Advocacy with UNHCR
Each year, representatives from RCOA attends key UNHCR meetings to put forward issues of concern to refugee communities in Australia and around the world.
Read more about: Advocacy with UNHCR
Refugee Week events calendar: Victoria
Melbourne launch of Refugee Week - 20 June
Melbourne will kick off Refugee Week 2010 with a media event at the Melbourne Multicultural Hub (506 Elizabeth Street, opposite the Queen Victoria Market) from 10.30am to 11.30am (with morning tea provided). Speakers with include the AFL North Melbourne player Majak Daw, former refugee Najeeba Wazefadost and Refugee Council President John Gibson. RSVP to melbourne@refugeecouncil.org.au or call (03) 9600 3302.
| 'Know your Neighbours' Community Information Seminar Thursday 9 June, Werribee Hosted by the Wyndham Interfaith Network, this community education program aims to raise awareness on the ethnic, religious, social and cultural backgrounds of newly arrived residents of Wyndham, currently the fourth fastest growing LGA in Australia. Many of the newly arrived communities are from refugee backgrounds. The aim is to highlight the barriers they face in settlement but also their need and commitment to become active participants of community life in Wyndham. This forum will focus on the Karen, Karenni and Chin communities from Burma. Details: 7:00pm-9:30pm; 117 Synnot Street, Werribee; for further details contact Elmo Perera on (03) 9742 4013 or elmop@werribeecc.net |
| Refugee Realities Wednesday 15 June and 16 June, Collingwood The Yarra Settlement Forum and Many Moons Group are pleased to present Refugee Realities at the Collingwood Town Hall to celebrate Refugee Week 2011. Refugee Realities is a simulation of the refugee experience. A thoroughly scripted process combines physical structures with audio recordings, live performances and role play to lead an audience through a range of typical stages along the refugee journey. Over 200 school children from Yarra will visit the event on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th June and on Wednesday afternoon 40 adults, will participate in the event. Refugee Realities has been developed by a working group made up of the City of Yarra, Fitzroy Learning Network, North Yarra Community Health Centre, Jesuit Social Services, New Hope Foundation and Neighbourhood Justice Centre, as part of the work of the Yarra Settlement Forum. Details: day session for students 9:00am-3:00pm, afternoon session for community members 4:00pm-6:00pm; Collingwood Town Hall, 140 Hoddle Street, Collingwood; for further details, contact Katherine Vrettas (03) 9205 5174 on Katherine.Vrettas@yarracity.vic.gov.au |
| 'Know your Neighbours' Community Information Seminar Thursday 16 June, Werribee Hosted by the Wyndham Interfaith Network, this community education program aims to raise awareness on the ethnic, religious, social and cultural backgrounds of newly arrived residents of Wyndham, currently the fourth fastest growing LGA in Australia. Many of the newly arrived communities are from refugee backgrounds. The aim is to highlight the barriers they face in settlement but also their need and commitment to become active participants of community life in Wyndham. This seminar will focus on the Horn of Africa communities. Details: 7:00pm-9:30pm; Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee; for further details contact Elmo Perera on (03) 9742 4013 or elmop@werribeecc.net |
| International Dinner Friday 17 June, Doncaster Templestowe Uniting Church Refugee/Asylum Seeker Group invites you to an International Dinner to recognise and support Refugee Week. This will be a very special evening with catering by the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, entertainment and the opportunity to hear from refugees. Details: tickets $20 (BYO drinks and glasses); 6:30pm; Doncaster East Uniting Church, 152 Andersons Creek Road, Doncaster East; for further information contact Elaine Dodds (03) 9846 3800 or Helen Bartlett (03) 9850 7407. |
| Refugee Week Forum: The richness and diversity they bring Friday 17 June, Broadmeadows Join us in a celebration of refugees. Come and hear high profile speakers and representatives of refugee communities. Light refreshments will be provided. Places are limited so please RSVP. Details: 9:30am-1:30pm; Hume Global Learning Centre, Room 4 & 5, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows; RSVP by 10 June to Sevean Kakoz at |
| Refugee Week afternoon tea Friday 17 June, Phillip Island The Phillip Island (Victoria) group of Rural Australians for Refugees will hold an afternoon tea to hear Jana Favero from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Melbourne speak about the work of the Centre. Details: 3:00pm; St John's Uniting Church hall Chapel Street, Cowes; |
| 'Kaleidoscope' Saturday 18 June, Ballarat A multicultural awareness event, held to educate the public, and aim to decrease discrimination. The event will include speakers, stalls and musical performances. Details: 6:00pm-9:00pm; Ballarat Mining Exchange; for further details visit www.kaleidoscopeballarat.webs.com |
| Emerge Festival Main Event Sunday 19 June, Fitzroy Be part of this massive cultural celebration hosted by Multicultural Arts Victoria as the magnificent Fitzroy Town Hall opens its doors for a feel-good street party guaranteed to get your hips shaking. Napier Street will be closed off to create an exuberant block party with three stages of nonstop world music and a vibrant cultural marketplace. Dance to rhythms from Sudan to Burma whilst inhaling the aromas of an Ethiopian coffee ceremony and tasty authentic foods from all corners of the globe. Take a break from dancing to join in some free cultural workshops, a cultural story telling circle, henna tattoos, hair braiding, kids activities and much more. The gloriously diverse, crowd-pleasing lineup brings you infectious rhythms, lush vocals and harmonies from around the globe, featuring Somali dance grooves, African pop, Sudanese reggae, Ethiopian jazz, Congolese gospel, traditional Burundian drums, multicultural hip hop straight from the streets of Melbourne and very special guests, Dereb the Ambassador performing 70s Ethiopian vintage soul masterpieces! Details: 12:00pm-5:00pm; Fitzroy Town Hall, 201 Napier Street, Fitzroy; for further details contact Jessica Fairfax on (03) 9417 6777 or projects@multiculturalarts.com.au |
| Refugee Week Rally: Unite to End Mandatory Detention Sunday 19 June, Melbourne Are you distressed about the 6,800 people locked up in Australian detention centres including the 275 Unaccompanied teenage minors who were promised release? Come and join like-minded souls in sending a message to the politicians Details: 12:30pm; assemble at Melbourne Museum Forecourt (Nicholson Street side) for speakers and music then march to the Emerge Festival at Fitzroy Town Hall. |
| Anglicare Victoria celebrates National Refugee Week Sunday 19 June, Wonthaggi This will be a celebration with a community lunch prepared by the Karen community and BBQ. It will also include conversations with the Karen community members followed by a cane ball demonstration and concluding with the Karen community Monk planting a tree to symbolise stability and settling their roots into the community. This celebration is open to the community. This event is being supported by the Bass Coast Shire and DIAC. Details: 1:00pm-3:30pm; Wonthaggi Anglican Church; for further details contact Surinder Demetrios through surinder.demetrios@anglicarevic.org.au |
| Refugee Week RRT information sessions Monday 20 June, Melbourne As part of Refugee Week, the Victorian 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: 10:00am & 2:00pm (two sessions); Level 12, 460 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne; RSVP essential to refugeeweek2011@mrt-rrt.gov.au |
| Freedom From Fear: Exhibition of Refugee Art & Craft Monday 20 June to Thursday 7 July, Mooroolbark This exhibition hosted by the Red Earth Gallery explores the hopes and imaginings of people who have arrived in Australia as refugees. Artworks have been created by individuals, families, community groups and established artists and will be displayed along with films created by young Karen & Sudanese people and beautiful examples of traditional craft. All are welcome for opening night Monday 20 June, featuring guest speaker, writer and theatre director Dave Nguyen. Details: opening night 20 June from 7:00pm; open 9:00am-5:00pm Monday and Friday, 9:00pm-9:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00am-2:00pm Saturday; Red Earth Gallery, Mooroolbark Community Centre, 125 Brice Avenue, Mooroolbark; for further details contact Megan Rowland on (03) 9726 5488 or |
| The Huddle Schools Program Monday 20 June to Thursday 23 June, Melbourne Students from St Aloysius College North Melbourne conduct free basic computer skills classes for adult learners from refugee and immigrant backgrounds. Students from local schools learn about place and community, they share stories of migration and learn about other be listening to a community guest. Students tell stories their own stories and document them on video and in other digital formats. Details: 10:00am-2:00pml school bookings only; for further details, contact Mairead Hannan on (03) 9320 3474 or mairead.hannan@kangaroos.com.au |
