Where You Belong
Every member of our community should feel they belong.
Access Community Services has been supporting refugees and working for a more socially cohesive society for over 30 years.
You can show your support too and join a community embracing every Australian.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter below for the latest Access campaigns, events and initiatives.
Creating Welcome
This year, we wanted to support our teams on the frontline - the people who are most experienced in welcoming new arrivals, supporting community and creating belonging.
We interviewed six of our Access employees and asked them how they got involved in supporting clients and the community, and why it’s so important to support and welcome new arrivals.
Watch what they have to say.
Zacharias Scott
Adult Settlement Team Leader
Adult Settlement Team Leader
What is Refugee Week?
Refugee Week shines a spotlight on the extraordinary people who have come to Australia seeking safety, connection and a new life for themselves and their family.
We share their experiences, celebrate their contributions and strengthen our resolve to support their settlement success.
Together with our partners, Access are privileged to share refugees’ journeys and enable them to start a new life.
How long has Refugee Week been celebrated in Australia?
The first Refugee Week events were organised in Sydney in 1986 by Austcare. Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) has been involved in organising Refugee Week since 1987 and has been responsible for the national coordination of the week since 2004.
What is the theme for Refugee Day 2022?
RCOA has named the SSI Group as a key event partner for Refugee Week 2022. This year’s Refugee Week theme is “Healing”, which can occur through storytelling, through community and through realisation of our intrinsic interconnectedness as individuals.
What's On
SSI Group Events for Refugee Week
- May 24 – June 25: Second Chances (Exhibition)
- June 19: The Spirit of Welcome
- June 24 - July 31: Settled/Unsettled: Art on the refugee and migrant experience (Exhibition)
- June 25: Homelands Bankstown
Member Events for Refugee Week
- June 6 - 17: Refugee Week Writing Competition 2022
- June 20: Refugee Week Talk & Tour – Eastgardens Library & Council Chambers & Library
- June 21: Talking Bayside: Refugee Week and local settlement support services (Free live webinar)
- June 23: Refugee Week Celebration – Healing through Story-Sharing
Guest speakers and entertainment, 10:00 am – 1.30 pm
Blacktown Workers Club, 55 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW
For more info please email Vikki
Refugee Stories
Hear from refugees on their struggles and triumphs as they strive to build a life in Australia for themselves and their communities.
Afghanistan national team cricketer and refugee keen to start playing professional in Australia
Former coach of Afghanistan women’s national football team makes Newcastle home
Refugee actor forges new life in Australia while his latest film awaits release
Afghan refugee and former IT professional sees bright new future in Australia
Afghan refugee and former interpreter faring well in new home
Generous donor gives laptops to refugee families struggling with homeschooling
Refugee mother faced with unique challenges during lockdown
Donations
This Refugee Week, support new arrivals to feel like they belong by making a contribution to our refugee programs.
All donations $2 and over are tax-deductible.
