Celebrating and connecting the multicultural community

IN the lead-up to Refugee Week 2025, Northern Rivers for Refugees and the Northern Rivers Multicultural Network are inviting multicultural communities to a free, family-friendly afternoon party in Tweed Heads on Saturday, May 31.

The theme for 2025 is ‘Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community’, and President of Northern Rivers for Refugees Marilyn Leeks said the party was an opportunity for people who have settled in the Tweed and surrounds to gather and meet each other.

“They will meet other people who speak their language and share the common experience of settling in a new country,” Leeks said.

“In 2024, the Northern Rivers Multicultural Network conducted research funded by the Northern Rivers Community Foundation into the digital literacy needs of people from other countries.

“One of the main findings was that many refugees and migrants felt isolated and would like to meet others face to face.”

Leeks said the last party in Ballina, in 2024, attracted over 100 people and encouraged the community to attend the Tweed event.

“For people who have recently arrived or have lived here for years, this is a great opportunity to celebrate their culture, make new connections, learn about local services and community groups and feel at home in their communities.”

During Refugee Week (June 15-21), Northern Rivers for Refugees and Tweed Welcomes Refugees will also speak about community-sponsored refugee settlement at the Tweed Library on Thursday, June 19, at 10.30 am.

The free community party at Tweed Heads South Community Centre is catered and will include fun activities for adults and children, live music and dancing and afternoon tea.

Bookings are essential. For information, visit events.humanitix.com/multicultural-party-tweed-heads