Photo: stellar.net.au

All are welcome to celebrate the positive contributions made by refugees in Brimbank at the Community Welcome Dinner on Friday 23 June, from 5-7.30pm, at the St Albans Community Centre (STACC).

Brimbank Mayor Cr John Hedditch invites community members to bring a plate of food to share. People will be invited to tell a short story about their dish as a way of introducing themselves to their table mates.

“We all want a strong sense of community. This event will bring people together and help to build connections through sharing something we all have in common – food.

“Brimbank is one of the most culturally diverse municipalities in Australia, with almost half of our residents born outside Australia.

“This diversity enriches us all. We are proud of our diversity – it speaks of our acceptance, our desire for peace and harmony, and our willingness to give everyone a fair go.”

The theme for Refugee Week 2017 is “With Courage Let Us All Combine”, taken from the second verse of the national anthem, to celebrate the courage of refugees and of people who speak out against persecution and injustice. 

Cr Hedditch said Council’s annual Refugee Week celebrations play an important role in increasing the broader community’s awareness of refugees’ experiences, and the strengths refugees bring to our community.

This Community Welcome Dinner is a collaboration between Brimbank Council, the Welcome Dinner Project and the Brimbank – Maribyrnong Interfaith Network. The Welcome Dinner Project connects newly arrived people including migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and international students with established Australians over a shared meal, usually in a family home or trusted community space.

Brimbank is a declared Refugee Welcome Zone. These zones are an initiative of the Refugee Council of Australia to demonstrate commitment from Local Government in welcoming refugees into the community, upholding the human rights of refugees, demonstrating compassion for refugees and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community.

When: Friday 23 June, from 5-7.30pm

Where: St Albans Community Centre (STACC) in Princess Street, St Albans

RSVP: before Monday 19 June by visiting brimbankwelcomedinner.eventbrite.com.au

There is no charge for this event. This is a family friendly event and no alcohol will be served.