Refugee Week 2024 will be held across Australia from Sunday 16 to Saturday 22 June.
Refugee Week is a time for all of us to learn who refugees are and to understand the many challenges refugees face coming to Australia. It's an opportunity to celebrate the contributions refugees make to our community.
Individuals and community groups can ask themselves, 'What's something positive that I/we can do for refugees and people seeking asylum?'
Since 2013, Mornington Peninsula Shire has been a Refugee Welcome Zone, which means we're committed to welcoming refugees into our community, upholding the rights of refugees and enhancing cultural and religious diversity on the Mornington Peninsula.
The theme for this year's Refugee Week is 'Finding Freedom through Family', which captures the journey of resilience, strength, and unity that defines the refugee experience.
In keeping with this theme, we're supporting a special screening of Journey Beyond Fear, a feature documentary told through the eyes of a teenage girl and her refugee family in pursuit of resettlement. The film is an emotional rollercoaster taking us from despair to joy through hope, humour and love.
'An excellent documentary… This is a journey well worth taking.' - David Stratton
Hosted by the Southern Women's Action Group (SWAN) and Grandmothers for Refugees, the film screening will be followed by a Q&A with Producer/Director, Robyn Hughan, and Co-Producer, Steve Warne. MCing will be local resident and long-time supporter of refugees, Rosemarie Draper (OAM).
Journey Beyond Fear (99mins, PG)
Venue: Peninsula Cinemas Rosebud
Address: Rosebud Parade, Rosebud
Date and time: Sunday 16 June, 2pm-3.50pm (approx.), followed by Q&A
Bookings: peninsulacinemas.com.au/Movie/Journey-Beyond-Fear or in person at Peninsula Cinemas
Ticket cost: Adult $18, Senior $11.50, Concession card holder $15, Student $15, Child (3-14 years) $13.
For more details about the film, visit the website journeybeyondfear.com or Facebook page facebook.com/journeybeyondfear
You can also explore Refugee Week recommended reading titles online and through displays at Our Libraries: ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au
To learn more about Refugee Week, visit refugeeweek.org.au
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Simon Brooks:
"Refugee Week is an opportunity for all of us to broaden our understanding of what it's like to be a refugee and to ask ourselves what we can do to welcome refugees into the community.
"Our Multicultural Festival recently showcased the vibrant contributions migrants from different countries and cultures make to the Mornington Peninsula."
