Cooking Classes and Resilience

Aheda Amro is originally from a small village called Halhul, in Palestine. She comes from a large family of five brothers and three sisters. She is a mother to four children and her husband sadly passed away 14 years ago. She came to Australia in 2018 but could not work as a chef due to … Continue reading Cooking Classes and Resilience

Sudan in Crisis

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

Authentic Malaysian Cuisine at Little Lagos Pop-Up Event

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

Rohingya traditions endure despite genocide and displacement

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

“Why us?” The must-watch theatre show coming soon to the Seymour Centre

Every once in a while, a stage production comes along that does more than just entertain. It deeply stirs our emotions, nudges at our conscience, and challenges our way of thinking. Why us? is one such production, being performed next week at Sydney’s Seymour Centre.

Fashion for good | Ginan Tabbouch

Ginan Tabbouch is a well-established bi-poc fashion designer based in Western Sydney, whose inspiration for her streetwear brand GTAB, comes from the social issues she witnessed growing up while incorporating her Arab-Brazilian background. “Through storytelling, healing can happen especially for the voiceless”. She wants to highlight crucial topics seen through her upbringing in her designs … Continue reading Fashion for good | Ginan Tabbouch

Loneliness and the Refugee Experience

In a world increasingly interconnected through digital platforms and social media, it may seem illogical that loneliness is a prevalent issue affecting people from all walks of life. But loneliness goes beyond physical isolation; it encompasses the profound emotional and psychological void that can emerge when individuals lack meaningful social connections. This challenge is often … Continue reading Loneliness and the Refugee Experience

Refugee Week with Sangee’s Kitchen

Welcome Merchant had the privilege of speaking to Chef Sangeetha Malar from Sangee’s Kitchen about her journey towards fulfilling her cooking aspirations. A single mother of three children who migrated to Australia in 2018 with a dream of becoming a chef and one day owning a food trailer. Sangee's Kitchen logo The beginning stages of … Continue reading Refugee Week with Sangee’s Kitchen

SRI LANKAN NEW YEAR

Welcome Merchant speaks to Niro Vithyesakar, a Sri Lankan-born refugee who 15 years ago made the move to Australia. He spends his time using his hospitality and business skills to provide authentic Sri Lankan street food. At various events, he has sold his dishes through his market stall Tuka Tuka Kothuroti Man for the past 5 years. … Continue reading SRI LANKAN NEW YEAR