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.