'I am grateful to Australia for having allowed me to do what I love.'
Actor Henri Szeps was born in a Swiss refugee camp after his parents fled Poland in the shadow of the looming German invasion.
Read more about: Henri's story
Refugee Week events calendar: New South Wales
Sydney launch of Refugee Week - 15 June
The Sydney Refugee Week launch will be held on Saturday 15 June from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Pitt Street Uniting Church (264 Pitt Street, Sydney). It will feature the Dario Palermo Refugee Art Exhibition, presentation of 2013 Refugee Humanitarian Awards, a screening of the Australian Refugee Film Festival, speakers and entertainment. All members and supporters of RCOA are invited to attend.
| Me, the Road and I Saturday 8 June, Wollongong Curated by Virginia Settre, the exhibition serves as a narrative of the refugee experience, offering a voice that tells of how the long and difficult journey has impacted on the lives and cultural identity of our new Australians. Details: 10.00am-5.00pm Tuesday to Friday, 12,00pm-4.00pm Saturday and Sunday; Wollongong City Gallery, corner of Kembla and Burrelli streets, Wollongong. Contact 02 4228 7500 or gallery@wollongong.nsw.gov.au. Further details at http://www.wollongongcitygallery.com/exhibitions/Pages/Me,theRoadI.aspx |
| Book launch and read: The People Smuggler by Robin de Crespigny Saturday 8 June, Wollongong Book launch and read followed by experimental poetry readings from the floor. Refreshments provided. Details: 2.00pm; Wollongong City Gallery, corner of Kembla and Burrelli streets, Wollongong. Contact 02 4228 7500 or gallery@wollongong.nsw.gov.au. Further details at http://www.wollongongcitygallery.com/exhibitions/Pages/Me,theRoadI.aspx. |
| Listen to My Story - See My Story Sunday 9 June, Wollongong Watercolour workshop that responds to the poems written by former refugees and migrants at Wollongong City Gallery. Details: $20 ($15 concession) for materials. Free for South Coast Writers' Centre members; 12.30pm-3.30pm; Wollongong City Gallery, corner of Kembla and Burrelli streets, Wollongong. For bookings contact 02 4228 0151 or director@southcoastwriters.org.au. Further details at http://www.wollongongcitygallery.com/exhibitions/Pages/Me,theRoadI.aspx. |
| Solid Ground II: Echoes Thursday 13 June to Sunday 30 June, Newtown Solid Ground II: Echoes brings together a range of artists and writers inquiring into the current debate about asylum seekers and refugees in Australia. Details: 10.00am-6.00pm, Thursday to Sunday; The Vanishing Point Gallery, 565 King Street, Newtown. Contact info@atthevanishingpoint.com.au. Further details at http://www.atthevanishingpoint.com.au/. |
| Photography Exhibition Friday 14 June to Friday 21 June, Penrith An exhibition of photos of refugees from parts of the world that reflect the contributions of humanitarian arrivals to the area. Details: Nepean Hospital, Derby Street, Penrith. Contact 02 4734 1600 or joy.chapman@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au. |
| Photography Exhibition Friday 14 June to Friday 21 June, Katoomba An exhibition of photos of refugees from parts of the world that reflect the contributions of humanitarian arrivals to the area. Details: Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital, corner Woodlands Road and Great Western Highway, Katoomba. Contact 02 4734 1600 or joy.chapman@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au. |
| Photography Exhibition Friday 14 June to Friday 21 June, Lithgow An exhibition of photos of refugees from parts of the world that reflect the contributions of humanitarian arrivals to the area. Details: Lithgow Hospital, Col Drew Drive, Lithgow. Contact 02 4734 1600 or joy.chapman@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au. |
| Photography Exhibition Friday 14 June to Friday 21 June, Windsor An exhibition of photos of refugees from parts of the world that reflect the contributions of humanitarian arrivals to the area. Details: Hawkesbury District Health Service, 2 Day Street, Windsor. Contact 02 4734 1600 or joy.chapman@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au. |
