Cumberland City Council is planning to host a vibrant community celebration later this month in celebration of Refugee Week 2025.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, ‘Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community’, the Council says the event will showcase the powerful role of art as a form of storytelling for refugees. Through visual art displays, spoken word poetry, live music, and cultural performances, local artists with lived refugee experience will share personal stories of resilience, identity and hope.
Proudly designated as a Refugee Welcome Zone, Cumberland City Council is deeply committed to providing an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming home for all who seek safety and a new beginning, said Cumberland Mayor, Ola Hamed.
“Cumberland remains committed to creating an inclusive, compassionate community for all, and this celebration is just one part of the work being done year-round to support newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers,” said Mayor Hamed.
“From access to housing and healthcare, to education, employment and wellbeing, our focus remains on creating real pathways for refugees to rebuild their lives with ease and hope. This work is fundamental to shaping the inclusive and vibrant community we’re so proud to be today.”
Among its efforts to assist refugees year-round, the Council:
- Works closely with Services Australia to support newly arrived refugees in their first 6-12 weeks in Australia through monthly information sessions and access to local resources;
- Places mental health and wellbeing at the forefront by linking refugees with culturally appropriate services, offering interpreter support, and encouraging trauma-informed practices across the sector;
- Connects refugees to local support organisations such as Accessible Diversity Services Initiative Limited, Settlement Services International, House of Welcome, Jesuit Refugee Service, Refugee Advice & Casework Service, Asylum Seeker Centre and Freedom Hub, helping them access essential resources and establish relationships with community support groups;
- Works with partners like TAFE NSW to provide education, employment, and bridging opportunities, particularly for refugee women, to enhance their confidence and foster long-term stability;
- Ensures refugees have access to basic needs such as safe housing, adequate food, and healthcare. Works collaboratively with Oz Harvest to run food programs at local community centres and connects refugees to local food pantries. Council supports local community organisations, such as Turbans for Australia, by funding food initiatives through its Community Grants Program, ensuring these groups can continue providing vital food support to refugees.
For more information about Cumberland’s Refugee Week 2025 celebrations, and to register, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/refugee-week-2025.
The Finding Freedom: Diversity in Cumberland event will be held on Tuesday 24 June at The Granville Centre (10am–1pm).
