From Surviving to Thriving: Refugee Journeys
Western Sydney MRC had the privilege to collaborate with the South Western Sydney Wellbeing Collaboration and other partners to deliver such a successful Health Symposium “From Surviving to Thriving: Refugee Journeys”
African Cultural & Dinner Nite
This initiative from IGBO community Australia in conjunction with Western Sydney MRC and the Moroccan Sydney Association. Was put together to create a platform for the African community to bond and share the rich African heritage with the wider Australian society and to highlight collective challenges and accomplishments to government representatives: His Excellency Mr Karim Medrek, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Morocco, Dr Geoff Lee MP, Member for Parramatta representing NSW Premier Liverpool City Mayor, Wendy Waller, Ms Anne Stanley MP representing Hon Bill Shorten, just to name a few.
Western Sydney MRC – New Beginning
The Western Sydney name change recognises the broad reach of our service offerings and compels us to do even better. It helps us to uphold and to create new partnerships. And, it allows us to explore broader connections within our expanding community in one of the most dynamic and exciting regions of Australia, Western Sydney: where it is the nation’s third-largest economy, is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse, and characterised by high proportions of the younger population groups.
Refugee Week Activities 2017
In recognition of Refugee Week and United Nations International Yoga Day, our staff and clients joined YogaHive in a lunchtime yoga practice, held at KGV Recreation Centre. Along with presentations and there was delicious Addison Road Street Food Markets, with refugee and asylum seeker market holders showcasing food from their part of the world. We accompanied 24 Syrian and Iraqi refugees to the YogaHive ‘Belong’ event. Everyone participated in an aboriginal smoking ceremony, yoga class and delicious lunch. The yoga was thoroughly enjoyed and the participants have asked for more classes to help them relax and feel health.
Liverpool Refugee Action Plan
This Local Refugee Action Plan has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders working with refugees in the Liverpool area. The plan has been developed to help coordinate refugee service delivery in the Liverpool LGA, monitor progress against key gaps and needs, and inform organisational planning.
Liverpool Law Expo 2017
A number of workshop sessions provided information in relation to driving laws, fines, general safety and tenancy issues. Sessions were prefaced with a scenario put together by Navitas Students. Whilst the sessions were delivered to a large group, a smaller breakout session was delivered to an intimate group of around 20 and we found this to be a more effective way to facilitate sharing of information and an opportunity to have more in-depth information sessions.
Iraqi Cultural Festival – Grand Opening
On display are works from Iraqi male and female artists, including fashion designs and jewellery, sculptures, and audiovisual displays. Paintings on exhibit touch of various themes including war and death, the changing nature of Iraqi culture, and to existential explorations and fantasies on life, relationships, and the individual.
Youth Programs – Successful Swimming school holidays
Being from Australia we are so at one with the water – we are an Island surrounded by water and swimming is often second nature to most Aussie kids. It was also an opportunity to gain access to the facilities available at Whitlam Centre and highlighted other key facilities including gymnastics and the gym. It has been another great opportunity to promote healthy lifestyle activities to our refugee community.
Youth Activities Program – DropZone is a huge success
DropZone is a smorgasbord of activities including, DanceFit, BoxFit, Circuit Training, Mui Thai and more and encourages our young people to stay fit and active. Alongside the physical program, healthy lifestyle activities including snack and food preparation also incorporated.
Inquiry in Settlement Outcomes
Our CEO, Kamalle Dabboussy, and Policy and Funding Officer, Meredith Stuebe, were invited to attend a Hearing as part of the Federal Inquiry in Settlement Outcomes run by the Joint Standing Committee on Migration following our submission to the Committee in January 2017.
