Older people from refugee backgrounds face challenges that are additional to those faced by the Australian born and migrant elderly population. For many older refugees, social isolation is a product of their refugee experience. Their experiences may make it difficult to develop the trust needed to develop supportive social networks.
On Friday the 19th of June at 11am a group of remarkable Bhutanese, Karen (Burmese), Hazara (Afghan), Sudanese and Ethiopian Elders will launch an exhibition of craft work created as part of project designed to assist with their recovery from trauma and support their settlement in Tasmania, including creating positive self-esteem and reducing social isolation.
In addition to the art and craft items created during this 12 months project, the Elders will showcase their personal stories, their music and dance.
The event is part of Refugee Week activities (Sunday 14 June to Saturday 20 June 2015). Refugee Week raises awareness of the issues affecting refugees and celebrates the positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society.
The Refugee Council of Australia has chosen “With courage let us all combine” as the theme for Refugee Week. Taken from the second verse of the national anthem, the theme celebrates the courage of refugees. In keeping with this year’s theme, a tree of courage expressing brave acts from former refugees and people in the wider community will be displayed.
The event is led by the Migrant Resource Centre (Southern Tasmania) Inc and is funded by the Tasmanian Community Fund.
Date: Friday, 19 June 2015
Time: 11am
Venue: Glenorchy LINC, 4 Terry Street, Glenorchy
Dr Gillian Long, Director, Phoenix Centre, MRC (Southern Tasmania) Inc