| Refugee Week movie marathon Monday 20 June, Dandenong Movie marathon featuring refugee stories that will be followed by a discussion. Morning tea is provided. Hosted by Women's Health In the South East . Details: 10:00am; 15 Scott Street, Dandenong; RSVP to Iresha Buthgamuwa on (03) 9794 8677. |
| "No one eats alone: from Sudan to Melbourne" matinee film screening Monday 20 June, Footscray The documentary offers a compelling insight into what it means to be Sudanese-Australian. From the perspectives of 10 women, the documentary tells the story of the journey they have made from Sudan to life in Melbourne with hope, frustration and a sense of wonder. Chrisoula Kanaris, film facilitator and interviewer, will provide a reflective introduction to the movie. Details: 2:00pm-3:00pm; Conference Room, Footscray Library 56 Paisley Street, Footscray; RSVP to (03) 9688 0290 or library@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au |
| 'Envelop' Tuesday 21 June, Cranbourne East ENVELOP is a half day creative consultation workshop to be delivered in Refugee Week for women from diverse cultures and generations living in the City of Casey. The purpose of the activity is to engage participants in discussion about the importance of creative participation as a tool for connecting people and learning from one another. The workshop will also explore the interconnection between traditional and contemporary textiles and contemporary art. Details: 10:00am-2:30pm; Balla Balla Community Centre, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East; for further details contact Rob Ball on (03) 9705 5200 or rball@casey.vic.gov.au |
| Movie night: The Last Survivor Tuesday 21 June, Carlton To coincide with Refugee Week 2011, Darfur Australia Network will be hosting the Australia debut of an extraordinary new film, The Last Survivor directed by Michael Pertnoy and Michael Kleiman. The Last Survivor is a feature-length documentary that explores the idea of genocide in the 21st century. Following the lives of survivors of four different genocides and mass atrocities (the Holocaust, Rwanda, Darfur, and Congo), The Last Survivor presents the stories of survivors and their struggle to make sense of tragedy by working to educate, motivate and promote a civic engagement with mass atrocity crimes. Details: tickets $20; 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start; Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon Street, Carlton (meet in Nova Bar up the escalators); to book tickets email sherona@darfuraustralia.org |
| Eastern Metropolitan Justice Services Expo Tuesday 21 June, Box Hill To coincide with Refugee Week 2011, the Justice for Refugees Program along with the Eastern Region of the Department of Justice will present the Justice Services Information Expo. The theme of the event is 'Accessible Justice'. The Expo is an opportunity for the local community to obtain information about the justice system and to ask question about justice related issues of concern. The Expo also is an opportunity for the Department of Justice to directly engage with the community and build confidence with services' users. Details: 10:30am-3:00pm; Box Hill Town Hall, Lower Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill; RSVP by Friday 3 June to Joseph Agwalama on 0408 554 436 or joseph.agwalama@justice.vic.gov.au |
| Break Out Tuesday 21 June, Melbourne School children will be performing songs and other acts for each other at this combined schools event with a special professional performance from Phunktional and Indigenous elder, Gnarnayarrahe Waitairie. Hosted by the Song Room. Details: 11:30am; BMW Edge, Federation Square; for further details, contact Deborah Nicholson on (03) 9495 6422 or deborah@songroom.org.au |
| Screening of "Go Back to Where You Came From" Tuesday 21 June, Wodonga Celebrate Refugee Week with a screening of the SBS documentary Go Back To Where You Came From. The documentary features the Masudi family from Wodonga. Finger food and beverages will be served, followed by the screening of the documentary. Details: 7:30pm; Wodonga Council Chambers, Level 2, 104 Hovell Street, Wodonga; to book or for further details contact Mayssa Powell on (02) 6022 9275. |
| Melbourne Heart Refugee Week football clinic Tuesday 21 June, Clayton South To celebrate Refugee Week, Melbourne Heart FC is holding a series of football clinics with Game Development Officers and Melbourne Heart players. This clinic will be attended by Peter Zois. Details: 1:15pm-3:15pm; Westall English Language Centre Football Clinic, Rosebank Avenue, Clayton South; for further details call (03) 9549 1732. |
