THE City of Whittlesea is celebrating the impact of its refugee communities this week with its Refugee Week 2025 celebrations.
Held nationally from June 15 to 21, this year’s theme, “Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community” highlights the vital role of inclusive, welcoming communities in supporting refugees as they build new lives.
In the spirit of this theme, the City of Whittlesea will host a special Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community event—a lively celebration featuring multicultural performances, music and a guest speaker.
The event will bring people together to celebrate diversity, foster unity and raise awareness of the experiences and contributions of people from refugee backgrounds.
Held on Thursday, 19 June from 10am to 1pm at the Council’s Civic Centre in South Morang, this free event invites everyone to come together, honour the journeys of refugees and celebrate the strength in our shared diversity.
Beyond Refugee Week, the City of Whittlesea remains committed to supporting refugee and migrant communities all year round with tailored programs such as health and wellbeing sessions, free swimming classes, family violence recovery groups, emergency relief and the Welcome to Whittlesea Program for people who are new to the area.
Council also works with partners to support access to early education, healthcare, legal aid and more. Programs like the Community Leadership Program and Community Grants help build skills and strengthen community connections.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Martin Taylor said it was an opportunity for the council to continue leading the way in celebrating cultures.
“Refugee Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate the contributions of refugees and acknowledge the extraordinary challenges they overcome in rebuilding their lives. It is through their resilience, courage, and determination that we are reminded of the strength found in diversity,” he said.
“Diversity lies at the heart of everything we do here in the City of Whittlesea. Our city is home to people from more than 130 different countries, and Refugee Week is a time for us to come together, honour our differences, and recognise the invaluable cultural, social, and economic contributions that refugees make to our community.
“As a Council, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and compassionate community, where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.
“Together, we celebrate not just Refugee Week but the shared humanity that binds us all.”
Local libraries and neighbourhood houses offer free or low-cost services, including English classes, digital literacy workshops, job support and social activities to help new residents settle, connect and thrive.