The Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) congratulates the Australian Government on reaching a historic milestone last week the granting of the 1 millionth refugee and humanitarian visa since Australia commenced its humanitarian intake in 1947. This historic milestone represents far more than a number. It reflects one million stories of courage, renewal and contribution. Refugees have arrived from different regions at different times, rebuilding their lives and enriching Australia through industry, innovation and community leadership. They have embraced Australian values with pride, a deep sense of belonging and love for this nation, strengthening Australia’s standing as one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world. RCAA Chairperson, Parsu Sharma Luital JP, said: “The granting of the one-millionth refugee visa is a moment to cherish and celebrate not only for refugees, but by all Australians with pride. While we celebrate this milestone, RCAA encourages everyone to share the positive contributions made by refugees to Australia. There are thousands of untold histories and contributions that remain largely unheard, and they deserve to be acknowledged.” Australia’s world-class settlement services, supported by government funded settlement service providers and strong grassroots community leadership, have helped humanitarian entrants feel at home upon arrival, rebuild their lives and contribute to Australia’s social and economic wellbeing. This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the resilience of those who fled danger, honour their achievements and recognise Australia’s long humanitarian tradition. In reality, except for a very small minority, majority of Australians are kind, compassionate and welcoming towards refugees. Mr Sharma Luital added: “RCAA will honour and celebrate this milestone at the 2nd RCAA National Conference in Adelaide in March 2026 and through activities across our chapters and partnerships throughout the year.” RCAA is an independent, membership-based, refugee-led peak body that works alongside people with lived experience to strengthen grassroots voices, advocate for refugee needs, build capacity and support successful settlement by identifying service gaps and helping communities access the support they need. Guided by the principle For Refugees, With Refugees, By Refugees, RCAA represents refugee communities through state and territory chapters, ensuring local priorities are reflected and addressed across its work. We at RCAA are dedicated to advancing refugee leadership through advocacy, policy influence, capacity building and strong collaboration. For more information, contact RCAA spokesperson Parsu Sharma Luital JP on 0412 265 317 or by email: [email protected]

The Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) online on 24 April 2025, bringing together members to elect a new Executive Committee (EC). RCAA is an independent, refugee-led peak national advocacy organisation, providing a unified voice for individuals with lived refugee experiences in Australia. Guided by the principle “For Refugees, With Refugees, By Refugees,” RCAA represents the authentic voice of grassroots refugee communities across all states and territories, ensuring local needs and issues are met within a coordinated national framework. RCAA congratulates all newly elected office bearers and EC members on their commitment to serving refugee communities. At the AGM, Parsu Sharma-Luital JP was elected Chairperson for a second term. Mr Sharma-Luital said, “I am deeply humbled and sincerely grateful for the trust placed in me to serve as Chairperson once again alongside the newly elected EC members who bring extensive knowledge and lived experience of grassroots communities. I look forward to working with the new team to amplify the voices of grassroots refugee communities, our supporters and stakeholders.” Reflecting on RCAA’s achievements, Mr Sharma-Luital added, “I am proud of RCAA’s leadership in delivering the ‘2023 Inaugural RCAA National Conference: Building on the Foundation of Lived Experiences,’ as well as the recognition and granting of DGR Status for RCAA Foundation Ltd by the Australian government.” RCAA would like to thank Ms Catherine Scarth, Chief Executive Officer of AMES Australia, for conducting the AGM as the Returning Officer and for her ongoing support and mentorship since its establishment. Speaking at the AGM, Ms Iryna Kushnir, a newly arrived refugee in Cairns, shared her challenging journey to Australia from war-torn Ukraine. Ms Kushnir said, “I arrived in Australia without knowing how to read or speak English. Today, I am honoured to work in the local Council, and I am deeply grateful to the Australian government and the people of Australia for welcoming me. Given the opportunity, refugees contribute significantly to Australia’s social and economic development, and I am proud to be a small part of this.” Newly elected RCAA Deputy Chair, Ms Dalal Samaan expressed, “I am honoured to be part of the RCAA team, working alongside Chairperson Parsu, who has tirelessly contributed to the organisation’s development at all levels. More than ever, we must empower and amplify the voices of refugees with lived experience, who are often left behind, while strengthening their connections with the wider Australian society.” Mr Sharma-Luital thanked the previous EC members for their service and their commitment to RCAA. He also acknowledged the contribution of RCAA’s State Chapter coordinators for their continued hard work and dedication and looks forward to working with them. Newly Elected RCAA Executive Committee Members: Mr Parsu Sharma-Luital JP – Chairperson Ms Dalal Samaan – Deputy Chairperson Mr Elijah Buol OAM – General Secretary Mr Kamal Dahal – Treasurer Mr Altaf Hussein – Executive Member Ms Khin Khin Soe – Executive Member Ms Pampha Bhujel – Executive Member For further information, please contact RCAA spokesperson, Elijah Buol OAM at 0423 040 875 or [email protected].

