Refugee Week is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate people who come to Australia through Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian Program and enrich our society through business and employment.
Every year, Refugee Week is celebrated around the country. This year Refugee Week is held between Sunday 17 June and Saturday 23 June and coincides with international events to mark World Refugee Day on 20 June.
The Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton took the opportunity to acknowledge humanitarian entrants at a Refugee Week function at Parliament House this week, highlighting their commitment to building a new life in Australia by seeking out education and training, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“Australia has a proud record of resettling people in humanitarian need,” Mr Dutton said.
“We are one of the world’s top contributors to international refugee resettlement efforts, welcoming more than 880,000 refugees and others in humanitarian need since the end of the Second World War.
“The Australian Government continues its long-standing commitment to the Humanitarian Program providing more than 20,200 offshore visas in 2017-18 – the most in over three decades.”
The Australian Government’s theme for Refugee Week this year is ‘refugee entrepreneurship and regional employment’.
The Assistant Minister for Children and Families David Gillespie said this year’s Refugee Week recognises that the successful settlement of refugees, including in regional areas, strengthens our communities and contributes to the very foundation of Australia’s multicultural society.
“A large number of these humanitarian entrants have overcome challenges to engage fully in Australian life and gone on to build successful careers in business, education, sport and in the community sector,” Dr Gillespie said.
For information regarding Australia’s Refugee Week events visit www.refugeeweek.org.au/.