| Melbourne Heart Refugee Week football clinic Tuesday 21 June, Brunswick To celebrate Refugee Week, Melbourne Heart FC is holding a series of football clinics with Game Development Officers and Melbourne Heart players. This clinic will be attended by Kliment Taseski. Details: 9:00am-10:30am; Victoria Street Gym, Gardiner Street, Brunswick; for further details call (03) 9380 6889. |
| 'Go Back to Where You Came From' screening Tuesday 21 June, Shepparton Public film screening of SBS TV series 'Go Back to Where You Came From'. The series will screen at 8.30, with other refugee stories, presented through film, from 7.30pm-8.30pm, while mingling over refreshments. Hosted by Greater Shepparton City Council in partnership with Word and Mouth, Uniting Care Cutting Edge, Shepparton English Language Centre, Ethnic Council Shepparton, FamilyCare, TAFE, Relationships Australia, Family Relationships and Primary Care Connect. Details: 7:30pm-9:30pm; Gotafe Shepparton; for further details contact Rachel Rath on (03) 5832 9466 or rachel.rath@shepparton.vic.gov.au |
| Refugee Week 2011 Public Forum Wednesday 22 June, Melbourne Terms such as refugee can have a huge impact on personal identity, public perception and social policy.In this timely public forum, recent and not-so-recent refugees discuss the positives and negatives of the refugee label, its influence on self esteem and life opportunities, and how long an individual has to reside in a new country before the categorisation is no longer applicable or desirable. Refreshments provided. Hosted by the Ethic Communities Council of Victoria. Details: 6:30pm-9:00pm; fortyfive downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne; RSVP (essential) through (03) 9349 4122 or eccv@eccv.org.au |
| Connecting Youth Services Forum Wednesday 22 June, Bundoora Hosted by OnSide Victoria in partnership with key Alliance Partners, this forum will include presenations from youth service provider agencies about successful programs being delivered by these and other service providers to young new arrivals. Presentatons will be followed by a panel style 'question and answer' discussion. The emphasis will be on the successful outcomes through positive reinforcement and appropriate, meaningful and relevant engagement of youth. Details: 1:30pm-5:00pm; LaTrobe University, Bundoora; book through www.trybooking.com/PKB; for further information call (03) 9705 0666 or e-mail info@onsidevictoria.org.au |
| Making Moonee Valley home: Refugees now and then Wednesday 22 June, Airport West Watch a local film and hear firsthand from people who arrived from different cultures at different times over the last 50 years, sharing the refugee journey and creating a home in Moonee Valley. Community members from Europe, Vietnam and the Horn of Africa will speak about their spirit and resilience in finding freedom from fear and contributing to their new home. Come along to ask questions and learn more about your community. The film, 'No One Eats Alone: from Sudan to Melbourne' is about the hope, frustration and wonder found when navigating the Sudanese-Australian culture as a woman and parent. Lunch will be provided. Details: 10:00am-11:30pm; Bowes Avenue Community Centre, 27-31 Bowes Avenue, Airport West; for more information call (03) 9243 8888. |
| Moreland Refugee Week Celebration 2011 Wednesday 22 June, Coburg The Moreland Multicultural and Settlement Services Network annually organises an event during Refugee Week. This is to inform the public about refugee issues and to celebrate the positive contributions by people from refugee backgrounds. The celebration will include a powerful performance by asylum seekers from the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, depicting stories of their journeys seeking asylum and a panel discussion with refugee advocates including David Manne (co-ordinator and principal solicitor at Refugee Immigration Legal Aid Centre). Materials from key agencies such as local Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and Refugee Council will be available. A light lunch will be provided. Details: 11:00am-12.30pm; Coburg Library Meeting Room; for further information and to RSVP call (03) 9240 111 or email Nelum Buddhadasa at |
| Refugee Voices Wednesday 22 June, Sydenham Hear inspiring stories from refugees about their journey to Australia. A light lunch will be provided. Details: 11:30am-1:30pm; Sydenham Library, Station Street, Watergardens Town Centre, Taylors Lakes; RSVP to (03) 9249 4680. |