| No Crime to Seek Asylum Sunday 16 June, Sydney Speakers, including Les Murray, a former Manus Island worker and representatives from the Hazara and Tamil communities, will advocate for humane refugee and asylum policies. Details: 1pm; Sydney Town Hall. For further information contact Mark on 0422 078 376. For updates visit http://www.refugeeaction.org.au/. |
| Albury Wodonga Refugee Week Celebration and Citizenship Ceremony Sunday 16 June, Albury Celebrate the cultural diversity of the Albury Wodonga region as local community members of refugee background become our newest Australians. Enjoy a free barbecue and traditional foods. Entertainment from local performers. Details: 11.00am-3.00pm; Hovell Tree Park, Albury. Contact 02 6048 9523 or milinda.hamilton@vinnies.org.au. |
| Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea film screening and Q and A Sunday 16 June, Avalon What turns a person into a boat person? Award-winning documentary Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea explores one of the most controversial issues of our time. An Amnesty International representative will lead the discussion. Details: 5.00pm-7.00pm; Avalon Baptist Church, 2 George Street, Avalon. RSVP to kath_moody@hotmail.com. Further details at http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/31740. |
| Restoring Hope as a Community Monday 17 June, Fairfield NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities, the Hon Victor Dominello MP heads a list of guest speakers. Live entertainment and information stalls are part of the celebration. Details: 11.00am-2.00pm; Fairfield Community Hall, 25 Barbara Street, Fairfield. Contact Dr Eman Sharobeem on 02 9726 4044 . |
| Get Active for Refugee Rights! Monday 17 June, Chippendale Are you new to Amnesty International or want to get more involved? There are many actions throughout June for Refugee Week, find out how you can get involved, and learn from experienced campaigners and professionals working in the field of refugee rights. Evening includes a short presentation on Amnesty and talks and Q and A session with long-term activists. Details: 6.30pm; Amnesty International NSW Action Centre, Level 1, 79 Myrtle Streete, Chippendale. Contact Meret McDonald on 02 8396 7670 or aiansw@amnesty.org.au. Further details at http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/30325/. |
| Refugee Week at Miller Technology High School Tuesday 18 June, Thursday 20 June, Miller Refugee Week celebrations include story writing on the theme of "Restoring Hope", poster design and a symbolic tree-planting ceremony. On Thursday, 20 June, the school assembly will hear from guest speakers and see performances. Details: Various Miller Technology High School, Cabramatta Avenue, Miller. Contact Dragana Stojanovic on 02 9607 8669 or . |
| NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Plenum Tuesday 18 June, Chatswood The Plenum will feature a guest speaker, Sarjoh Bah who will talk about migrant resettlement programs and a personal and professional perspective on the refugee experience and challenges. Details: 7.30pm; North Shore Temple Emanuel, 28 Chatswood Avenue, Chatswood. Contact khaworth@softhome.net. |
| Refugee Week Film Screening Wednesday 19 June, Sutherland A screening of the 2012 Winner of the European Independent Film Festival Best Documentary Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea will be introduced by an Amnesty International representative and be followed by a Q and A session. Refreshments will be provided. Details: Free, gold coin donation to Amnesty International appreciated; 7.00pm; Sutherland Library, 30-36 Belmont Street, Sutherland Bookings essential. Contact 02 9710 0351 or library@ssc.nsw.gov.au . |
| Refugee Week Morning Tea/Tour of "Immersed" Photography Exhibition and Screening of refugee documentary Wednesday 19 June, Auburn "Immersed" is a multimedia exhibition featuring photographic portraits of local refugees by George Voulgaropoulos and a refugee documentary telling the stories of local refugees in our community. The exhibition will be on display between 1 June and 21 July during gallery opening hours. Details: 10.00am-11.30am; Peacock Gallery, Auburn Botanic Gardens, corner Chiswick and Chisholm Roads, Auburn. Contact Merryn Howell on 02 9735 1235 or merryn.howell@auburn.nsw.gov.au. Details at http://www.auburn.nsw.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx. |
