Locals celebrate culture, share experiences during Refugee Week
15 Jul 2025
An inspiring celebration of cultures and a confronting simulation of the refugee journey were among the local activities held to mark Refugee Week in June.
SWSPHN Integration and Priority Populations Coordinator Navnita Chetty (pictured) was in Fairfield for both activities.
On 16 June, Navnita attended the Refugee Week Festival at Fairfield Youth Centre where cultural performances included Afghan dancers, a flute player, Chilean dancers, Cambodian musicians and Lebanese drummers.
In a region where 2,300 refugees settle every year, it was also a chance to hear first-hand of the many refugee success stories.
“It was amazing to watch all the different cultural performances, and it was so inspiring listening to the challenges faced and how people overcame adversity to create a better life for themselves and give back to their communities,” Navnita said.
Navnita also joined the Refugee Camp in My Hospital at Fairfield Hospital on 19 June.
The tours are designed to give health professionals a small insight into the refugee experience and the healthcare challenges they face moving to Australia.
The interactive tours are delivered by guides from a range of refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds, and NSW Refugee Health staff, and help participants:
- understand how the refugee experience can impact on wellbeing
- develop an understanding of risk factors for this group
- improve the ability of health professionals to engage effectively with people from refugee backgrounds
Navnita said the camp provided an insight into the lives and struggles of refugees as they fled their countries and sought refuge in neighbouring countries, in crowded refugee camps.
“We listened to refugee stories, witnessed refugee camp set ups, experienced travelling by boat and arriving in Australia where your identity is replaced with a number,” she said.
“We were then welcomed to Australia, where you have access to healthcare and working rights, however nothing makes sense because you don’t speak the language,” she said.
Video for health professionals
