MEDIA ALERT
17 June 2024
During Refugee Week, SydWest will host a community event in Blacktown featuring a short film and thought-provoking panel discussion to acknowledge and celebrate successful refugee settlement in Western Sydney.
Following the premier of the short film featuring the stories of three refugees – Adnan Ajjan from Syria, Zohra Anwari from Afghanistan and Suman Chhetri from Bhutan – and the importance of family to their successful settlement, the panel will explore some of the key themes of Refugee Week.
Date: Wednesday 19 June
Time: 10am to 12:30pm
Location: Bowman Hall, 21 Campbell St, Blacktown
Interview talent
MC and panel facilitator: Sunil Badami
Born in Blacktown and raised in Seven Hills, Sunil is a writer, performer, broadcaster and academic. He appears regularly on radio and TV, most recently on the ABC TV program India Now!
Panelists:
- Roman Abasy, Sports Coordinator at Reclink. Roman is a champion wrestler, engaging with refugees in sports as part of his work. A strong advocate for equality and women’s rights, he was forced to flee Afghanistan when the USA withdrew troops and the Taliban took power.
- Deena Yako, Director of Community Engagement, Refugee Council of Australia. Deena is a former Assyrian-Mandaean refugee born in Iraq now works as a refugee advocate, utilising her personal experience of surviving and thriving.
- Suman Chhetri is featured in our film. He is a former Bhutanese refugee who now works in mental health at the Western Sydney Local Health District.
Other speakers:
- Elfa Moriatakis, CEO, SydWest Multicultural Services
- Clr Dr Moninder Singh, Blacktown Council
- Uncle Colin Locke will perform the Welcome to Country.
The event will feature dance performances by the Filipino Senior Group and will be attended by up to 300 community members.
Our heartfelt thanks to event sponsors SBS Audio and Blacktown Council.
Click here to download full media release
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Media enquiries: Vikki Hine, Media and Events. E: vikki.hine@sydwestms.theteamserver.com or T: 0428 109 215 or Cindy Sciberras on 0412 897 286.