Celebrate finding freedom in the City of Whittlesea

Published on 18 June 2024

Join the City of Whittlesea in honouring the remarkable contributions of refugees and celebrating their journey towards freedom and new beginnings. 

Refugee Week is celebrated annually from 16 to 22 June, and this year's theme, ‘Finding Freedom: Family’, highlights the crucial role that family and community bonds play in providing support for refugees.

The ‘Let’s celebrate Finding Freedom’ event will feature multicultural performances, art, dancing and entertainment to foster unity while raising awareness about the challenges faced by people from refugee backgrounds.

Held on Thursday 20 June from 9.45am to 1.30pm at the Civic Centre in Ferres Boulevard South Morang, everyone is invited to join this special event and stand in solidarity with our refugee community.

Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson acknowledged the strength and resilience of individuals from refugee backgrounds and the cultural enrichment that they bring.

“Refugee Week is an important time for us to come together and celebrate the rich culture that refugees bring. We want to thank our refugee community for their invaluable contributions that strengthen our society,” Lydia said.

“We are proud to offer a safe and welcoming space for those who have chosen the City of Whittlesea as their home.”

People from refugee backgrounds come from around the world to find freedom. This freedom means living without fear of war or persecution and having the basic human rights to live.

Anwar, a refugee from Iraq and now a City of Whittlesea resident, shares what freedom means to her.

“Freedom to me means when I have the right to live where I like, wear what I like, do what I want, go where I want. I have this freedom in Australia,” Anwar said.

The City of Whittlesea offers programs to support people from refugee background in practicing English, learning to swim, improving digital literacy, and celebrating cultural dates of significance like Refugee Week. Our goal is to create a connected community where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

For more information about the event, or to find details of events happening near you, visit the Refugee Week page.