Celebrating the contributions of one million new Australians since the end of World War II
Australia’s prosperous future will be built through the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds, as it always has been.
This year’s Refugee Week theme, ‘A million stories’, marks the number of refugees migrating to Australia since World War II reaching seven figures.
Perhaps you know some of these stories personally.
Perhaps one of them forms part of yours.
They’re not the stories that make headlines, but they’re the ones that make us who we are.
Just as these million stories — lifetimes, friends, workers and providers — help form the rich tapestry of Australia’s shared wealth and culture, those fleeing current atrocities arrive here to build a positive future for themselves and their families.
It is important to remember a refugee is someone who has fled their home country due to persecution, war or violence. This is the 40th Refugee Week: a celebration started in Australia and now observed around the world, showing the powerful beacon we can be.
Migrants and refugees make an enormous contribution to Australia’s social, cultural and economic life. They enrich communities, provide caregiving, pay taxes, fill critical workforce shortages and contribute meaningfully across all sectors of society.
Governments have an integral role in welcoming, supporting and fostering the integration of all members of our community and BSL was pleased to welcome $7.7 million to extend the Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration program to boost refugee employment in last month’s Federal Budget . Investments like this, and in other programs like Youth Transitions Support, matter because they help create practical pathways for people to build secure futures, contribute their strengths and participate fully in Australian society.
We encourage all political leaders to pursue policies and public conversations that strengthen unity, fairness and social cohesion, and recognise our shared humanity and the value and dignity of everyone who calls Australia home.
Political rhetoric that promotes fear and racism normalises false stereotypes and undermines inclusion, belonging and connected communities.
When people are welcomed from when they arrive, and supported to thrive, they are better able to participate in education, employment and community life, strengthening both individual futures and the wider community. This is something we can all contribute to.
There’s much work to do in Australia — migration will ensure it gets done, well.
‘Let’s keep sharing stories, challenging stereotypes, and building a more inclusive society’ - Refugee Council of Australia .