After an unprecedented 100 days of national protests led by refugees themselves, a historic open letter signed by 75 prominent organisations has urged the Albanese Government to provide a clear pathway to permanent visas for the approximately 8,400 people failed by the now-defunct Fast Track refugee assessment system. The open letter, addressed to Prime Minister … Continue reading Historic Open Letter Demands Permanent Visas for Refugees After 100 Days of Protests
A humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale has been unfolding in Sudan. Since April 2023, violent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have displaced over 10.2 million people, exacerbating existing issues of conflict, disease outbreaks, economic instability and climate related natural disasters. The numbers are staggering. Half of … Continue reading Sudan in Crisis
Sydney food enthusiasts, we have a treat in store for you on Sunday, August 18th, 2024. Welcome Merchant is hosting a Malaysian pop-up event at Little Lagos in Enmore. The star of the show is Malar Sathasivam, the talented chef behind Sangee's Kitchen. This event promises to bring authentic Malaysian street food flavours to the … Continue reading Authentic Malaysian Cuisine at Little Lagos Pop-Up Event
Launching a business is a daunting task for anybody, but for refugees and people seeking asylum, the venture comes with an additional set of mental health challenges. We spoke with two entrepreneurs, Sparrow Uganda, a multi-talented creative, and Rawan Abdin, founder of One of a Kind Skincare, about their experiences starting and managing a business … Continue reading Overcoming mental health challenges in the world of business
World Refugee Day, celebrated each year on June 20, is a day to honour people who have been forced to flee their home to escape conflict or persecution. Refugees seek safety and protection in other countries, hoping to rebuild their lives and contribute to their new communities. However, despite their resilience and determination, refugees often … Continue reading Debunking common myths about refugees this World Refugee Day
National Reconciliation Week, observed annually from May 27 to June 3, is a significant event in Australia that aims to promote understanding, respect, and positive relationships between First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians. The week encompasses two important dates: May 27, which marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum that saw more than 90% of … Continue reading National Reconciliation Week: Promoting Understanding and Respect in Australia
Hamed Allahyari was sat amidst piles of construction supplies, paint roller in hand, as he took my call about his newest culinary venture, Kababi. Despite a frenzied schedule preparing Kababi, his new Iranian restaurant, for its April grand opening, Hamed's voice conveyed a grounded sense of pride in how far he has come in a … Continue reading A Taste Of Tehran in Melbourne
When Damascus native Racha Abou Alchamat immigrated to Australia 10 years ago with her family, starting a new life and searching for good opportunities, she longed for a taste of home. For Racha, the flavours of Syria signify more than satisfying food, they are a reminder of her heritage and years spent with her father … Continue reading Bringing the Flavours of Syria to Australia
In Part 1 of our holiday gift guide, we highlighted some great gift ideas for the art lovers, beauty aficionados, nature enthusiasts and little ones in your life. Here in Part 2 of the Christmas gift guide, we’re featuring five more talented merchants who have fled hardship in their home countries to build new lives … Continue reading Shop refugee-made gifts this Christmas
Picture above taken from the Australian Rohingyan Women's Development Organisation's (ARWDO) Facebook page Rohingya Traditions Endure Despite Genocide and Displacement The Rohingya people have faced extreme oppression, violence, and displacement over the past few decades including a genocide in 2017 where 10,000 Rohingya were killed. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), … Continue reading Rohingya traditions endure despite genocide and displacement
