Support network stands with refugees on world day and beyond

REFUGEE Week is underway in Ballarat with a range of events and activities to promote greater awareness around refugees and the issues they face.

The initiative runs until Saturday 21 June, coinciding with World Refugee Day on Friday 20 June, and is supported locally by the Ballarat Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support Network.

The network is comprised of Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, the City of Ballarat, Rural Australians for Refugees, House of Welcome, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Ballarat Afghan Action Group, Ballarat Community Health, and the Uniting Church.

“Refugee Week reminds us that freedom is not only about safety, it is also about belonging,” said Ballarat Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support Network chair Heeyoung Lim.

“In Ballarat, we are proud to build a community where people from all walks of life can find dignity, hope, and opportunity.

“Diversity is not just something we celebrate, it is the foundation of our shared future.”

Events in Ballarat began on Sunday 8 June with a visit from Women for Change founder Lida Hazara Nayeeb.

The organisation’s focus is to make a positive impact in the lives of Afghanistan girls and children.

Since Kabul fell to the Taliban in 2021, Ballarat community members have contributed more than $100,000 via Ballarat Afghan Action Group for crisis food aid and education to oppressed families in Afghanistan.

Other events have included a Rural Australians for Refugees rally on Lydiard Street, a youth cook up and an interfaith prayer service.

On Tuesday, a continuous afternoon tea was held at the House of Welcome.

The House of Welcome supports refugees, asylum seekers and people in need in the community to access accommodation, medical care and employment.

Dianne Colbert attended the event to support the organisation’s work.

“I know that it’s an important service in Ballarat and that it’s vital, and so it was a good opportunity to support House of Welcome as well as mixing with some members of the community,” she said.

“It’s important that everyone gets the services and supports that they need no matter what their background is or where they come from.”

Today, Friday 20 June there will be a flag raising ceremony at the Intercultural Garden from 11am.