Event Theme: “Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community”

This year’s theme emphasised the strength found in diversity and the importance of community in supporting and empowering individuals from refugee and migrant backgrounds. As the event highlighted, community is vital—regardless of our race, religion, gender, language, or background. It is through community that we find support, strength, and the freedom to dream.

Event Highlights

Welcoming Ceremony

The program was hosted by MCs Atena Kashani and Nawras Dalla.
Deputy Mayor Cr Naim Kurt opened the event with a warm welcome and shared his personal refugee story, reflecting on the resilience and value of refugee communities in Australia.

Community Performances & Art Display

Attendees enjoyed a range of multicultural performances and artistic expressions from refugee communities:

• Over 50 artworks were displayed on-site, as well as on TV screens and a projection system.
• Live cultural performances included:
  • Melanie Khanum’s Persian & Afghan Dance
  • Baghdidi Folklore Group (Syriac Cultural Dancers)
  • Bach Viet Dance Group (Traditional Vietnamese dance)
  • Asanti Dance Theatre (West African performance)
  • Sapphire Dance Group (Bollywood by the SJ Crew)
  • Adounta Cultural Movement (Audience-interactive drumming and dance)

Art Competition Awards

Organised by Advocates for Dignity, the Refugee Week Art Competition invited participants from three age groups: Primary (Years 4–6), Secondary (Years 7–12), and Adult. The artworks beautifully interpreted the theme, reflecting the richness of cultural diversity and the importance of belonging.

Award Presenters

• Dina Tomena & Humera Adeel, Refugee Week Working Group
• Cr Naim Kurt, Deputy Mayor of Hume
• Abdul Celil Gelim, Executive Director, Advocates for Dignity

Award Winners

Primary (Years 4–6)

• 🥇 Milay Ozcan – Sirius College
• 🥈 Hania Usman Choudry – Sirius College
• 🥉 Mohammad Abdulwahab – Ilim College

Secondary (Years 7–12)

• 🥇 Rahaf Al Hayeek – Elevation Secondary College
• 🥈 Rehat Kaur – Epping Secondary College
• 🥉 Haajar Igamberdieva – Homeschool

Adult Category

• 🥇 Lasantha Hitibandaranayake
• 🥈 Afreen Sayyada – St George’s Grammar School
• 🥉 Huda Khan

Each winner was invited on stage for a family photo to commemorate their achievement. While not every participant received a prize, every submission added immense value to the event and was deeply appreciated.

Guest Speakers: Voices of Resilience

Two inspiring guest speakers shared their journeys of resettlement:

Farida Mohammadi

A refugee from Afghanistan and a member of the women’s national soccer team, Farida arrived in Australia in 2021. She currently works as a safety coordinator at John Holland and plays for the Craigieburn City Football Club and the Afghanistan Women’s Refugee Soccer Team.

Gamil Babiker

Originally from Eritrea, Gamil spent years as a refugee in Sudan and Egypt. Since arriving in Australia last year, he has completed two TAFE qualifications and works in aged care and disability support. Gamil is also an active community volunteer and member of the Refugee Week Working Group.

The speakers responded to audience questions around culture, community, and how others can support refugees meaningfully.

Children’s Activities & Community Engagement

The event also included:

• Face painting and henna tattoos in the Blue Room
• Information stalls hosted by organisations supporting refugees and newly arrived migrants
• Food stations with halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
• Gelato and fairy floss for something sweet

Prizes & Giveaways

We awarded:

• 🎉 Five Best Cultural Dress prizes
• 🎁 Lucky Draw winners at the end of the program

Prizes Included:

• Candles from Chin-Myanmar Community Care (supporting CALD communities)
• Family passes to Hume Leisure Centres
• Gift vouchers from Bunnings

A Heartfelt Thank You

Refugee Week 2025 was a truly moving and celebratory event. It brought together individuals, families, and organisations to honour refugee voices, culture, and contributions. We thank every performer, artist, speaker, volunteer, and guest for making the event a success. Together, we continue to build a community that values diversity, freedom, and dignity for all.