Georges River Council is proud to celebrate Refugee Week, an annual event aimed at raising awareness of refugees, the issues they face, and the invaluable contributions they make to the Australian community.
Running from Sunday 15 June to Saturday 21 June 2025, this year's theme 'Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community' highlights the important role that community plays in all our lives.
Diversity is highly valued in the Georges River community with 99 different nationalities represented and 45 percent of residents born overseas. With Georges River's increasing diversity, there is a greater need to ensure members of the community feel they belong and are accepted in the community, while also being able to access the support services they need.
Georges River Council continues to prioritise the values of respect, connection, and equity for everyone. Council's Social Justice Charter highlights our commitment to eliminating discrimination and creating a safe, inclusive environment for all.
Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, "Georges River is a wonderfully diverse community, and we are committed to ensuring every resident feels a true sense of belonging."
"Refugee Week is an important reminder of the strength and resilience of refugees, and a celebration of the many ways they enrich our community."
"As an official Refugee Welcome Zone, Georges River Council is proud to be dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their background or identity."
"I encourage all members of our community to participate in events throughout Refugee Week. It's a chance for all of us to welcome, thank and celebrate our neighbours who have come to the Georges River area."
In celebration of Refugee Week, Council is hosting a range of events and initiatives designed to promote diversity, inclusion, and social change within our community.
Workshop |
Event details |
| Refugee Week Lunchtime Speaker Panel and Sound Bath Session, in partnership with Advance Diversity Services |
This special lunchtime session will be hosted by former foreign correspondent Melinda Ham, author of The Lucky Ones: Stories of Australian Refugee Journeys.* Learn about the extraordinary refugee journeys of our panellists Saadou and Veronika, originating in Palestine and Ukraine. The speaker panel will end with a sound bath session that will guide you into a state of relaxation and mindfulness. Thursday 19 June, 12.30pm - 1.30pm. (Registration starts at 12.00pm - catering provided). Hurstville Library Exhibition Area. Free, register through Council's What's On Page. *Available at Georges River Libraries. |
| Challenging Hateful Misinformation Workshop facilitated by All Together Now. |
Empower yourself with the tools to identify and address racist, hateful and divisive misinformation.
Tuesday 17 June, 9.00am - 3.00pm. River Room, Georges River Civic Centre, Hurstville. Free, register through Council's What's On Page.
Wednesday 18 June, 4.00pm - 6.00pm. Media Lab, Hurstville Library. Free, register through Council's What's On Page. |
| Refugee Week Themed Story Time |
Join us at Georges River Libraries during Refugee Week for themed story times celebrating the experiences and contributions of refugees.
Oatley Library.
Clive James Library, Kogarah. Check different sessions at Georges River Libraries' Themed Story Times page: THEMED STORYTIMES | Georges River Libraries. |
| Colouring Station at Hurstville Museum & Gallery |
Celebrate Refugee Week with Hurstville Museum & Gallery's free colouring station! This is a free daily drop-in activity available during the Museum & Gallery's opening hours throughout Refugee Week. Sunday 15 June 2025 to Saturday 21 June 2025. Hurstville Museum & Gallery's opening hours:
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