On Friday 21 June 2024, the Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) launched its New South Wales (NSW) Chapter and celebrated Refugee Week 2024 at the Parliament House of NSW in Sydney. RCAA is membership based, independent refugee-led peak national advocacy organisation. RCAA works closely with people of lived experiences to empower the voice of grassroot refugee communities and people seeking asylum to build their capacity to successfully settle in Australia. The RCAA NSW Chapter Launch, and the Refugee Week 2024 celebration was opened by Hon Stephen Kampar MP, Minister for Multiculturalism, Minister for Minister for Small Business, Minister for Lands and Property, and Minister for Sport. It was a time for many Australian with refugee lived experience to reflect on the journeys, struggles and triumphs of those who fled their homes to start new life in unfamiliar lands. Hon Kampar said, “it is a time we must remind ourselves the many qualities refugees possess, which is courage, strength, determination, resilience and perseverance”. While addressing the launch, the Minister said, “It is not just a milestone but a call to collaborate and call to unity for Australian with lived experience to respond to their issues”. “RCAA has shown itself to be effective voice for refugees and advocate their rights. The NSW Chapter is a welcome addition to our state’s families and groups to support refugees. I look forward to working closely with new chapter for RCAA to benefit refugee communities in our state.” Said Hon Kampar. Hon Julian Leeser MP, Federal Member for Berowra welcome RCAA to NSW and acknowledged the work of RCAA during COVID-19. He said, “in the depth of COVID-19, RCAA delivered 20 tons of food and supplies to refugee communities and international students, most of which is donated by Vietnamese refugees speaks itself of refugees living with refugees and looking after refugees is what exactly RCAA is about”. Hon Kampar and Hon Julian acknowledged Nasiba Akram OAM for her exceptional contribution to Australia since arriving as a refugee from Afghanistan in the resettlement of refugees and broader humanitarian work in Australia.” RCAA acknowledge the invaluable support and guidance provided by Joseph La Posta, CEO Multicultural NSW for the NSW Chapter Launch and look forward to continued collaboration with Multicultural NSW to support refugee communities in NSW. RCAA commends the NSW Government for its historic investment of $85 million towards building social cohesion and supporting multicultural communities in the 2024-25 NSW Budget. RCAA Chairperson, Parsu Sharma Luital JP said, “RCAA was established to amplify the voice of refugees with the motto to work “For Refugees, With Refugees, By Refugees”. For too long, refugees have been represented by agencies that have limited understanding of refugee experience and needs”. This includes decisions making, program design and delivery,” Said Mr Luital. Speaking at the launch, RCAA Deputy Chairperson Nasiba Akram OAM said, “the launch of the RCAA NSW Chapter represents a significant milestone for grassroots initiatives within refugee communities in NSW. It provides a platform for advocacy, support, and community-building, addressing the needs and challenges faced by refugees in the region.” RCAA works with government agencies at all levels by developing effective consultation and collaboration mechanisms and partners with peak bodies, settlement services, and stakeholders in other states and territories in supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. To conclude the launch and Refugee Week 2024 celebration, RCAA hosted a dinner at the Thornleigh Community Centre in Thornleigh attended by over 150 community leaders and community members. The launch was attended by RCAA members from NSW, supporters and RCAA board members from other states and territories. For more information, contact RCAA spokesperson Parsu Sharma Luital JP on 0412 265 317 or by email: [email protected]