Celebrating the strength of diversity in the City of Whittlesea
Published on 12 June 2025
Join the City of Whittlesea in celebrating Refugee Week 2025 - a vibrant showcase of the resilience, diversity and strength of our refugee communities.
Held nationally from 15 to 21 June, this year’s theme, "Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community" highlights the vital role of inclusive, welcoming communities in supporting refugees as they build new lives.
In the spirit of this theme, the City of Whittlesea will host a special "Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community" event - a lively celebration featuring multicultural performances, music and a guest speaker. The event will bring people together to celebrate diversity, foster unity and raise awareness of the experiences and contributions of people from refugee backgrounds.
Held on Thursday 19 June from 10am to 1pm at the Council’s Civic Centre in South Morang, this free event invites everyone to come together, honour the journeys of refugees and celebrate the strength in our shared diversity.
Beyond Refugee Week, the City of Whittlesea remains committed to supporting refugee and migrant communities all year round with tailored programs such as health and wellbeing sessions, free swimming classes, family violence recovery groups, emergency relief and the Welcome to Whittlesea Program for people who are new to the area.
Council also works with partners to support access to early education, healthcare, legal aid and more. Programs like the Community Leadership Program and Community Grants help build skills and strengthen community connections.
Local libraries and neighbourhood houses offer free or low-cost services, including English classes, digital literacy workshops, job support and social activities to help new residents settle, connect, and thrive.
To learn more about these programs, or book into "Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community" visit Refugee Week 2025 to make a booking or contact 03 9217 2170 or email culturaldiversity@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Martin Taylor:
Refugee Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate the contributions of refugees and acknowledge the extraordinary challenges they overcome in rebuilding their lives. It is through their resilience, courage, and determination that we are reminded of the strength found in diversity. Diversity lies at the heart of everything we do here in the City of Whittlesea. Our city is home to people from more than 130 different countries, and Refugee Week is a time for us to come together, honour our differences, and recognise the invaluable cultural, social, and economic contributions that refugees make to our community. As a Council, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and compassionate community, where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive. Together, we celebrate not just Refugee Week but the shared humanity that binds us all.