Some of the first refugees to be settled as part of Australia’s intake in response to the Middle Eastern crisis have been welcomed by Ku-ring-gai Council in New South Wales.
There was singing, dancing, and friendships established between newly settled Syrian and Iraqi refugees and the Ku-ring-gai community at a special welcome event at the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden on Tuesday July 12.
Over 100 newly arrived Syrian refugee families met and mingled with Ku-ring-gai community members and key organisations that had contributed to the recent Ku-ring-gai Refugee Welcome Pack Appeal.
Attendees were entertained by didgeridoo and musical performances, the opportunity to get up close to Australian native critters, face painting and creative children’s activities, as well as enjoying a sausage sizzle, a spread of Syrian dishes and a magic show by the Ku-ring-gai winner of ‘Ku-ring-gai’s Got Talent’, 14-year-old Fletcher Pilon.
“What shone out most was the warmth of the Syrian people, how appreciative they were to be in Australia, the happy smiles on the children’s faces and the generosity of spirit of the Ku-ring-gai community,” said Ku-ring-gai Mayor Cheryl Szatow.
“A highlight was when a seven-year-old Iraqi girl decided to sing without instrumental accompaniment in front of the 200 strong audience, with everyone joining in singing and clapping”.
Uma Menon from Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC) said, “ These refugees have shown extraordinary courage fleeing violence in Syria to begin a new journey for a more dignified life in Australia.
“I deeply admire the heartfelt gesture of the Ku-ring-gai Mayor and the local community in welcoming the refugees and see it as a start to celebrate their extraordinary courage for a better life in our country.”
The Ku-ring-gai Refugee Welcome Pack Appeal has been a whole-of-community effort to provide a Welcome Pack to Syrian refugees resettling in Australia. Over 200 Welcome Packs were created and are being delivered, comprising essential items such as toiletries, toys, sporting equipment, first aid kits, books and school kits.
Over the next 12 months, NSW will be receiving around 6000 additional refugees who are primarily fleeing from conflict in Syria. The Commonwealth Government is giving priority to women, children and families who have been displaced by conflict and have the least prospect of returning safely to their homes.
Settlement Services International (SSI) Manager Humanitarian Settlement Services, Yamamah Agha said, “The community played a vital part in the settlement journey of newly arrived refugees by helping our newest members of society to feel welcomed in their new homes.
“The Ku-ring-gai community has embraced the unique skills, talents and diversity refugees bring to Australia, which helps to make the settlement journey a much more positive experience for newly arrived refugees.
“Along with our colleagues in the settlement sector, we would like to applaud the continued support of the Ku-ring-gai community.”
This initiative would not have been possible without the wonderful support of the Ku-ring-gai community and partnership of the following organisations: Rotary Club of Wahroonga; Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury; KYDS Youth Development Service; Community Migrant Resource Centre and Settlement Services International.