| Melbourne Heart Refugee Week football clinic Wednesday 22 June, Geelong To celebrate Refugee Week, Melbourne Heart FC is holding a series of football clinics with Game Development Officers and Melbourne Heart players. This clinic will be attended by Kamal Ibrahim. Details: 10:30am-3:00pm; Diversitat Geelong, 25-41 Arunga Avenue, Norlane; |
| Refugee Week celebration Wednesday 22 June, Shepparton BBQ lunch in Shepparton Mall to celebrate Refugee Week. The event will include traditional tea, coffee and biscuits from various cultural groups, music and dancing and a painting focused on the theme 'Freedom from Fear'. Hosted by Greater Shepparton City Council in partnership with Word and Mouth, Uniting Care Cutting Edge, Shepparton English Language Centre, Ethnic Council Shepparton, FamilyCare, TAFE, Relationships Australia, Family Relationships and Primary Care Connect. Details: 12:00pm-2:00pm; Shepparton Maude Street Mall; for further details contact Rachel Rath on (03) 5832 9466 or rachel.rath@shepparton.vic.gov.au |
| 'Know your Neighbours' Community Information Seminar Thursday 23 June, Werribee Hosted by the Wyndham Interfaith Network, this community education program aims to raise awareness on the ethnic, religious, social and cultural backgrounds of newly arrived residents of Wyndham, currently the fourth fastest growing LGA in Australia. Many of the newly arrived communities are from refugee backgrounds. The aim is to highlight the barriers they face in settlement but also their need and commitment to become active participants of community life in Wyndham. This seminar will focus on the Northern and Southern Sudan communities. Details: 7:00pm-9:30pm; 106 Duncans Road, Werribee; for further details contact Elmo Perera on (03) 9742 4013 or elmop@werribeecc.net |
| Refugee Week Celebration and Fundraiser Thursday 23 June, St Kilda This is a celebration of refugees' achievements with entertainment and food. Funds raised will go to the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Program and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Hosted by City of Port Phillip and Prahran Mission. Details: 3:30pm-5:30pm; St Kilda Town Hall, Council Chamber; for further details contact Cristina Del Frate on (03) 9209 6385 or |
| Refugee Week celebration: "Freedom from Fear" Thursday 23 June, Hoppers Crossing Organised by Wyndham Humanitarian Network, this event will include performers, free lunch and special guest speakers. Details: 11:00am-2:00pm; Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre, 80 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing; for further details call Kathy on (03) 9742 4013 or e-mail familyproject@newhope.asn.au |
| The Huddle Refugee Week AMES Netball Gala Day Thursday 23 June, Melbourne In its second year, the Refugee Week AMES Netball Gala Day is a culmination of a 6-week netball program for AMES Flagstaff students. The AMES students will be joined by their teachers, North Melbourne FC staff, Netball Victoria staff, and Melbourne Vixens players to mark and celebrate the Refugee Week by playing a netball match. The program aims to introduce the structure, skills and rules of netball to non-English speaking communities, and consists of 1 hour of physical activity and 1 hour of educational activities in The Huddle classroom. It is a part of a broader initiative, AMES Sport and Rec Program, running whole year round. Free halal BBQ provided following the game, courtesy of the North Melbourne Rotary Club. This is a North Melbourne Football Club initiative in partnership with AMES. Details: 2:00pm-4:00pm; North Melbourne Football Club, 204 Arden Street, North Melbourne; for further details, contact Sash Herceg on (03) 9320 2476 or sash.herceg@kangaroos.com.au |
| 4th Annual Inter AMES Football Carnival Thursday 23 June, Footscray Come and see refugee and migrant youth from the West display their football skills at the home of the Western Bulldogs, Whitten Oval. All the players 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 players' natural athletic talents and enthusiasm will amaze you. The players have been training hard over the past school term to represent their English learning centre (Footscray, St Albans and Werribee AMES, VU AMEP Sunshine and Wyndham Community and Education Centre). Come along to find out who will win the 4th annual Inter-AMES Football Carnival. Details: 10:30am-1:00pm; Whitten Oval, 417 Barkly Street, Footscray West; for further details, contact Kiemi Lai on (03) 9680 6182 or kiemi.lai@westernbulldogs.com.au |