| The View from Here: Artworks by refugees living in Australia Wednesday 19 June, Bondi Junction Launch of an art exhibition that tells refugee stories and expresses their hope for the future. Exhibition will run between 15 June and 3 July. Details: 11.00am; Atrium Gallery, Waverley Library, 31-48 Denison Street, Bondi Junction. RSVP by 12 June to info@jrs.org.au. |
| Change the Conversation class Wednesday 19 June, Chippendale Amnesty International has been running "change the conversation" classes to help people advocate for refugee rights within the community. The class helps participants develop confidence, skills and information to build meaningful conversations in the community. Details: 12.30pm-2.00pm; Amnesty International NSW Action Centre, Level 1, 79 Myrtle Streete, Chippendale. Contact aiansw@amnesty.org.au. Further details at http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/31800. |
| Refugee Week performances Wednesday 19 June, Doonside Program includes Afghan refugee and martial arts champion Ali Ahmadi with entertainment featuring music, dance and drama performances from Doonside Technology High School students. Details: 10.00am-12.00pm; Doonside Technology High School Hall, 15-39 Power Street, Doonside. Contact rebecca.stock3@det.nsw.edu.au. Further details at http://dths.com.au/. |
| Restoring Hope Wednesday 19 June, Auburn Join the volunteers and staff of Salvos Legal and the Auburn Corps and enjoy a great line-up of entertainment including guest speakers, song and dance as well as nibbles and refreshments Details: 6.00pm-8.00pm; Salvation Army Auburn, 166-170 South Parade, Auburn (entry on Park Road). RSVP by Friday 14 June to susan.reese@salvoslegal.com.au. |
| Celebrating Diversity Event Wednesday 19 June, Meadowbrook Event will launch Life Without Barriers "I Know Call Australia home" book which profiles eight young men and their journey to become part of the Australian community. Details: 4.00pm-5.30pm; The Meadowbank Conference Room, Level 4, Hub Link Area, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbrook. RSVP by Monday 17 June to 07 3441 3903 or angie.brewer@lwb.org.au. |
| Stop the boats - or stop the hype? Thursday 20 June, Sydney ABC Stateline host Quentin Dempster leads a panel of speakers, including journalist Steve Pennells, writer Robin de Crespigny and barrister and film-maker Jessie Taylor, to discuss what role reporters play in shaping the public debate about asylum seekers and perpetuating or countering popular myths. The event includes a screening of Jessie Taylor's award-winning documentary "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" Details: 6.00pm; Metcalfe Auditorium, State Library of NSW, Sydney Bookings essential. RSVP to 02 9273 1414 or visit https://www4.sl.nsw.gov.au/events/walkley_media_talk_200613. |
| Afternoon Tea and Information Session Thursday 20 June, San Remo The San Remo Neighbourhood Centre and Northern Settlement Services are holding a Restoring Hope afternoon tea to celebrate Refugee Week. The afternoon includes a short movie, visual presentation and free afternoon tea. Details: 2.00pm-3.30pm; The San Remo Neighbourhood Centre, 28 Brava Avenue North, San Remo. Further details available at 02 4390 7888 and cathy@sanremo.org.au. |
| Restoring Hope - Refugee Week in Bankstown Thursday 20 June, Bankstown Program includes a free information seminar on employment and education pathways, legal assistance with driving, traffic law, fines and help with government payments for young and mature-aged refugees. Details: 9.30am-2.00pm; Bankstown Arts Centre, 5 Olympic Parade, Bankstown. RSVP to Loretta on 02 9796 2235 or mcdp@bamn.org.au. |
| Refugee Short Film Fest Thursday 20 June, Penrith Showcases a variety of refugee-focused short films with a focus on youth. Details: 5.00pm-7.00pm; Mondo Green Space, Joan Sutherland Performing Art Centre, 579 High Street, Penrith. Contact Laura Sado on 02 9833 2416 or laura@nma.org.au. |
| Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea Thursday 20 June, Campbelltown Documentary on the circumstances that lead some people to become a "boat person". Guest speakers include refugees telling their stories. Entertainment from Afghan and Indonesian communities. Morning tea and lunch provided. Details: 10.00am-2.00pm; Campbelltown Civic Centre, 171-179 Queen Street, Campbelltown. RSVP to Sherilyn Power on 02 4627 1188 or sherilyn@mdsi.org.au. Further details at http://mdsi.org.au/. |
| World Refugee Day BBQ Thursday 20 June, North Ryde An informal barbecue for Macquarie University students and staff to raise awareness of refugees. Information will be provided on general issues as well as background about the Macquarie Mentoring Program that supports high school students from a refugee background. Details: 11.30am-1.30pm; Central Courtyard, Macquarie University, North Ryde. Contact 02 9850 7394 or robert.ephraums@mq.edu.au. Further details at http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/widening_participation/learning_education_aspiration_participation-leap/. |
| Refugee Week in Liverpool Thursday 20 June, Liverpool Presentation of Liverpool Annual Refugee Awards ceremony and entertainment including an African drumming performance by African Beat as well as information stalls, community art and children's activities. Details: 10.00am-12.00pm; Macquarie Mall, Liverpool. Contact Shabnam Bhana on 02 9821 7779 or s.bhana@liverpool.nsw.gov.au. |
| Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea film screening Thursday 20 June, North Sydney What turns a person into a boat person? Award-winning documentary Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea explores one of the most controversial issues of our time. Migrant and Refugee Women's Association President, Artarmon Muslim Community Association Social Coordinator and Amnesty North Sydney Action Group member Waghma Arsala will speak about her experiences. Details: 6.00pm-8.30pm; Ryan Auditorium, ACU, 40 Edward Street, North Sydney. RSVP to amnesty.nthsyd@gmail.com. Further details at http://www.amnesty.org.au/nsw/event/31935/. |
| Me, the Road and I: Restoring Hope launch Thursday 20 June, Wollongong Launch of Me, the Road and I - highlighting the issues affecting refugees and celebrating the positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society. Details: 11.00am-12.30pm; Wollongong City Gallery, corner of Kembla and Burrelli streets, Wollongong. Contact 02 4228 7500 or gallery@wollongong.nsw.gov.au. Further details at http://www.wollongongcitygallery.com/exhibitions/Pages/Me,theRoadI.aspx. |
| Me, the Road and I: World Refugee Day exhibition opening Thursday 20 June, Wollongong Curated by Virginia Settre, the exhibition serves as a narrative of the refugee experience, offering a voice that tells of how the long and difficult journey has impacted on the lives and cultural identity of our new Australians. Details: 6.30pm; Wollongong City Gallery, corner of Kembla and Burrelli streets, Wollongong. Contact 02 4228 7500 or gallery@wollongong.nsw.gov.au. Further details at http://www.wollongongcitygallery.com/exhibitions/Pages/Me,theRoadI.aspx. |
| Refugee Health Imiplamentation Plan and Photo Exhibition launch Thursday 20 June, Kingswood Speakers include Mitchell Smith from Refugee Health Service and Bishnu Dhungyel from the Bhutanese community. Entertainment by Jane and Ricardo. Refreshments provided. Details: 10.30am-12.00pm; Level 3, West Block, Nepean Hospital, Derby Street, Kingswood. RSVP by Friday 14 June to 02 4734 1600 or joy.chapman@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au. |
