Stories - June 12, 2026
Refugee Week: Intereach celebrates culture, connection and contribution
Intereach is marking Refugee Week 2026 by celebrating the rich cultures, resilience and contributions of refugee communities.
Held from 15–21 June, Refugee Week is Australia’s peak annual celebration of refugees and people seeking asylum. It provides an opportunity to learn about the experiences of refugees, celebrate cultural diversity, foster understanding and inclusion, and stand in solidarity with people who have been forced to flee their homes.
For Intereach, Refugee Week is a powerful reminder of the role community plays in helping people rebuild their lives and thrive.
Since launching in 2024, Intereach’s Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program has supported more than 3000 refugees and migrants to settle into life in Australia.
The program’s multicultural workers provide practical support with housing, employment, education, health services and navigating everyday life, while also creating opportunities for connection, cultural exchange and community participation.
As part of Refugee Week celebrations, the SETS team will host a community event in Mildura on Tuesday 16 June.
It will be held from 12pm to 2pm at Intereach Mildura, 41 Ninth Street, and will bring together community members to celebrate culture, connection and inclusion through food, storytelling and cultural sharing.
People are encouraged to bring a plate of food to share and to wear cultural dress.
Intereach SETS Program Manager Cass Hunt said Refugee Week was an opportunity to celebrate both the strength of refugee communities and the importance of belonging.
“Every person who arrives in Australia brings their own story, skills, experiences and dreams for the future,” Ms Hunt said.
“Our role is to support newly arrived migrants and refugees as they settle into their new communities, build connections and create a sense of belonging.”
One person whose life has been transformed through the program is Syrian refugee Alnajjar.
After fleeing conflict in Syria, Alnajjar arrived in Swan Hill alone while her husband waited overseas for his visa approval.
Leaving behind her home, family and support networks, she faced the challenge of adapting to a new country while overcoming language barriers and building a new life from scratch.
The first time I walked into Intereach, they gave me a big, warm welcome. They made me feel like I belonged,” she said.
Alnajjar (left) with SETS worker Sammi.
“I am so happy to be here, and I want to contribute and be part of this wonderful community.”
Read Alnajjar’s story here.
Sang is another refugee, who arrived from Myanmmar in 2023.
Sang attends a SETS sewing group in Swan Hill, which has helped her find meaning and belonging.
This group is so good and I feel happy,” Sang (pictured right with volunteer Chris) said.
This Refugee Week, Intereach is encouraging communities to embrace diversity, learn more about the refugee experience and celebrate the many contributions refugees make to regional Australia.
For more information about SETS, visit www.intereach.com.au/service/settlement-engagement-and-transition-support-sets/ or call 1300 488 226.
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