Geelong celebrates World Refugee Day

THE City of Greater Geelong celebrated World Refugee Day (June 20) as part of Refugee Week, which ran until June 22.

World Refugee Day and Refugee Week aim to educate Australians on the many reasons why refugees leave their homes and to celebrate their successes in their new countries.

It is a time to reflect on unity in diversity and how as a community, we can be a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for people who are fleeing war, disasters and conflicts through no fault of their own.

This year’s theme is ‘#With Refugees – a world of stories’ and council encourages community members to reach out to refugees to hear how far they’ve come.

To mark this special week, the city supported various initiatives throughout the municipality.

The Greater Geelong region is home to many refugees and asylum seekers from all corners of the globe, and make up part of the 16.2 per cent of residents from culturally diverse communities.

Geelong was officially proclaimed a Refugee Welcome Zone in 2002 and council is dedicated to advocating for refugees and humanitarian arrivals.

“Greater Geelong is a welcoming place for all and is home to people from more than 50 different cultural backgrounds,” Inclusive and Diverse Community portfolio chair Sarah Mansfield said.

“Council proudly supports refugees and asylum seekers, who make an enormous contribution to our region as they seek peace and stability.”

Multicultural Action Plan Advisory Committee chair Cr Kylie Grzybek said it was great to live in such a culturally and linguistically diverse region that was inclusive of refugees and celebrated differences.

“The City welcomes all new residents and is dedicated to providing culturally appropriate services and programs for these community members, as part of our Multicultural Action Plan 2018-22.”