A Youtube channel launch, reflections from a former refugee, a documentary and more

Australia has always embraced diversity and the richness that multiculturalism brings into our lives and community. As refugee week draws to a close, explore the ways in which you can learn more and engage further. 

HOUSE OF WELCOME

YouTube Channel Launched Refugee Week 2020 

Due to COVID-19 the House of Welcome were unable to invite you to celebrate Refugee Week as in the past. Instead, they have recorded a number of videos including cooking demonstration facilitated by their Catering Social Enterprise chefs.

Refugee Week 2020 at the House of Welcome celebrates the chefs and engages their supporters who might be staying at home in isolation. This year’s theme is one of Welcome, so we celebrate with activities, diverse foods, dance, music, and we invite children, adults and families to participate and experience the delights of this cultural experience which adds to the fabric of our Australian society.

Watch and Subscribe to their channel

A few words from the House of Welcome

Here at St Francis Social Services and the House of Welcome, one of our core values is to WELCOME. To welcome people who seek safety, security and hope. The way in which we endeavour to welcome people is by providing an environment for people to feel valued, wanted and important, regardless of gender, faith, race or social circumstances.

St Francis Social Services and the House of Welcome greets people who come to our door with warmth, engagement and an open heart. We tailor our support service to meet their individual needs. As we reflect on St Francis’s ‘Instrument of Peace’ prayer, we are provided with an insight into what it feels and looks like when we our heart is genuinely open to welcoming people.

“Where there is despair, we provide hope, where there is darkness, we shine a light, where there is sadness, we will bring joy” (adapted from St Francis Peace Prayer).

When we consider that there are “over 21.3 million refugees seeking a home globally and over half a million are children” UNNHCR 12 June 2020, to open our doors and to be hospitable is worthy of celebration. Providing shelter, protection, healthcare, education and psycho-social support is an essential, and welcoming, service of care. It is essential if we are committed to welcoming people who have endured enormous hardships.

 At this time, when the world and our country are experiencing the challenges presented by COVID-19, this celebration may seem out of place. However, it further heightens our awareness of what is critical at this time - that we can try to ensure people who are at a greater risk in our community, are provided with whatever assistance they need. Especially, when so many are losing jobs and struggling with finances and difficult living conditions.

We are still the lucky country, and for people who are forced to leave their native home, it is still a country of hope, and endless opportunity. 

REFLECTION by Joseph Youhana

Joseph is a former refugee from Iraq and is a Steering Committee Member of the National Refugee-led Advisory and Advocacy Group. He works as the Community Inclusion Manager at The Brotherhood of St Laurence. During Refugee Week he posted a reflection on his LinkedIn account which was then taken up by Common Grace. 

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7 

Joseph says "As a former refugee, this week is one of my favourite weeks. I am active in my advocacy on different levels to highlight and discuss refugees and asylum seekers cases." 

Year of Welcome, A Year of Change many practices. 

Read Joseph's reflection: Day 3 - Protecting Joseph Youhana calls us to think about welcome through the eyes of refugees

While on the Common Grace website, take a look at the other reflections that Common Grace has curated for Refugee Week 2020 called Daily Disruptions 

ROSEMARY'S WAY - A documentary. 

A powerful, inspirational story from Western Sydney following a group of migrant women and their remarkable champion, Rosemary Kariuki.

In the Media

• IN THE Sydney Morning Herald -  Read about ROSEMARY'S WAY in The Sydney Morning Herald 

• ON ABC AFTERNOONS - ROSEMARY'S WAY  Director, Ros Horin, spoke to James Valentine on ABC Afternoons yesterday about ROSEMARY'S WAY. Listen to the interview here: (Interview begins at 00:21:00)

Social Media

Follow on Facebook and use the tags - @RosemarysWayFilm and @Sydneyfilmfestival 

Trailer

Watch ROSEMARY'S WAY Official Trailer 

ROSEMARY’S WAY  at Sydney Film Festival  (ends 21 June)

The Sydney Film Festival 2020 has gone ONLINE and national for the first time, so all Australians can access the films in this year's festival. 

There are only a few days left until the end of Sydney Film Festival, so don't miss out on your chance to watch ROSEMARY'S WAY. 

To book tickets to see ROSEMARY’S WAY online at the Sydney Film Festival   Click on RENT and follow the instructions to watch the film.Tickets cost $14, and can be used until midnight this Sunday 21st of June. 

SHOW YOUR CONCERN, ENGAGE FURTHER

Call or write to your MP to express your concern for refugees and asylum seekers in our community. You might also like to take the opportunity to listen and learn from refugees who will be sharing their stories and perspectives.

Here are a number of ways you might like to get involved:

• Join one of the many Refugee Week events taking place online this year 

• Watch, listen or share some of the suggested films, podcasts, poems, videos, songs on the Refugee Week resources page 

• Join the Refugee Council of Australia community dinner project, Share a Meal, Share a Story 

• Share a message of support on your social media account – use any of the hashtags #RefugeeWeek2020 #justice4refugees #NobodyLeftBehind #GameOver

• Call or speak to your MP about extending the safety net and Medicare benefits to refugees and asylum seekers impacted by COVID-19