Refugees will be seen, heard and celebrated this June as Cumberland Council marks Refugee Week.
The annual week celebrates the courage, resilience and positive contributions refugees and people seeking asylum have made, and continue to make to Australian society.
The week explores the hardships and challenges faced by refugees by highlighting their experiences to foster understanding and help build relationships between new settlers and the broader community.
Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake said it was an important week to acknowledge the challenges and contributions refugees make to the Cumberland community.
"Cumberland is home to a very diverse and multicultural community with 53 percent of our population born overseas, so it's important that we create an environment that is inviting, safe and accepting of others who have had to rebuild their lives irrespective of their home country or circumstances," said Mayor Lake.
"We value the unique skills, cultural richness and diverse perspectives that refugees bring into our community and stand united in our commitment to welcome refugees, recognise their contributions and advocate for their rights."
Council will be celebrating Refugee Week by hosting a talk with Oliver, a former refugee from Iraq who will be sharing his family's journey of resettlement in Australia after they fled their war torn country.
The theme for this year is 'Finding Freedom' which encourages Australians to think about the millions of refugees who embark on dangerous journeys every day for the sole purpose of finding safety and refuge.
Organised by the Refugee Council of Australia, Refugee Week is Australia's peak annual activity that informs the public about refugees and celebrates the positive contributions they make to Australian society.
Council will be holding its Refugee Week talk on Wednesday 21 June from 11am to 12noon at Merrylands Library.
For more information, visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/refugee-week