| Yarraville Community Centre Refugee Day Thursday 23 June, Yarravillle A range of people from the community are getting together to celebrate Refugee Week through art, stories, games, language, film, fun and food. Participants include: Adult Learners of YCC from CALD backgrounds, grade 5/6 students from Yarraville West Primary School, local artist Stefan Gevers, documentry maker and YCC Artist in Residence Aime Batalibas and her Young Media Makers Project participants. The idea is for our adult CALD learners to share stories orally and visually through creating art with the primary school students and this to be documented by film by the YMMP. Details: 10:00am-3:00pm; 59 Francis Street, Yarraville; for further details or to RSVP, contact Meg Cotter on (03) 9687 1560 or info@ycc.net.au |
| 2011 Foundation House oration Thursday 23 June, Brunswick Foundation House's 2011 oration will focus on the topic 'Asylum seekers and detention: what are the human rights challenges?'. The guest speaker will be The Hon. Catherine Branson QC, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission and Human Rights Commissioner, with an introductory presentation by The Hon. Nicholas Kotsiras MP, Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citzenship. Light refreshments will be provided Details: 6:00pm for a 6:15pm start; Foundation House, 6 Gardiner Street, Brunswick; for further details, contact Siobhan O'Mara on (03) 9389 8923. |
| Refugee Week Schools Competition 2011 Until Friday 24 June, Melbourne As a part of the 2011 National Refugee Week celebrations, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) would like to invite secondary school students in years 7 - 9 to participate in our slide show presentation and poster design competition, with the theme of 'no one chooses to be an asylum seeker.' Primary school students in years 5 and 6 are invited to participate in our poetry, slide show or poster competition with the same theme. Details: Please email youth@asrc.org.au for entry details and further information. |
| Connecting Youth Services Forum Friday 24 June, Dandenong Hosted by OnSide Victoria in partnership with key Alliance Partners, this forum will include presenations from youth service provider agencies about successful programs being delivered by these and other service providers to young new arrivals. Presentatons will be followed by a panel style 'question and answer' discussion. The emphasis will be on the successful outcomes through positive reinforcement and appropriate, meaningful and relevant engagement of youth. Details: 1:30pm-5:00pm; Chisholm Institute, Dandenong; book through www.trybooking.com/PKB; for further information call (03) 9705 0666 or e-mail info@onsidevictoria.org.au |
| Making Moonee Valley home: Refugees now and then Friday 24 June, Moonee Ponds Watch a local film and hear firsthand from people who arrived from different cultures at different times over the last 50 years, sharing the refugee journey and creating a home in Moonee Valley. Community members from Europe, Vietnam and the Horn of Africa will speak about their spirit and resilience in finding freedom from fear and contributing to their new home. Come along to ask questions and learn more about your community. The film, 'No One Eats Alone: from Sudan to Melbourne' is about the hope, frustration and wonder found when navigating the Sudanese-Australian culture as a woman and parent. Lunch will be provided. Details: 1:00am-2:30pm; Moonee Valley Civic Centre, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds; for more information call (03) 9243 8888. |
| Community Public Forum Friday 24 June, Melbourne Making Global Connections: A Multicultural Dialogue is part of the Light in Winter celebrations at Fed Square. This vibrant community dialogue will feature leaders from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds bringing some fire to the debate. Details: 6:00pm-8:00pm; BMW Edge; RSVP by 17 June to |
| Refugee Week Celebration Friday 24 June, Dandenong Music event featuring cultural performances, Afghan Tea Cycle and Henna Hand painting. Hosted by the City of Greater Dandenong. Details: 10:00am-12:00pm; Dangenong Market; for further details contact Biljana Komnenovic on (03) 9239 5265 or bkomn@cgd.vic.gov.au |
| MASSIVE Community Lunch Friday 24 June, Footscray Celebrate the significant contributions refugees make to our community with a free performance from MASSIVE Hip Hop Choir. Also enjoy a delicious 'pay as you feel' lunch in line with Lentil as Anything's focus on good food, culture and community. Guest speakers include Shanaka Fernando, Australia's local hero of the year winner 2007 and founder of the Lentil as Anything chain of restaurants. Details: pay as you feel lunch; 12:30pm-2:00pm; Lentil as Anything, 231 Barkly Street, Footscray; for further details, contact Joanna Attard on (03) 9688 0584 or joanna.attard@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au |