| World Refugee Day Breakfast Thursday, 20 June, Sydney Australia for UNHCR will be raising money for the Syria Crisis Appeal at its annual World Refugee Day Breakfast on Thursday 20 June in Sydney. The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, will be one of the guest speakers, along with author and former refugee, David Nyuol Vincent. The World Refugee Day Breakfast is open to the public, but it is essential to book tickets in advance. Details: $110, corporate table of 10, $2,500 (includes tax deductible donation); 7.15am for 7.30am-9.00am; Grand Ballroom, Lower Level, The Westin Sydney, 1 Martin Place, Sydney. Contact Glen Mountfield on 02 9276 6843. RSVP to rsvp@unrefugees.org.au or http://wrd2013.eventbrite.com.au/#. |
| Headlines Deadlines and the Immigration Frontline Thursday, 20 June, Sydney Speakers include Go Back to Where You Came From producer Ronan Sharkey, Sarah Saleh from Amnesty International and author Gordon Weiss. Part of the proceeds benefti UNHCR. Drinks, canapes and entertainment included. Details: $20 (non-members), $15 (members); 6.30pm-9.00pm; Mechanical School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney. Obtain membership by contacting youngprofessionals@unaa.org.au. Tickets at http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=50410. |
| Refugee Review Tribunal Open Day Friday 21 June, Sydney Sessions include a staged Refugee Review Tribunal hearing and presentations on the role of tribunal members. Members and staff will be available to answer questions. Refreshments are provided. Details: 1pm; Level 17, 83 Clarence Street, Sydney. Enquiries to Yvonne Vickers on 02 9276 5404. RSVP to MRT-RRT.OpenDays@mrt-rrt.gov.au |
| Refugee Week Community and Family Event Friday 21 June, Wagga Wagga The Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga and other services are hosting a family celebration to celebrate cultural diversity. Activities include rides, farm animal displays, stalls, face painting and activities for kid, cultural performances and more. Details: 11.00am-3.00pm; Wagga Wagga Showgrounds. Contact Jessica Boatwright on 02 6921 6666 or jessica.boatwright@mcww.org.au. Details at http://www.mcww.org.au/. |
| Singing for Asylum Friday 21 June, Tempe An evening with community choirs and local musicians including "Nothing Without Belinda", Voices from the Vacant Lot" and "The Darling Tones". Dinner (buy your own at the venue) from 5.30pm. Music from 7.00pm. Children welcome. Details: 5.30pm-9.00pm; Concorida Club, Richardson Crescent, Tempe. RSVP to http://amnestycommunitychoir.eventbrite.com/#. |
| Film screening - Mary Meets Mohammad Friday 21 June, Ryde Settlement Services International introduces a screening of the 2013 Finalist for the Outstanding Documentary Talent Award "Mary Meets Mohammad". This film follows the arrival of Tasmania's first detention centre through the eyes of local Christian woman and knitting club member Mary and Muslim Afghan Hazara asylum seeker Mohammad, who is detained inside the centre, as they connect through the gift of a knitted beanie. Light refreshments provided. Details: 7.00pm; Ryde Bowling Club, 11 Blaxland Road, Ryde. Bookings essential. RSVP by Monday 17 June to 02 8799 6764 or cpalamo@ssi.org.au. |
| Restoring Hope Friday 21 June, Daceyville Keynote speakers, refugee speakers sharing their stories, live music and afternoon tea. Details: 2.00pm-4.00pm; 1 General Bridges Crescent, Daceyville. Contact Inja on 02 9663 3922 . |
| Family reunion clinic, website and fact sheets launch Friday 21 June, Sydney Federal Minister for Health and Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek is special guest at the launch of Refugee Advice and Casework Service's new project to offer free legal assistance to refugees wishing to reunite with their families. Details: 11.00am; Refugee Advice and Casework Service, Level 13, 173-175 Phillip Street, Sydney. RSVP to 02 9114 1600 or admin@racs.org.au. |
| Walk Together Newcastle Saturday 22 June, Newcastle Walk Together celebrates diversity and presents a picture to our leaders and media of the Australia that is possible - an Australia that recognises in its public debate, media and laws that "if we're all people, we're all equal". Entertainment includes a cultural festival with music, dance, art, crafts and food. Details: 1.00pm-4.00pm; Meet at Newcastle Museum, Workshop Way and walk to Civic Park, corner Darby and King streets, Newcastle. Further details at http://www.welcometoaustralia.org.au/walktogether. |
