Anasina GRAY-BARBERIO (Northern Metropolitan) (09:59): This Refugee Week I rise to recognise the courage and resilience of refugees who have made Australia their home. As the daughter of migrants from Samoa, I know that behind every journey is a story of sacrifice, hope and search for safety. We are all built and raised by communities with people who teach us, support us and stand with us in difficult times, and when we recognise that truth it becomes clear that refugees are not outside our story, they are very much a part of it. They are people. They are families. They are neighbours, friends and colleagues. Above all, they deserve to be treated with dignity and supported to thrive. One story that stands out is Nestory Irankunda. From a refugee camp to becoming the Socceroos youngest ever goalscorer in this year’s FIFA World Cup, his journey is remarkable. But refugees are not worthy of respect only because of exceptional achievements. They deserve respect because they are human beings. His story reflects the potential within Australia’s migrant and refugee communities to overcome the many systemic barriers in their way. To the fearmongers and divisive voices seeking to pit Australians against one another, my message is clear: we are built and raised by communities, and refugees are very much part of that shared story. They are welcome here not as outsiders but as part of this nation we are building together. This Refugee Week let us celebrate refugee stories but, more importantly, stand firmly against racism and division and continue to lead with humanity, fairness and compassion.