Refugee Week is an annual event that provides a platform where positive images of refugees can be promoted in order to create a culture of welcome throughout the country. The aim of the celebration is to create better understanding between different communities and to encourage successful integration enabling refugees to live in safety and with respect for their stories and their incredible contribution to Australia.
The week also includes The United Nations World Refugee Day on 20th June.
Refugee Week is a unique opportunity for us all to experience and celebrate the rich diversity of refugee communities through theatre, music, dance, film and other events which take place all over Australia and provide an important opportunity for asylum seekers and refugees to be seen, listened to and valued.
For more information about the week, please visit www.refugeeweek.org.au
Bukjeh Workshops
Darebin Arts is partnering with artist, activist and facilitator, Aseel Tayah and the team at community art project Bukjeh present a program of workshops, events and conversations celebrating Refugee Week. This program is supported as part of Darebin Council’s COVID-19 Recovery package providing support and relief to community and local businesses.
Bukjeh connects people of all ages and backgrounds through storytelling, dance and respectful conversations. Bukjeh is usually presented inside a repurposed disaster relief tent. However, due to COVID-19, Bukjeh will deliver this engaging program online.
“Connection and belonging are important for all of us even though we must practice physical distancing,” says Aseel Tayah.
Key Dates: The program commences on Monday 15 June with new programs every weekday until 23 June.
Cost: All workshops and events are free to attend.
Location: Workshops will be held via Zoom and are accessible via the Bukjeh website.
No prior knowledge is required to participate in the program of events.
More information and booking info: https://bukjeh.com.au/programs
Messages of Support – Footpath decals in Darebin
Council is not able to hold in-person community activities to celebrate Refugee Week 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions. However, it is still important to adapt how we acknowledge and celebrate Refugee Week.
In East Preston and East Reservoir, local community groups and schools have generously contributed their messages and drawings in support for refugees and asylum seekers.
The messages reflect the hope and inspirations, as well as a warm welcome from the community, and have been turned into neighbourhood footpath decals for everyone to enjoy.
The contributions are from Your Community Health, East Preston Islamic College and East Reservoir Neighbours for Change.
See if you can spot the decals along
- Strathmerton Street and Dunne Street in Reservoir
- Tyler Street, Greenbelt Avenue, Crevelli Street and Newton Street in Preston