Join us in celebrating Refugee Week

    Published 19 June 2023
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    We’re celebrating local refugees and their stories.

    Refugee Week (18 to 24 June) is an international event that raises awareness of the issues affecting refugees and promotes harmony and togetherness.

    Refugee Week is coordinated by Refugee Week Council of Australia, it originated in Australia in 1986 and has since grown into a internationally recognised celebration.

    This year’s Refugee Week theme is Finding Freedom which aims to spotlight the refugee experience.

    As an inclusive municipality, City of Port Phillip welcomes refugees with open arms and we celebrate our City’s diversity.

    In 2002, we declared the City of Port Phillip a Refugee Welcome Zone, which was the announcement of our ongoing commitment to welcoming refugees into our community and ensuring that our City remains a safe space for all.

    Attend the event

    To celebrate Refugee Week, we’re hosting a free event with a range of fun family-friendly activities at the St Kilda Library from 2 pm to 4 pm on 24 June 2023.

    Scheduled activitiesTimes

    Story line

    Share your story and clip it to our story line.    		2 to 4 pm

    Pop-up stalls

    A showcase of local organisations.    		2 to 4 pm

    Children’s storytime in language

    Celebrate language with a fun session of books and songs in language (English translations provided).    		2 to 2.30 pm

    Lotus Choir

    A performance of three multicultural songs.    		2.30 to 2.45 pm

    Space2b art workshop

    A henna on paper workshop combined with insights into the history of henna art.    		2.30 to 3.15 pm

    African drumming

    A super fun interactive session of West African drumming, dance and song.    		3 to 4 pm

    Flavours of Syria talk and catering

    Flavours of Syria café owner Nayran will share her story and introduce her food (finger food will be suitable for vegetarians and nut-free).    		3.30 to 4pm

    Join us in celebrating our wonderfully diverse community, recognising the challenges faced by thousands who have arrived in Australia seeking refuge from conflict, economic instability, and the impacts of climate change.

    For more information, check out our Multicultural community page.