| The challenges of refugees asylum seekers in Australia and Europe Friday 24 June, Melbourne African Think Tank, Eritrean community in Australia and International Commission on Eritrean Refugees are sponsoring and supporting this forum with two prominent refugee and asylum seekers lawyers, David Manne and Geoff Cutting). They will share their first hand experience with asylum seekers and refugees challenges and treatment on our shores. Soft drinks and finger food provided. Details: 5:30pm-7:30pm; Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Sydney Myer Asia Centre, The University of Melbourne (cnr Swanston Street and Monash Road); for more information contact ymusa@hotmail.com or berhanahmed@iprimus.com.au |
| Melbourne Heart Refugee Week football clinic Friday 24 June, Croydon To celebrate Refugee Week, Melbourne Heart FC is holding a series of football clinics with Game Development Officers and Melbourne Heart players. This clinic will be attended by Michael Marrone. Details: 9:00am-3:30pm; Blackburn ELS (Maroondah Campus), Brentnall Road, Croydon; for further details call (03) 9870 0365. |
| Many Bright Futures: Young people celebrating Refugee Week Friday 24 June, Corio A free multicultural event celebrating the great contribution refugees make to the Geelong community. Featuring games from Karen, Karenni, Afghan, Vietnamese and Congolese young people, Afghan and Vietnamese kite making, traditional food and music. All young people aged 12-25 years are welcome Details: 4:00pm-6:30pm; The Fort Youth Space, Stead Park, cnr of St Georges and Melbourne Roads, Corio; for further information, please contact Barney Frankland (Multicultural Youth Development Worker) at the City of Greater Geelong on (03) 5272 4688. |
| Jesuit Refugee Service Winter Ball Saturday 25 June, Melbourne The JRS Winter Ball raises awareness and funds for some of the most vulnerable people in society.Featuring SBS RockWiz's Brian Nankervis as MC; live entertainment by the high-energy African beats of Gambian master percussionist King Marong and his band Afro Mandinko; guest speaker James Atanasious, former refugee from Sudan; door prizes, raffle, silent auction and more! Details: $120 per person; 7:00pm; MAIA, Central Pier, Docklands; book through www.stickytickets.com.au/5286/JRS_Melbourne_Ball_2011.aspx; for further details go to www.jrs.org.au/events/current-events/206-25-june-melbourne-jrs-melbourne-ball |
| Making Moonee Valley home: Refugees now and then Saturday 25 June, Avondale Heights Watch a local film and hear firsthand from people who arrived from different cultures at different times over the last 50 years, sharing the refugee journey and creating a home in Moonee Valley. Community members from Europe, Vietnam and the Horn of Africa will speak about their spirit and resilience in finding freedom from fear and contributing to their new home. Come along to ask questions and learn more about your community. The film, 'No One Eats Alone: from Sudan to Melbourne' is about the hope, frustration and wonder found when navigating the Sudanese-Australian culture as a woman and parent. Lunch will be provided. Details: 1:30pm-3:00pm; Avondale Height Library and Learning Centre, 69-79 Military Road, Avondale Heights; for more information call (03) 9243 8888. |
| Freedom From Fear: Community Celebration Saturday 25 June, Mooroolbark Come and enjoy the colours, tastes, sounds, stories and culture of our refugee communities in an afternoon of celebration hosted by the Mooroolbark Community Centre. Activities will include craft demonstrations, hair braiding, arts activities, henna tattoos, performances, market stalls and food tastings. All welcome at this free event. Details: 12:00pm-3:00pm; Mooroolbark Community Centre, 125 Brice Avenue, Mooroolbark; for further details contact Megan Rowland on (03) 9726 5488 or |
| Youth forum: Raising the next generation of Sudanese-Australian youth Saturday 25 June, Kensington This event will focus on culturally sensitive services from the Government and non-government service providers, barriers to employment and education, family relationship issues and role of police. Enjoy traditional food, music and dance. Details: 1:00pm-5:00pm; Kensington Community Centre, cnr of Kensington Road and Altona Street, Kensington; for more information, contact Mayen Malual on 0421 488 455 or Ding Mabor Makuei on (03 9689 3888), mobile 043 228 4026 or Ding.Makuei@ccam.org.au |
