Wyndham City will mark national Refugee Week, 14 – 20 June, with a number of local events that celebrate the strength of our cultural diversity and the many contributions that refugees make to the Australian community.
This year’s national theme is ‘A Million Stories’ – providing an opportunity to reflect and to celebrate the journeys of the one million refugees that have granted permanent humanitarian visas in Australia since 1947. Events taking place include:
Refugee Week Event
Wyndham Humanitarian Network will host a powerful community gathering ‘Million Stories, representing a million refugees welcomed to Australia’ that will feature the finals of a poetry competition and guest speakers Aliet Bior, artist and entrepreneur in addition to Amal Hassan Ali, who’s work increases sport participation in the multicultural community, particularly creating safe spaces for girls of diverse backgrounds.
Aliet, born South Sudanese and who settled in Australia as a refugee, is the founder of Umbrellus. A venture inspired by memories of women selling produce beneath trees and makeshift shelters in East Africa. She is also the creator of Bior Illume, a collection of sculptural lighting pieces grown from mycelium and agricultural waste which explores how beauty, innovation and nature can coexist.
Amal Hassan Ali, a Somali-Australian young woman, co-founded Jump Ball to increase sport participation within the multicultural community. She is Head of Operations for Somalia’s first 3x3 Basketball National team, creating development pathways for Somali youth and is the Multicultural Youth Programs Coordinator at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.
Date: Wednesday 17 June
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: Wyndham Community and Education Centre, 12 Synnot Street, Werribee
Cost: Free
Bookings required
Cook and Connect
A special dish will be cooked on the day as part of Cook and Connect program, where young people can learn about different cultures through food, share stories, make new friends and celebrate diversity together, available to those aged 12-18.
Date: Monday 15 June
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Location: Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre, 86 Manor Lakes Boulevard, Manor Lakes
Cost: Free
Registration required
Refugee Week - Wyndham World Cup
Enjoy a day of watching soccer, connection, and celebration as part of the Refugee Week Soccer Tournament.
Date: Wednesday 1 July
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Galvin Park Reserve, 75 Shaws Road, Werribee
Cost: Free
Wyndham Libraries
Join in bi-lingual story time for children and enjoy the collection of books, DVDs and other resources available in various languages throughout the year at our libraries.
For more information visit: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/refugee-week