City of Mount Gambier, in partnership with the Mount Gambier Migrant Resource Centre, will celebrate Refugee Week with the launch of Finding Freedom: Stories and Artwork from the Multicultural Community of Mount Gambier/Berrin on Wednesday 17 June at 6:00pm at the Mount Gambier Library.
Finding Freedom is a collection of personal stories and artwork that reflect the journeys of people who have sought safety, belonging and a new beginning in Mount Gambier.
Originally showcased at the Mount Gambier Library during Refugee Week 2025, these stories and artworks have since been curated by the Australian Migrant Resource Centre into a print book, to be available for members to borrow from the Library.
Mount Gambier Migrant Resource Centre Manager Amanda Lindh said Finding Freedom is a meaningful initiative that captures and honours the lived experiences of people from refugee backgrounds in the region.
"This book was created to ensure that the stories, experiences, and voices of people from refugee backgrounds are not only heard but preserved," Mount Gambier Migrant Resource Centre Manager Amanda Lindh said.
"Too often, the refugee journey is reduced to statistics or headlines, when in reality it is made up of deeply personal stories of resilience, courage, loss, hope, and belonging. By combining personal stories with artwork created by community members, this project provides an opportunity for people to share their experiences in their own words and through their own creativity. It also allows the wider community to gain a deeper understanding of the journeys that have shaped many of our newest Australians."
Each story offers a glimpse into lives shaped by resilience, courage and hope. Behind every journey is a story of leaving, of loss, of strength and of the determination to build something new.
"We were proud to partner with Mount Gambier Library on this project, creating a lasting record that celebrates cultural diversity, honours lived experience, and recognises the valuable contributions people from refugee backgrounds make to our community every day," Ms Lindh said.
City of Mount Gambier Community Development Coordinator Kristi Brooks said the publication encourages greater understanding and connection within the community.
"Through these stories, readers gain insight into the challenges many new community members face, including learning a new language, adapting to a new culture and being separated from family and network supports," Ms Brooks said.
The public are invited to the official launch with bookings essential for catering purpose. Contact Mount Gambier Library on (08) 8721 2540 or online at - www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/Library under 'Programs and Events'.