| Restoring Hope: Refugee Week Breakfast Saturday 22 June, Narara Entertainment a cultural performance, documentary, guest speakers and free breakfast. Details: 9.00am-11.00am; Gosford-Narara Neighbourhood Centre, 2 Pandala Road, Narara. Bookings essential for catering purposes. RSVP to 02 4329 4477. |
| Interesting Asian Dinner Saturday 22 June, Orchard Hills Chef Tony Sharpe leads a team of cooks and waiters of asylum seeker background to create a three-course meal of dishes from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Iran. Entertainment includes a Blue Mountains choir. All proceeds to Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group. Please advise if you are a vegetarian. Details: $40 (wine or beer $5 extra); 6.30pm-8.30pm; Mamre House and Farm, 181 Mamre Road, Orchard Hills. Bookings essential. Contact George Winston on 02 4782 7866 or bmrsg@aapt.net.au. Further details at http://bmrsg.org.au/ai1ec_event/interesting-asian-dinner/?instance_id=1080. |
| Refugee Awareness Seminar: Deconstructing the Myths Saturday 22 June, Blacktown An innovative seminar to raise awareness about issues concerning refugees in Australia. Speakers include Rev John Jegasothy who will speak about his work with Tamil refugees and asylum seekers from Sri Lanka, Ahmed Shmela from SydWest Multicultural Services, Augustino Dut about Sudanese refugees and Margaret Piper. Details: 9.00am-1.00pm; Blacktown Uniting Church Auditorium, 59-65 Bungarribee Road, Blacktown. RSVP by 14 June to 02 9831 4121 or bucoffice@gmail.com. Further details at http://blacktown.unitingchurch.org.au/. |
| Walk Together Sydney Saturday 22 June, Parramatta Walk Together celebrates diversity and presents a picture to our leaders and media of the Australia that is possible - an Australia that recognises in its public debate, media and laws that "if we're all people, we're all equal". Ozi Battla (The Herd) will perform at post-walk festival in Parramatta Park. Details: 1.00pm; Corner of Church Street and Parramatta River, walking to Parramatta Park. Further details at http://www.welcometoaustralia.org.au/walktogether. |
| Walk Together Wollongong Saturday 22 June, Wollongong Walk Together celebrates diversity and presents a picture to our leaders and media of the Australia that is possible - an Australia that recognises in its public debate, media and laws that "if we're all people, we're all equal". Joni us after the walk at Market Square Park for a celebration of cultural diversity. Details: 12.30pm for 1.00pm; MacCab Park, walk to Market Square Park. Further details at http://www.welcometoaustralia.org.au/walktogether. |
| Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea film screening Saturday 22 June, Toongabbie What turns a person into a boat person? Award-winning documentary Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea explores one of the most controversial issues of our time. Details: 6.00pm-8.30pm; Toongabbie Community Centre, 244 Targo Road, Toongabbie. |
| Celebrating Successful Resettlement Saturday 22 June, Auburn Organised by the Somali Welfare and Cultural Association, the event will feature two videos reflecting on the strength and resilience of refugees resettling into a new environment and culture. Also Horn of Africa food, music and lots of sharing of stories. Details: 6.00pm-9.00pm; Auburn Centre for Community, 44A Macquarie Road, Auburn. Contact 02 9735 1382 or 0407 904 526 . |
| Refugee Film Festival Monday 24 June, Cronulla A refugee film festival to raise funds for refugee support programs. Details: $20; 7.00pm; Cronulla Cinema Centre, 2-6 Cronulla Street, Cronulla. Contact amnesty.sutherlandshire@gmail.com. RSVP at http://refugeefilm.eventbrite.com.au/#. |
| Alternatives to Offshore Processing book launch Tuesday 25 June, Sydney NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson will launch the book, published by Labor For Refugees. Copies of the book available for sale ($10 per copy). Finger food provided. Details: Entry by donation at door; 6.00pm-8.00pm; The Atrium, Unions NSW, 377 Sussex Street, Sydney. Contact Labor4RefugeesNSW@gmail.com. |