Released 25/07/2017
Today the ACT Government hosted a World Refugee Day breakfast for refugees and non-government organisations that support refugees and asylum seekers in the Canberra community.
In 2015, the ACT Government proudly declared Canberra a Refugee Welcome Zone. Today, we reaffirm this commitment to ensure those who come to Canberra from refugee backgrounds are welcomed and supported to begin new lives and reach their full potential.
Mr Mustafa Ehsan, the 2017 Young Canberra Citizen of the year, spoke at the breakfast. Mustafa came to Australia as a refugee from Iran as an unaccompanied minor in 2012 and has been contributing to our community since.
He spoke of his work with young refugees and asylum seekers including his ongoing determination to include all Canberrans through sport and social mentoring. Mustafa has become a passionate advocate for those seeking refuge in Australia.
Across Australia, there are now hundreds of thousands of Australians who arrived here as refugees. They have embraced our country and make a positive contribution to our society.
Canberra has welcomed more than 2,000 refugees to our city since 1997 and has a long history of welcoming people from all around the world.
The ACT Government continues to work closely with community organisations and support agencies including Companion House, Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services, Canberra Refugee Support, ACT Multicultural Youth Services, the UNHCR and other service providers which advocate, assist, support and most importantly offer protection and resettlement to people from refugee backgrounds.
World Refugee Day is held on 20 June each year to raise awareness of issues affecting refugees and their positive contributions to societies across the world.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases