19/06/2026
Yesterday we celebrated Refugee Week at Whitlam Leisure Centre. As part of the Western Sydney Region Settlement Consortium, Western Sydney MRC led organisations and partners from the Liverpool Refugee and Migrant Interagency (LRMI) Network in organising this wonderful event attended by over 600 people.
Our CEO, Dor Akec opened this year’s Refugee Week celebration with a plomb - recalling his experiences as a refugee, and challenging current public narrative that is anti-immigrant.
"This year’s theme, “1 Million Stories,” invites us to pause, reflect, and truly listen. It reminds us that behind every number, every statistic, and every policy discussion, there is a human story - rich with courage, resilience, loss, hope, and dreams for a better future." Said Mr. Achiek
At WSMRC, we have the privilege of witnessing these stories every single day.
We see the strength of a mother rebuilding her life in a new country, determined to give her children opportunities she never had.
We see the perseverance of young people navigating unfamiliar systems, learning new languages, and still daring to dream big.
We see communities coming together - sharing food, culture, traditions, and above all, humanity.
Each of these stories matters.
Each story deserves to be heard.
And together, they form a powerful collective narrative - one that enriches our society in immeasurable ways.
We heard from our distinguished guests including Ayyad MP, Hon Charishma Kaliyanda, Hon. Dai Le and Councilor Prophet Emmanuel Adjei (On Behalf of Mayor of Liverpool City Council Australia
We also heard from a panel of lived experience highlighting the economic benefits of refugees including; Diem k Fuggersberger, Maryam Qaszaya, Gus Nehme and Danny Kwok.
Other highlights include performance from refugee artists, drummers, and talents. - including performance from Fayhaa Al Zuhairi, Savoeun-Mao, Ahmed Al-Mubarak, and Ozkan Musical.
Thank you to everyone that made our celebration a success.
Happy Refugee Week 2026!