Sutherland Shire is a Refugee Welcome Zone. This means we are committed to:
- welcoming refugees into the community
- upholding the human rights of refugees
- demonstrating compassion for refugees
- enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community.
This public commitment is also an acknowledgment of the tremendous contributions refugees have made to Australian society in the fields of medicine, science, engineering, sport, education and the arts. By making this Declaration, it is hoped that local government will be encouraged in their continuing efforts to support the men, women and children who make the difficult journey to Australia to seek our protection.
Refugee Week
Every year the Sutherland Shire Council host in partnership with our community groups a event to educate the community.
Refugee Week is a moment to reflect on that milestone and to celebrate the million stories behind it.
Each story is unique. Each one is powerful. And together, they shape the Australia we all call home today.
This is about more than a number. One person’s journey influences the lives of many others: children, grandchildren, and future generations who leave their unique mark on our shared story. A thread in something greater; a million colourful strands woven into a rich and beautiful tapestry, shaping communities and stories we continue to tell.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look to the future.
How can we continue to welcome people in need of safety?
What more can we do, as individuals and communities, to offer support and understanding?
And how can each of us show kindness and help people feel they belong?
As part of celebrating Refugee Week, a celebration born in Australia and now observed around the world, let’s keep sharing stories, challenging stereotypes, and building a more inclusive society.
Let’s build on our legacy.
The aims of Refugee Week are:
- to educate the Australian public about who refugees are and why they have come to Australia.
- to help people understand the many challenges refugees face coming to Australia.
- to celebrate the contribution refugees, make to our community.
- to focus on how the community can provide a safe and welcoming environment for refugees.
- for community groups and individuals to do something positive for refugees, people seeking asylum and displaced people, within Australia but also around the world; and
- for service providers to reflect on whether they are providing the best possible services to refugees.