 28 Mary St, Salisbury; for further information contact Lachi Bhattarai on (08) 8283 0844 or email northernarea@mrc.com.au |
| African Aged and Disabilities Scoping Study Findings Friday 24 June, Adelaide. Feedback workshop for participants in the study to develop a strategy to address identified issues. Details: 11am - 1pm; MRCSA Hall, 59 King William Street, Adelaide; for further details contact Martin Maya on (08) 8217 9520 or email admin@accsa.com.au |
| STTARS Stall at Central Market Friday 24 June, Adelaide. Information stall: printed information, staff to answer your questions, and products for sale. Details: 12 Midday - 5:30pm; Adelaide Central Market, Gouger Street entrance, Adelaide; for further details contact Manon van Zuylen on (08) 8346 5433 or email manon@sttars.org.au |
| 2011 ARA Oration: Special Guest Speaker the Rt. Hon. Malcolm Fraser Friday 24 June, Adelaide. Former prime minister Malcolm Fraser will speak on the subject 'From White Australia to today'. Details: 7pm; Elder Hall, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide; for further details contact Vu Pham on (08) 8354 2951 or email Fundrasing@ausref.net |
| Common Ground Saturday 25 June, Adelaide Hills. Newly formed Inverbrackie Good Neighbour Council meet with residents of the Inverbrackie APOD detention facility to share ideas for ongoing community interaction. By invitation only. Details: 2pm - 5pm; Inverbrackie, Woodside; or further details contact Norah Fahey on (08) 8390 0552 or email jan@senet.com.au www.inverbrackiegnc.org.au |
| Journey Saturday 25 June, Adelaide. Tracing the stories of Afghan refugees and the reasons they embark on the perilous journey to other parts of the world in search of a safe home Presented by Afghan Community Theatre Group in English. Details: 2:30pm - 7:30pm; Migrant Resource Centre Hall, 59 King William St, Adelaide; for further details contact Hussain Razaiat on (08) 8217 9523 or email admin@meccsa.com.au |
| End of Project Celebration Saturday 25 June, Prospect. Young people from African backgrounds who have completed youth leadership training through ACCSA and Relationships Australia celebrate their achievements. Details: 4pm; African Community Centre, 262 Prospect Rd, Prospect; for further details contact Paul Deng (08) 8344 9048 or email paul@accsa.com.au |
| Celebrating Freedom: Somali Independence Day Sunday 26 June, Adelaide. Old and young come together to celebrate Somali Independence Day with cultural speeches and activities. Details: 2pm - 5pm; Mansfield Park Community Hall, Hamley Crescent, Mansfield Park; for further details contact Mohamad Mohamad 0403 183 793 or email sucasapresident1@gmail.com |
| Multicultural Education Conference. Challenges, Opportunities and National Agendas Wednesday 29 June, Adelaide. Bringing communities and educators together in partnership to share ways to support the education of recently arrived students and families to South Australia. Details: 9am - 3pm; Education Development Centre, 4 Milner Street, Hindmarsh; for further information contact Diane Treccasi on (08) 8226 1249 or email diane.treccasi@sa.gov.au www.mec.sa.edu.au |
| Congolese Independence Day Thursday 30 June, Mt Gambier. Celebration of Congolese Independence Day with morning tea and cultural performances. Details: 10am; Limestone Coast MRC, 13 Eleanor Street, Mt Gambier. for further details contact Heather Muirhead on (08) 8725 2753 or email limestonecoast@mrcsa.com.au |
| Spiritsong: A Celebration of Multiculturalism Saturday 2 July, Adelaide. A sensational variety concert showcasing talented artists from South Australia's new communities - a feast of music, dance and song. To book tickets please call BASS Tickets 13 12 46. Details: 7:30pm; Her Majesty's Theatre, 58 Grote Street, Adelaide; for further details contact Keith Preston on (08) 8217 9510 or email admin@mrcsa.com.au |
| Welcome to Australia Party Saturday 9 July, Adelaide. Hundreds of young adults gathering to dance and party for a night that is about welcoming refugees and migrants to Australia. Details: 7pm - 12am; Stonyfell Function Centre, 62 Stonyfell Road, Stonyfell; for further details contact Katrina Levi on (08) 8236 4266 or email klevi@sa.uca.org.au |
| Transitions: From Refugee to Citizen Thursday 4 August, Adelaide Hosted by the University of South Australia, the aim of this one day event is to consider various themes, issues and research possibilities related to making the transition from Refugee to Citizen. Speakers from a range of areas will identify what they believe to be the key drivers of transition and the way in which support, assistance and autonomy can be enhanced to assist people to overcome the barriers preventing them from successfully establishing their life in Australia. Details: $55.00; all day event; The Bradley Forum, Hawke Building Level 5, City West Campus, University of South Australia, 50-55 North Terrace; for further details, contact Lynette Kelly on (08) 8343 8731 or lynette.kelly@unisa.edu.au |