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.