The City of Playford is collaborating with multiple organisations to celebrate Refugee Week and deliver a series of events which promote greater awareness of refugees and the contributions they make to the community.
This year's Refugee Week runs from Sunday, 15 June to Saturday, 21 June and also includes World Refugee Day and Playford will celebrate the welcoming of those seeking refuge by providing platforms for connection and a sense of belonging.
The theme for 2025 is Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community and it highlights the vital role the community plays to provide a place for everyone to flourish.
Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said refugees often experience a challenging path to escape uncertainty for safety in a place such as Playford and helping to make this a positive transition is an important role for Council.
"During challenging times, the wider community provides refugees safety, belonging and the strength to rebuild. These community events will play an integral role in making Playford a welcoming space for refugees," Mayor Docherty said.
"Playford's diverse communities help to bring people together. It shows that our differences can make us stronger, more united and capable of facing challenges.
"Here at the City of Playford we welcome cultural diversity. With more than 20 per cent of Playford's population born overseas we have ample opportunity to celebrate many cultures and their unique impact on our community."
The first Refugee Week event kicks off on Tuesday, 17 June with Intergenerational Playgroup from 10.30am at Grenville Hub. Children aged between 0-5 years old can attend and have some fun with the Grenville Living Life group.
On Wednesday, 18 June the City of Playford in partnership with Anglicare - Believe Housing and Uniting Communities, will host the Refugee Week Event at the Playford Civic Centre Function Room to showcase a variety of cultural performances and activities for all to enjoy.
The Great Walk Together on Thursday, 19 June at 9.15am to 10.15am will bring people from all walks of life together, while a bit later a yummy lunch can be shared at Elizabeth Rise Community Centre for Share a Plate from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
People are encouraged to connect with others at Connected Community Brunch on Friday, 20 June at The Precinct, Smithfield Plains and enjoy a morning filled with art and craft activities while sharing some delicious food made by our community volunteers.
The jam-packed schedule for 20 June continues with Taste of the Globe at 11.30am to 1.30pm - a multicultural lunch menu inspired by cultures from across the world. This event will be held at Grenville Hub Dining Room.
That same evening community members can channel their inner artist and enjoy Paint and Sip from 6pm-8pm at Playford Civic Centre Library. But if sculpture is more in your wheelhouse, head along to Clay and Sip at Grenville Hub from 6pm-8pm.
The last day of events is Saturday, 21 June and this is perhaps one of the most anticipated events during the week, with one of Australia's most adored children's book authors, Mem Fox, leading Storytime with her book 'I Am Australian Too ' at the Playford Civic Centre Library.
Not all the events require participants to book a spot but to check out those that do, visit https://linktr.ee/cityofplayford or by contacting Playford Civic Centre Library on 08 8256 0333, Grenville Hub on 08 8256 0377 and The Precinct on 08 8480 0181.
