Dear resident

This year’s Refugee Week ran from 14-20 June with the worldwide them of Courage.

Becoming a refugee takes great courage. You must leave your homeland. Your house, your land, your local streets. Your family, your friends, your language – everything that is familiar to you.

Becoming a refugee means you have been forced to leave your home, often by war, violence or poverty. It means you are so afraid or so desperate that you must leave everything behind and start again, in a strange land where even the language is different.

Our City is home to refugees from many countries. They are a core part of our multicultural community.

We often celebrate the food, music and art in our multicultural community. But behind these things are many people who have suffered and struggled.

I am proud of the support Council gives to refugees, particularly our work to foster social harmony and promote inclusion. I’m also proud, and moved, by how our community makes everyone welcome.

Refugees don’t only contribute to our rich culture, but they also show us courage, resilience and hope. Something that should inspire us all.   

If you are new to our City, or know someone who is, you can find help and support at Multicultural Community | City of Canterbury Bankstown

Warm regards

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek