The countdown to Christmas is on and if you’re still searching for meaningful gifts, Welcome Merchant has you covered. Our curated gift guides are filled with options that will not only been cherished by your friends and family, but also support refugees and people seeking asylum. With something for everyone, from the avid readers to … Continue reading Meaningful Gifts That Give Back This Christmas
Emmanuel Asante is a visual artist residing in Western Sydney, I caught up with him a couple of weeks after he’d won the Kirk Robson Award for Community Arts & Cultural Development at the 2024 Creative Australia Awards (formerly known as Australia Council for the Arts). Act of Giving, Emmanuel Asante, 2018. Naturally, I was … Continue reading Catching Up with Emmanuel Asante
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
Photograph by Nk Ni, via Unsplash Since the Taliban recaptured control of Afghanistan in 2021, the quality of life in the country has deteriorated at an alarming pace, specifically for women and girls who make up 70% of those internally displaced (UNHCR, 2024). The Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia law has reversed decades of progress, barring … Continue reading Unyielding: The Strength of Afghan Women
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
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
