By Olivia Condous
The City of Melton will celebrate multicultural diversity on annual national Refugee Week, with a vibrant event for the community to enjoy.
Refugee Week will run from June 19 to 25, inclusive of World Refugee Day on June 20.
The theme this year is Healing, which aims to encourage communities to reset, move forward and heal after the challenges of the pandemic.
Melton council will commemorate the week with an event on Friday June 24, which will involve guest speakers with lived experiences as refugees or asylum seekers, cultural performances and a variety of international food on offer.
The council will partner with Melton Interfaith Network to host the event, to be held at Melton Community Hall from 12pm.
Entertainment will include dance performances from a Rwandan-Burundian dance group and a Bollywood dance school.
To highlight the Healing theme, scholar and reseacher Ahmad Reza Razavi will share his journey from being a refugee to academic scientist and a social worker.
City of Melton mayor Goran Kesic said he looked forward to a fun and meaningful celebration.
“This promises to be a vibrant display of culture, cuisine, and the arts that makes refugees and
asylum seekers welcome and celebrates cultural diversity in our city,” Cr Kesic said.
“Sharing food and stories is a great way for us all to celebrate the wonderful contributions refugees make in our own community.
“Join us to hear captivating true stories and learn more about how we can be better connected as a community.”
Details: meltonlearning.com.au/events/refugeeweek2022/
