Celebrating Refugee Week 2025 with joy, unity and culture

A day of community and connection

On Saturday, SMRC welcomed hundreds of community members to The Castle in Dandenong to celebrate Refugee Week 2025. This year’s national theme, Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community, inspired a day filled with energy, togetherness and multicultural pride.

The weather was lovely, and the atmosphere inside was even better. Families, performers, volunteers and visitors shared a space filled with music, food, dance and powerful stories of belonging.

A vibrant lineup of cultural performances

The main stage featured a diverse program of performances.
Audiences enjoyed:

• Soulful music from Joey and Monina
• A mesmerising Indian classical dance
• Tai chi led by SMRC staff member Margaret
• A dynamic South Sudanese dance by Esther
• Pop classics from Ben and Georgia
• Hip hop from YTS GucciBoi

Each performance reflected the richness of culture and the strength of sharing traditions.

Activities for all ages

There was something for everyone at the event, including:

• Fresh popcorn and a sizzling sausage sizzle
• Henna art and cultural display corners
• Warm cups of tea shared in conversation
• Raffle prizes and fun for children
• Inspiring speeches and community connection
• Beautiful corners celebrating Afghan and South Sudanese culture

The event created a space where people of all backgrounds could come together and celebrate what makes our community strong.

A heartfelt thank you

We’re especially grateful to Arozoo, our incredible young MC who brought warmth and energy to the event all day long. Thank you also to the SMRC volunteers and members of our Youth Advisory Group, who played a big role in setting up, guiding guests and ensuring the day ran smoothly.

Reflecting the Refugee Week theme

The 2025 theme, Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community, is about what it means to feel safe, welcomed and connected. SMRC’s celebration brought this to life through shared food, stories, art and dance.

Together, we celebrated freedom, belonging and the power of community.

Help SMRC continue to celebrate cross-cultural connection and community.