| Refugee Week Celebration and L2P 2nd Vehicle Launch Saturday 25 June, Clayton Hosted by the Southern Ethnic Advisory and Advocacy Council, this event will include musical performances and the L2P launch with speakers including state MPs and councillors. Free lunch will be provided by the Taste of Free Burma Cafe. Details: 12:00pm; Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, 9-15 Cooke Street, Clayton; RSVP to Diana Nguyen by Thursday 23 June on (03) 9530 5986. |
| Connecting Youth Services Forum Tuesday 28 June, Footscray Hosted by OnSide Victoria in partnership with key Alliance Partners, this forum will include presenations from youth service provider agencies about successful programs being delivered by these and other service providers to young new arrivals. Presentatons will be followed by a panel style 'question and answer' discussion. The emphasis will be on the successful outcomes through positive reinforcement and appropriate, meaningful and relevant engagement of youth. Details: 1:30pm-5:00pm; VU, Footscray Park; book through www.trybooking.com/PKB; for further information call (03) 9705 0666 or e-mail info@onsidevictoria.org.au |
| Connecting Youth Services Forum Wednesday 28 June, Frankston Hosted by OnSide Victoria in partnership with key Alliance Partners, this forum will include presenations from youth service provider agencies about successful programs being delivered by these and other service providers to young new arrivals. Presentatons will be followed by a panel style 'question and answer' discussion. The emphasis will be on the successful outcomes through positive reinforcement and appropriate, meaningful and relevant engagement of youth. Details: 1:30pm-5:00pm; Monash University, Frankston; book through www.trybooking.com/PKB; for further information call (03) 9705 0666 or e-mail info@onsidevictoria.org.au |
| 'Know your Neighbours' Community Information Seminar Thursday 30 June, Werribee Hosted by the Wyndham Interfaith Network, this community education program aims to raise awareness on the ethnic, religious, social and cultural backgrounds of newly arrived residents of Wyndham, currently the fourth fastest growing LGA in Australia. Many of the newly arrived communities are from refugee backgrounds. The aim is to highlight the barriers they face in settlement but also their need and commitment to become active participants of community life in Wyndham. This seminar will focus on the Indian, Sri Lankan and Filipino communities. Details: 7:00pm-9:30pm; Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee; for further details contact Elmo Perera on (03) 9742 4013 or elmop@werribeecc.net |
| Refugee Week Awards 2011 ceremony and exhibition Friday 1 July to Wednesday 6 July (opening night Thursday 30 June), Whittlesea Come along to the Refugee Week Awards exhibition, which recognises excellence in leadership from local people of refugee background. The Refugee Week Awards acknowledge and recognise the plight of refugees globally and appreciate the struggle they experience in striving for a better life in this country. The people showcased in these awards and exhibition work in a voluntary capacity and have made a significant difference to the community. Many have used their own experiences to encourage and support newly arrived refugees to settle in the City of Whittlesea. Community leaders who do this work are often not recognised for their efforts. Local community member and professional photographer, Gracie Lolicato, has volunteered her time and talents to gather stories and images of 23 local people of refugee background to contribute to the staging of the exhibition. Presented by City of Whittlesea, Whittlesea Community Connections and Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Details: opening night 7:00pm-9:00pm; exhibition open Monday, Tuesday and Friday 9:00am-5:00pm; Wednesday 9:00am-3:00pm; The Great Hall, Council Offices, 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang; RSVP for opening night to Maria Callipari on (03) 9217 2174 or maria.callipari@whittlesea.vic.gov.au |
| Karen Cultural Event Saturday 9 July, Altona Celebrate Refugee Week by bringing the family to a colourful dance and music performance by the Karen (from Burma) Youth. Light refreshments provided. Details: 11:00am-11:45am; Altona North Community Library, cnr Millers and McArthurs Roads, Altona North to book call (03) 9932 2303 or visit www.karenculture.eventbrite.com |