SydWest to Celebrate Refugee Week 2022

SydWest Multicultural Services will be celebrating Refugee Week at a special event on Thursday
23rd June from 10.30am at Blacktown Workers Club.

This special annual event will see former refugees sharing their stories of the challenges of fleeing
homelands and resettling in Australia.

Guest speakers on the day include:
• Jasmina Bajraktarevic-Hayward, President of Refugee Council of Australia
• Ibrahim Bangura
• Simon Shahin, Ambassador with Refugee Council of Australia

The program will also feature a wonderful selection of cultural performances, featuring music,
dance and song by performers, all of refugee backgrounds, who will help share the beauty of their
cultures. Performers represent Africa, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Arabic speaking countries.

• Afghan Poet, Mimi Goula
• Afghan Musician, Emal Orya
• Bhutanese Dancers
• African Dancers led by Geny Navuz
• Dabka performance, a Levantine folk dance
• Pianist Ammar Trad

SydWest will also be featuring some additional stories through a special display and booklet being
prepared for the day. You will be amazed and impressed with the journeys that former refugees
have gone through and the successes they have achieved here in Australia.

‘This Refugee Week, SydWest has invited the community to hear the stories of everyday people
who found themselves fleeing for their lives. The trauma, scars, and heartbreak are often hidden
as they resettle into a new country and focus on immediate needs. Through the power of
storytelling and knowing they’re not alone in their lived experiences as refugees, we hope to
provide a platform for connection, engagement, and healing,” said Elfa Moraitakis, CEO of
SydWest Multicultural Services.

The event promises to be a colourful expression of refugee resettlement and a great way of
bringing all of the greater community together to support refugees and share in the healing
process.