Community leaders, service providers and residents gathered across Western Sydney during Refugee Week to recognise the contribution of people from refugee backgrounds, with this year’s national theme, “A Million Stories”, providing the focus for a series of local events.
SydWest partnered with the Western Sydney Region Settlement Consortium to host activities during Refugee Week, held from 14 to 21 June, bringing together community members, partner organisations and stakeholders to acknowledge the resilience and achievements of people rebuilding their lives in Australia.
Events were held in Blacktown and Penrith, where participants celebrated the region’s cultural diversity while recognising local community leaders and people involved in settlement and support programs.
SydWest chief executive Elfa Moraitakis said Refugee Week provided an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of people who had sought safety in Australia and the role they now play in their local communities.
“Refugee Week is both a celebration and an opportunity to recognise the courage of people rebuilding their lives in Australia,” Ms Moraitakis said.
She said SydWest remained committed to supporting pathways into employment, education and social inclusion, helping people from refugee backgrounds thrive and contribute to their communities.
Refugee Week is observed annually across Australia to raise awareness of the experiences of refugees and celebrate their contributions to Australian society. The 2026 theme, “A Million Stories”, highlighted the diversity of refugee experiences and the many ways individuals and families contribute to communities across the country.
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