General News
3 July, 2025
Refugee week at Neighbourhood House
ARARAT Neighbourhood House joined forces with Rural Australians for Refugees last week to mark Refugee Week with a special morning tea, celebrating the strength and diversity that refugee communities bring to Australia.
Held under this year’s national theme of Finding Freedom, the event highlighted the courage and resilience of people seeking asylum and the vital role of inclusive communities in helping them rebuild their lives.
Ararat Neighbourhood House Manager Teli Kaur reflected on the importance of recognising those who have been forced to leave their homelands.
“Unfortunately they have to leave their homelands due to conflicts,” she said.
“We encourage their resilience and their brave stories, their skills they brought to Australia which enriches us all.”
With around 40 community members attending the morning tea, Ms Kaur said the theme of Finding Freedom resonated deeply with those gathered.
“The theme is finding freedom, it’s just perfect for the refugee journey because their journeys inspire us,” she said.
President of Rural Australians for Refugees in the Grampians region, Harry Collins, praised the collaboration between groups and the growing community support for events like these.
“Celebrate their contribution to society, and to have things like this at Neighbourhood House, it’s fantastic. Migrant families that come to Australia to make their home and celebrating what joins us together,” Mr Collins said.
Refugee Week serves as an opportunity to reflect on the global plight of those displaced by war and persecution and to recognise the values of safety, freedom, which many continue to seek in Australia and around the world.
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