Wednesday, 18 June 2025

 Anasina GRAY-BARBERIO (Northern Metropolitan) (09:41): This week is Refugee Week, and I have been honoured to celebrate with my community, honouring their resilience and strength and the contributions of people from refugee backgrounds. This year’s theme ‘Finding freedom: diversity in community’ is a powerful reminder of how inclusive, welcoming communities can help people not just survive but thrive. From a vibrant celebration in Broadmeadows hosted by Hume City Council featuring music, dance, food, art and cultural performances to an action-packed conference hosted by the Vietnamese Community in Australia, it has been a joy to connect with the incredible diversity across my electorate. These events showcase the rich cultures, traditions and stories that refugee communities bring and the vital role they play in shaping our shared future. While we celebrate these contributions, it is also important to acknowledge the ongoing challenges many refugees still face, from navigating complex settlement systems to experiencing racism, trauma or barriers to employment, education and housing. In light of recent events involving far-right groups promoting hate and division, I want to say clearly: refugees are welcome here. Refugees are an integral part of Victoria’s story, and we must continue to stand against racism and fear with unity, compassion and action. This week and every week let us keep building communities where everyone belongs.