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Refugee Week 2026 celebrated with culture, connection and community
Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC) brought community members together for a vibrant Refugee Week 2026 celebration on Saturday 23 June filled with culture, storytelling, music, dance and connection.
This year’s Refugee Week theme, A Million Stories, One Community, recognised the milestone of Australia welcoming one million refugees and humanitarian entrants since 1947.
For SMRC, the celebration was an opportunity to recognise the many stories, traditions and contributions that strengthen our multicultural community, while creating a welcoming space for people to connect and celebrate together.
A day of culture, stories and shared experiences
Throughout the event, guests were invited to experience culture in many different ways.
Cultural display tables showcased meaningful items from communities represented across Melbourne’s south east, while the Cultural Stories Wall shared photographs and stories from people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Guests were also invited to contribute to the Forest of Stories canvas by adding a thought, memory or sentence about their journey. Together, these individual contributions created a shared reflection of the many experiences and voices that make up our community.
Other activities included traditional Afghan tea infused with cardamom and saffron, an Ethiopian Coffee Corner, henna, face painting, a Refugee Week photo corner and the Smoothie Bike.
Celebrating culture through performance
The stage came alive with music, dance and storytelling from across our diverse community. Guests enjoyed Bollywood songs from Hazel Sharma, traditional Afghan music from DJ Maryam, and traditional violin pieces performed by young musician Negin.
The program also featured a multicultural fashion parade, an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, Indian classical dance by Anjani and Gayathri, and The Journey of Hope, shared by sisters Sana, Rezwana and Sarah. Young performers EasyMoh and Fardin showcased freestyle football and parkour, before a South Sudanese dance performance brought the celebration to a joyful close.
Supporting digital inclusion
As part of SMRC’s commitment to digital inclusion, refurbished laptops were presented to community members to support access to education, employment, services and social connection.
SMRC Board Chairperson Dr Ponniah Anandajayasekeram and Deputy Chair Wicki Wickiramasingham presented the laptops, marking another way SMRC supports people to build skills, access opportunities and participate in their communities.
Welcoming community leaders and special guests
SMRC was pleased to welcome community leaders and representatives to join the Refugee Week celebration.
We sincerely thank The Honourable Gabrielle Williams MP, Mr Lee Tarlamis MP and City of Greater Dandenong Deputy Mayor Phillip Danh for taking the time to attend and celebrate alongside our communities.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the SMRC Board, staff and volunteers whose commitment and hard work helped make the event possible.
Their contribution helped create a welcoming and inclusive celebration where community members could share culture, build connections and recognise the many stories that shape our diverse community.
One community, shaped by many stories
Refugee Week is an opportunity to celebrate the strength, contribution and diversity of people from refugee backgrounds.
At SMRC, we are proud to work alongside communities from many cultural backgrounds and to support opportunities for people to connect, participate and thrive.
The 2026 celebration was a powerful reminder that every person brings their own story, experience and contribution. Together, those stories help create a stronger and more connected community.
Want to make a difference with SMRC? Find out more below.
