Refugee Week 2021: Unity – the way forward

2021 Refugee Week - Webpage Image

 

Refugee Week runs from Sunday 20 June to Saturday 26 June 2021.

Hobsons Bay City Council joins the Refugee Council of Australia and many other local governments and organisations around Australia, to celebrate the contributions people of Refugee and Asylum Seeker background make to this strong, resilient and thriving community.

In 2021 the Refugee Week theme is  Unity – the way forward.

The volatility of life in recent times has shown us unequivocally that we need to work together often merely to survive, let alone to thrive and progress. Let’s take the opportunity to start afresh and rebuild our lives together. To count our blessings and to put them to work. Existing and emerging communities. Working together.

Stronger. Safer. Healthier. Happier. Together.

As a community, we are stronger, safer, healthier and happier, united together.

Refugee Week

Below are some local activities and learning opportunities for community and local businesses.

Click here for other online activities on the national Refugee Week 2021 events calendar.

For information about refugees in Australia, check out the Refugee Council of Australia’s webpage.

Local activities and learning opportunities

The Palace of Angels – Mohammed Massoud Morsi (online author talk)

Tuesday 22 June, 6:30pm

Hosted by Hobsons Bay Libraries

Behind Palestine’s struggle for freedom are beautiful faces, not normally revealed in war. Mohammed Massoud Morsi's 'The palace of angels' is a collection of moving stories that makes us question who we really are and what we wish to become. In honour of Refugee Week 2021, Mohammed joins us to discuss his book and the ‘seeds of peace and co-existence yearning to sprout on both sides of the fence.’

 

Join advocacy efforts to support people seeking asylum in Hobsons Bay – Back your neighbour campaign

Sunday 20 June to Saturday 26 June 2021                

Hosted by the Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum

Hobsons Bay City Council is part of a group of 30 councils nationwide advocating for people seeking asylum who are living in our community.  In 2018, the Australian Government Status Resolution Support Services program was reduced leaving many without any income, education and health support. Like many neighbours, their plight has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. These are members of our community who do not have access to Centrelink benefits, basic Medicare support, are reliant on reduced casual work opportunities, who have no choice but to access limited emergency relief support provided by charities and local volunteer groups.  For more information, go to http://backyourneighbour.com.au. You can sign a petition or volunteer to help the campaign.

Journeys of Refugees and People Seeking Asylum: Access an eBook or watch a film online for free

Sunday 20 June to Saturday 26 June 2021

Available through Hobsons Bay Libraries

In honour of Refugee Week, the Hobsons Bay Libraries team has compiled a list of some great books and films for you to access through their eCollection. Get free access to these eBooks and films through your Hobsons Bay Library membership. Enjoy them in the comfort of your own home or host a watch party with friends and family over a meal.

Refugee Welcome Zone Forum (online)

Thursday 8 July 2021

Hosted by Refugee Council of Australia

Over 170 councils across Australia (including Hobsons Bay City Council) have declared themselves Refugee Welcome Zones, making a public commitment to welcome refugees into the community, uphold the human rights of refugees, show compassion, and enhance religious and cultural diversity.

The 2021 Refugee Welcome Zone Forum will be a key opportunity for councils to come together, share ideas and explore the significant and often unacknowledged, role local government can and does play in assisting refugee settlement, promoting community harmony and in rebuilding and leading recovery post pandemic. It will be opportunity to share examples of good practice, innovative solutions and learn how local government can work with local residents, service providers, and community groups to create more inclusive, cohesive communities, that benefit us all. We encourage all those interested in the role of local government as a Refugee Welcome Zone to participate in this forum. Tickets can be purchased online.