Wherever they have settled in outer South Western Sydney, refugees have received a warm welcome.
From Camden to Liverpool, local communities have opened their arms to them over the years.
Almost one million refugees have arrived in our country since 1947.
Mount Annan resident and Camden Council Cohesive Communities Advisory Group member, Sana Al-Ahmar, said it was important to help refugees and migrants integrate into the community.
“There is so much to see and do in Camden including the beautiful nature and great people which makes it so welcoming,” Ms Al-Ahmar said.
“I came to Australia from Iraq over 30 years ago and have lived in Mount Annan for 18 years. Since 2008 I have been part of the Cohesive Communities Group where we actively support those new to the area.
“I also work as a settlement case worker and help provide the right services and right path for new migrants and refugees across the Macarthur area.
“There are so many beautiful and amazing stories that end in people living in this area which is fantastic, and it is great to be in such a welcoming community.”
Speaking on the eve of the 2020 Refugee Week, MP Anne Stanley, the Federal Member for Werriwa, has praised the valuable contribution that refugees have made – and continue to make.
“Hard working refugees have enriched our culture and demonstrated how integral they are to the fabric of our community,” Ms Stanley said.
“At the last Census, 41 percent of Werriwa’s residents were born overseas.’’
Her electorate straddles parts of Campbelltown and Liverpool.
“Many of those refugees came to Australia to find a safe haven and now call our community home,’’ Ms Stanley said.
“The success of our community shows how much their positive impact has had on our community.
“We should use this week to raise awareness of the issues that may still need to be addressed.
“Organisations like Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre, Liverpool City Council, NSW Services for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS), Core Community Services and Settlement Services International all do amazing work in this electorate and have had a profound impact on settlement and personal success by providing thousands of services per year, and I thank them for their dedication to this vital role,” she said.
Refugees and migrants living in the Macarthur area will also be sharing their stories all week.
Camden Council is sharing one story per day on its Facebook page, focusing on the experiences coming to Australia and living in the Macarthur area.
One already posted is Camden Cohesive Communities Advisory Group member Thobekile Luphahla, pictured above, who talks about coming to Australia by choice, but feels she can empathise with refugees who are forced to leave and resettle.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said Refugee Week provided an opportunity for people to recognise and better understand the courage and contribution of refugees.
“We live in a vibrant and multicultural community and Refugee Week is a chance to celebrate all of us living together and welcoming each other,” Cr Fedeli said.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to live as well as have a new start and I am proud to say Camden is welcoming of all backgrounds and faiths.
“Working together as one makes us stronger and I look forward to hearing the stories of our local migrants and refugees.”
