Refugee Week 2023

The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (10:05:35):

I move:

(1)That this House notes that:

(a)Refugee Week commenced on 18 June 2023 and runs through to 24 June 2023, with the theme of "Finding Freedom";

(b)the week raises awareness of the issues affecting refugees, highlighting aspects of their experiences and providing an understanding to the community of these experiences; and

(c)the week promotes harmony and a sense of togetherness by uniting individuals, organisations and communities behind a common cause.

(2)That this House further notes that:

(a)Armidale, in the beautiful New England, in 2018 under the Australian Government's Humanitarian Program welcomed over 650 Ezidi refugees, mostly from Iraq as one of the then first new regional refugee settlement locations;

(b)initially there were concerns that local services would struggle to cope, however Settlement Services International delivered culturally responsive training to service providers and established an interagency network of local charities and services to support the newcomers;

(c)the Ezidi settlement has brought greater cultural diversity, broadening of views and many benefits for business and the economy alike to Armidale and surrounds;

(d)the Ezidi community holds regular events to help the broader community to understand what they have been through;

(e)all but a couple of the original families who settled remain five years later and a number have started their own businesses, are attending university and have purchased houses and cars; and

(f)the aim of any settlement is to see people who are independent and feel a sense of belonging – Finding Freedom.

(3)That this House affirms its support for Refugee Week 2023.

Motion agreed to.

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