Mt Annan resident Gheti Rezaee was just 12 months old when her family left war torn Afghanistan and moved to Pakistan.
“As children of migrants we have faced poverty, bullying and been disadvantaged in many ways as we never had the opportunity to be able to live normal teenage lives,” said Ms Rezaee, who is pictured above, left, with Camden mayor Therese Fedeli.
Eventually the family were able to migrate to Australia, something Gheti Rezaee is eternally grateful for.
“My whole experience moving to Australia and building our lives from scratch has taught me how lucky we are to call Australia home and be able to be part of a land of opportunity.
“I want my children to be successful and contribute towards this beautiful land called Australia.”
Gheti Rezaee, who is currently living in Mount Annan with husband Nazir Rezaee and three sons, Abdullah, Samir and Yasin, says Refugee Week celebrations gave them a sense of belonging, importance and security.
As part of Refugee Week, Camden Council will host a Share a Meal, Share a Story session next Friday, June 25 at Oran Park Library where residents will get to hear stories and experiences from locals with a refugee or migrant background.
There will also be creative performances, screenings and food from different cultures throughout the night.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said the event was a perfect way to reflect this year’s theme of unity.
“Helping people from refugee or migrant backgrounds feel at home in our community is very important,” Cr Fedeli said.
“This event will not only allow them to feel heard but also allow the entire community to learn more about refugees, so I do encourage the community to come along.
“I am proud of my own Italian heritage and have seen how important it is to help migrants living in a foreign country for the first time.
“Camden is home to many refugees and migrants who are living here from all over the world. This is our chance to also celebrate the contribution refugees make to our community.”
Bookings for the Share a Meal, Share a Story event are essential and can be made at trybooking.com/BRVML or by calling 4654 7777.
