Learning Diversity 

Next week is Refugee Week and we would like to acknowledge all the refugees who are part of our community.  It is a celebration of all the cultures that make up this diverse country that we proudly call home.

The ultimate aim of the celebration is to create a better understanding between different communities and to encourage successful integration allowing refugees to live in safety and to continue making a valuable contribution to Australia.

Over the past 20 years, Refugee Week celebrations have developed in a number of other countries. While there are minor differences in the dates for Refugee Week, all include World Refugee Day (June 20). In Australia, Refugee Week is scheduled to ensure that it does not clash with public holidays in any Australian state or territory.

Each year Refuge Week has a theme. 

 2023 – 2025 Theme is  

Finding Freedom 

What does it mean to be free?  

To live without the fear of war, to have your basic human rights upheld, to live in equality and without the fear of persecution are just some of the examples of what freedom can entail. Every day millions of people across the world embark on dangerous journeys for the sole purpose of finding safety and freedom. From Australia to nations across the globe, settling into a new environment after experiencing the perils of a refugee’s journey can also provide the opportunity to live, to love and to dream.  

Let Us Pray

Good Shepherd, no refugee is a stranger to You, and no one is ever far from Your loving care. We pray for You to watch over refugee children and families as they travel to refugee camps or relocate within their country. Shelter their souls and their bodies. Heal the hearts of refugees who have endured unimaginable tragedy and trauma.

Amen