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].

On 23 July 2022: The Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and community consultation at Salisbury City Centre Community Hub, South Australia. RCAA is an independent refugee-led peak national advocacy organisation providing a unified voice for people with a lived refugee experience in Australia. The AGM elected Mr Parsu Sharma-Luital JP as new Chairperson and Executive Committee members. Chairperson Mr Sharma-Luital said, “the Executive Committee bring a wealth of experience to the RCAA board and are valuable contributors to achieving the goals of RCAA and looking forward to working with them. I am humbled to serve our refugee communities to amplify and represent their voice at all levels of government, service agencies and advocacy bodies.” RCAA Board and members thank outgoing Chairperson, Mr Juma Piri Piri for his outstanding leadership and commitment to advance the voices refugee and migrants communities over the last two years and wish him well in his new role as Honorary Chairperson. Mr Huss Mustafa OAM said “Parsu is a passionate advocate of refugees, and I am sure you will serve RCAA exceptionally well and I extend my sincere congratulations to Parsu on being elected to Chairperson. Today, Australia is the 13th largest economy in the world, and I strongly believe that this success is attributable to the millions of refugees and migrants that call Australia their home and make it the most successful multicultural nation in the World.” “As the Deputy Chair of RCAA, I feel proud to be part of the RCAA board and make my contribution to the Australian community. I welcome Parsu as new Chairperson for his active role to serve the voice of refugees, and able to reach out refugees in need at all times.” said Ms Akram. Mr Kamal Dahal said, “I am very proud to host the RCAA AGM in South Australia and join the new team to contribute as Australia has given me opportunity and I feel that it is an obligation for all of us to give back and empower other fellow refugees and migrants.” 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. The RCAA Executive Board members elected and declared are: Mr Parsu Sharma Luital JP- Chairperson Mr Elijah Buol OAM- General Secretary Mr Kamal Dahal- Treasurer Ms Nasiba Akram- Deputy Chairperson Ms Dalal Samaan- Executive Committee Mr Huss Mustafa OAM- Patron and Executive Committee Mr Juma Piri Piri- Honorary Chairperson Ms Pampha Bhujel- Executive Committee Ms Tanya Kaplan OAM- Executive Committee Ms Khin Khin Soe- Executive Committee For more information, please kindly contact RCAA spokesperson Elijah Buol OAM on 0423040875 or [email protected].

Refugee Communities Association of Australia and its members are pleased to announce that we have launched South Australian Chapter. Refugee Communities Association of 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. In line with the grassroot vision, RCAA has established chapters in most Australian states and territories which determine and pursue local priorities for their communities which is fed back to inform the direction of the national body. On Friday 22 July 2022, RCAA launched the South Australian Chapter at the Parliament of South Australia hosted by Assistant Minister to the Premier, Hon Emily Bourke MLC, representing The Hon Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs in the South Australian Government. Attended by RCAA National Executive from across Australia, peak settlement service providers agencies, community organisations and representatives from refugee communities and their leaders, the special occasion also heard the settlement journey of refugees from Afghanistan and Bhutan. South Australia is a home to many refugee and migrant communities who have made immense contribution to the state socially and economically. Hon Bourke said, ‘RCAA is an anchor of hope for refugee and migrant communities in South Australia as their voices matter in the conversations”. Outgoing Chairperson, Mr Juma Piri Piri said, “the launch of South Australian Chapter cemented our vision of empowering grass root refugee communities to response and find solutions to their own issues”. RCAA believes that the pain and suffering of refugees can only be felt and responded to by those who have experienced those journeys themselves. It is those hands which are best equipped to heal the wounds” said, Ms Nasiba Akram, Deputy Chairperson. “There are always proudest movements for me as Australian but as a former refugee, this is the best movement for me because refugees led organisation in South Australia will not only empower their own but also advance the aspiration of all refugees and migrant communities” said Mr Kamal Dahal, RCAA South Australian Chapter Coordinator. RCAA and its members would like to thank the South Australian Government for the ongoing partnership and support that allows RCAA to engage and empower refugee’s community to feel a sense of belonging and settle successfully into their new country. To our members, let’s harvest what we have sowed as we continue to celebrate and embrace every opportunity Australia offers. For more information, please kindly contact RCAA spokesperson Elijah Buol OAM on 0423040875 or by email.