RCAA – Page 3 – Refugee Communities Association of Australia

RCAA Conference 2023 Report

June 15, 2024 Reports by RCAA

The inaugural Annual Conference of the Refugee Communities Association of Australia Inc (RCAA), held on September 20-21, 2023, was convened under the theme ‘Building on the Foundation of Lived Experiences.’ This landmark Conference brought together refugee communities to initiate ongoing dialogues, share insights, and enhance the capacity of those with direct experiences to realize RCAA’s vision. By centring refugee narratives and lived perspectives, the event created opportunities to build skills, amplify voices, and drive participatory agendas within refugee communities. Furthermore, connections with partners allowed RCAA to align objectives and strengthen partnerships. Guided by RCAA’s vision of integrated, vibrant refugee communities within a cohesive society, the Conference facilitated continuing exchanges, learnings, and collaborations across stakeholders. The two-day Conference convened over 260 delegates daily, representing a diverse range comprising settlement providers, community leaders, academics, and government officials, with majority representation from refugee backgrounds. Participation spanned over 40 diverse communities, including over 60 presidents and heads of refugee communities along with their leadership. Attendees included representatives from Victoria, other Australian states, and territories, as well as international delegates. Among the delegates were 40 fully sponsored interstate representatives from refugee backgrounds as well as new and emerging communities, whose participation RCAA supported through over 80 scholarships to community organizations needing financial assistance. The RCAA Gala Dinner attracted 275 guests, including Members of Parliament, faith and community leaders, and international delegates. Generous financial support for the conference came from over 50 organisations including government agencies, service providers, community groups, sporting bodies, and refugee enterprises. The culmination of wide-ranging participation and support underscored the inclusive vision steering this landmark event. Over the two days 70 speakers joined the panel discussions, presenting on the lived experience journey of refugees, their contribution to Australia and positive stories of collaboration and partnership in the fields of business, sports, and community service. Throughout the Conference, discussions reiterated the importance of policies co-created with refugees, emphasising the need to move beyond symbolic gestures toward genuine inclusivity. Key themes included ethical storytelling, gender-inclusive programming, and grassroots advocacy, advocating for substantive action to support refugees’ meaningful integration into Australian society. The Conference set a transformative agenda, calling for tangible actions to bridge gaps between rhetoric and implementation. The aim is to create a more inclusive and equitable society for refugees and migrants in Australia, where policies and practices are collaboratively designed to genuinely uplift and integrate refugee communities.

RCAA Australian Citizenship Ceremony and World Refugee Day 2023

June 23, 2023 Media Release by RCAA

The Refugee Communities Association of Australia Inc (RCAA) today welcomed 150 new citizens from 42 countries from across Melbourne as they took their Pledge of Commitment at the Special Australian Citizenship Ceremony to celebrate the World Refugee Day 2023. Hosted in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs at the Springvale Town Hall, the occasion displayed cultural performances from refugee communities to welcome new citizens, supported by 300 well-wishers and family members as they took the Pledge. The ceremony was held on World Refugee Day with the theme “Hope Away From Home – a world where refugees are always included”, designed to celebrate and honour refugees from around the world. It’s an international day designated by the United Nations to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. Ms. Zoe Williams, Regional Director for Victoria and Tasmania, Department of Home Affairs presided the citizenship ceremony on behalf of the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Hon Andrew Giles MP. Many dignitaries, community leaders and local business who supported the event attended and spoke at the event including the Cr Eden Foster, Mayor of City of Greater Dandenong, Ms. Vivienne Nguyen AM, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Ms. Kate O’Malley, Senior Protection Officer, UNHCR Canberra, Cr Richard Lim OAM and Adiba Ganji, young Afghan Women National Soccer Player. RCAA Chairperson, Parsu Sharma Luital JP said “Becoming an Australian citizen is an important step that shows commitment to this country. On behalf of RCAA, we welcome these new citizens, many of whom arrived here as refugees having endured many hardships along the way”. “Refugees are not victims but survivors and fighters, he said. “they’re strong and resilient. They don’t want charity, they want opportunity. We welcome newest citizens and wish them all the best for their new journey as citizens in Australia”. Addressing the new citizens Nasiba Akram, RCAA Deputy Chairperson said “We encourage all residents in our community to join in celebrating World Refugee Day. Today, I am proud to be part of a society that affords opportunity and equality to every individual.” Vivienne Nguyen AM, while presenting the Citizenship Certificates said the audience that becoming a citizen was a reminder that we all have a responsibility to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and cohesive Multicultural Victoria. RCAA also invited refugees, refugee communities and their supporters to register for their inaugural conference to be held in Melbourne on 20-21 September 2023. For more information, please kindly contact RCAA spokesperson Parsu Sharma Luital JP on 0412 265 317 or by email: [email protected]

Refugee Communities Congratulate Elijah Buol OAM on election as the Chairperson of the ECCQ

December 23, 2022 Media Release by RCAA

The Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) congratulates Elijah Buol OAM on his election as the first youngest Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) on 24 November 2022 in Brisbane. RCAA and members of refugee communities are proud of Elijah’s election as the Chairperson of ECCQ. Elijah is the General Secretary in the RCAA National Executive Board. Over the years, Elijah demonstrated leadership skills with passion and commitment to bring changes in the lives of people with lived experiences and most unfortunate ones. As a former Executive Director of RCAA, Elijah led the COVID-19 Taskforce and Emergency Food Relief during the COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria. Chairperson of RCAA, Parsu Sharma-Luital JP said, “Knowing Elijah and his passion for serving the multicultural communities, I am proud of his achievement and the trust bestowed on him by the members of ECCQ. Australia’s multiculturalism has become icon of the world and provided meaningful opportunities for migrants and refugees to contribute and participate in the social and economic development of Australia. Elijah’s election as the Chairperson is another testimony that our multiculturalism is heading in the path of inclusion, belonging and cohesive society.” “Contribution of Ethnic Communities Councils in Australia has played the backbone role in shaping our multiculturalism in Australia today, and Elijah’s leadership will further amply the voice of our new and emerging communities, refugees, and migrants,” said Sharma Luital JP. Bwe Thay- RCAA Advisor said, “Elijah’s election as chairperson brings a wealth of experience, grassroot knowledge, and valuable contributions to achieving the vision of ECCQ and looking forward to working with him.” Elijah Buol OAM said, “I am always humbled to serve our multicultural communities and amplify their voices and strengthen a true reflection of a diverse and multicultural Australia.” RCAA aims is to empower refugee communities across Australia, enabling them to take active roles in Australia. With the motto led for refugee, with refugee, by refugee and with the vision to provide a voice for refugees with the lived experience, RCAA prides itself in grassroot engagement and empowerment for refugee communities and their members to successfully settle and integration in Australia. For more information, please kindly contact RCAA Chairperson, Parsu Sharma-Luital JP on 0412265317 or [email protected].