The City of Ballarat is proud to join communities across Australia in marking Refugee Week 2025, a time to recognise the strength and resilience of refugees and the valuable contributions they make to society.
This year's theme, "Finding Freedom - Diversity in Community," encourages Australians to reflect on the journeys of those who have sought safety and hope in a new country.
It also highlights the role each of us plays in creating a welcoming, inclusive and compassionate Ballarat.
As a Refugee Welcome Zone since 2013, Ballarat is committed to supporting people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds and ensuring they feel safe, respected and heard.
Delivering Refugee Week is also a key commitment of the City of Ballarat's Intercultural Plan 2022-2026.
Throughout the week, a range of events are bringing Ballarat residents together in reflection and solidarity - from storytelling and film to community gatherings, youth cook-ups and cultural celebrations.
The week will include a Refugee Day Flag Raising Ceremony at the Intercultural Garden on Friday 20 June at 11am, with all people welcome to attend.
Attendees will hear from guest speaker Nivashini Neelavannan (also known as Nivash Neil), who was born in Sri Lanka and is the daughter of prominent Tamil refugee Neil Para.
Nivash, currently in year 11 in Ballarat, fled civil war by boat with her family in 2012 and after being detained in Darwin for six months, was released into community detention in Dandenong in 2013.
After more than a decade in limbo, not knowing if they would be allowed to stay in Australia and her parents not legally allowed to work, the family was eventually granted permanent residency in 2023 following years of ongoing advocacy.
Throughout her life, Nivash has overcome extraordinary challenges yet has already made considerable contributions to Ballarat, including her time as a City of Ballarat Youth Ambassador. She hopes to complete a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies and eventually become a foreign correspondent.
Nivash said celebrating Refugee Week was a meaningful way to recognise the positive impacts refugees can have on society.
"I believe all children should have the right and the privilege to a safe and happy childhood despite their circumstances," she said.
"Refugee children like myself are children of courage and our stories are not just about survivors of war and conflict but also the strength it takes to begin life in a new wonderland."
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said Refugee Week was a vital part of Ballarat being an intercultural city.
"Refugee Week is a time to not only celebrate our diversity, but to affirm our values of compassion and respect," she said.
"Ballarat is proud to be a city that stands with refugees and embraces the richness they bring to our community."
To see all of the events being held in Ballarat as part of Refugee Week, visit the City of Ballarat website.
