Released 15/06/2024
The ACT Government proudly joins communities across Australia in celebrating Refugee Week 2025, from 15 to 21 June, under the national theme “Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community”, as set by the Refugee Council of Australia.
Refugee Week is a time to reflect on the strength and resilience of people who have sought safety in Canberra under the Humanitarian Program, and to celebrate the rich cultural, social, and economic contributions they make to our community.
“Canberra is home to a vibrant and diverse community, enriched by the stories, talents, and traditions of people from refugee backgrounds. Refugee Week is an opportunity to honour their journeys and reaffirm our commitment to compassion, inclusion, and human rights,” Minister for Multicultural Affairs Michael Pettersson said.
Since the end of World War II, Australia has welcomed over 985,000 refugees and humanitarian entrants, with the ACT playing a vital role in this national effort. In recent years, Canberra has continued to support humanitarian arrivals through programs that provide housing, education, employment pathways, and community integration.
“In 2024 alone, the ACT Government partnered with local organisations to support hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers, including those from Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, and Ukraine. In the 2025-26 budget we will continue to support initiatives aimed at settling humanitarian entrants through two key programs.”
- Humanitarian Family Settlement Assistance Grants Program – $200,000
Administered by the Red Cross, this program provides one-off grants of $5,000 to newly arrived refugee families or individuals to help secure long-term accommodation and meet immediate living expenses. The program supports pathways to housing, education, and economic participation, enriching the lives of all Canberrans.
- Humanitarian Funding Program – $150,000
This program supports community organisations working with refugees and asylum seekers, particularly those who are ineligible for other forms of support. It reflects the ACT Government’s commitment under the Multiculturalism Act 2023 to foster an inclusive and compassionate community.
“Our humanitarian efforts are not just about resettlement—they are about building a community where everyone belongs. The ACT Government remains committed to working with service providers, volunteers, and multicultural leaders to ensure that Canberra continues to be a place of welcome and hope,” Minister Pettersson said.
Refugee Week also includes World Refugee Day on 20 June, a global moment to stand in solidarity with displaced people around the world.
- Statement ends -
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases