Stories - June 16, 2025
Intereach brings Refugee Week to life with connection and culture
Pictured above: The SETS Afghan ladies group in Swan Hill.
Intereach is bringing Refugee Week to life through a series of inclusive events that reflect this year’s theme, Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community.
Refugee Week (15–21 June) is Australia’s peak annual activity to promote greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face and the contributions they are making to the Australian community.
For Intereach’s Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program, Refugee Week is an opportunity to shine a light on the power of connection and belonging.
It is holding events in Cootamundra and Leeton, before launching a storytelling gathering in Corowa designed to build understanding across cultures later this month.
The SETS Coffee & Chat group in Cootamundra will host a special Refugee Week session on Tuesday 17 June from 3.30pm–5pm at the local Intereach office in 4/91 Wallendoon Street.
The weekly get-together is a relaxed way for newcomers to practise English and meet friendly locals. There are no bookings required, just drop in.
SETS is also partnering with Centacare and Red Cross to host craft and morning tea on Wednesday 18 June from 10am to 2pm at the Leeton library.
It’s a creative celebration of how diversity strengthens community and empowers freedom for all.
A new chapter will begin in Corowa when SETS launches its Come Sit A While – Living Library on Saturday 28 June.
SETS Program Manager Cass Hunt said the monthly event would offer a warm and welcoming space where people could come together, share real-life experiences, listen to others and connect through stories.
All are welcome to come along to the Corowa Community Garden at 11am. A light lunch will be provided, so people are asked to RSVP to Magdalena on 0417 794 956 or SETS@intereach.com.au by Tuesday 24 June for catering purposes.
“It’s about making time for conversation and connection. There is such richness in the fabric of our community, and by listening to someone’s personal journey, we build empathy and understanding,” Cass said.
Left: Cass and the SETS team.
“One of the aims of Refugee Week is to focus on how the local community can provide a safe and welcoming environment for refugees and this is something the Intereach SETS team does every day.
“We support newly arrived migrants and refugees to settle and build a life in Australia, but we also build trust and a sense of belonging.”
Throughout the past year, the team has run:
Across the past year alone, the SETS team has supported 1097 people through group work, case management and community events that break down barriers and foster inclusion.
Multicultural workers across the NSW-Victorian border region NSW and Victoria provide help with housing, jobs, education, health, and navigating local services.
Because, as SETS worker Sammi says: “When people feel supported, they’re more confident, more connected, and more able to contribute to the community.”
“Some people come here alone, others with children, and often they’ve left really difficult situations behind. Our job is to give them a positive welcome, provide support networks, and connect them to services they need to start again,” Sammi (pictured) said.
Read about How Sammi is making a difference to the lives of newly arrived families here.
Sammi is making a difference to the lives of many in her Swan Hill community, including Syrian refugee Alnajjar who fled her war-torn country, only to arrive in Australia alone while her husband waits for his Visa.
Leaving behind not only her home, but her sense of security, community, and family, Alnajjar faced enormous challenges as she struggled to overcome the language barrier and adapt to a new life.
“The first time I walked into Intereach, they gave me a big, warm welcome. They made me feel like I belonged,” she said.
Leaving everything behind was incredibly tough, but Sammi showed so much compassion and understanding. She has changed my life with her kindness and support.
Alnajjar (left) with SETS worker Sammi.
“Know that there are people who care and want to help. I am so happy to be here, and I want to contribute and be part of this wonderful community.”
Read Alnajjar’s story here.
This Refugee Week, SETS is encouraging everyone to embrace diversity, educate themselves about refugees, understand the many challenges they face coming to Australia and celebrate the contributions they make to the community.
For more information about SETS, click here.
If you, or someone you know, needs support, reach out to Intereach on 1300 488 226, or go to www.intereach.com.au
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