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On Tuesday 26 June 2015 (UN World Refugee Day), the Manningham Migrant and Refugee Welcome Zone was brilliantly launched.

How? Fill the Manningham Function Centre to capacity with an optimistic and enthusiastic multicultural and multifaith gathering of all ages, warmly welcome Manningham migrants, refugees and other community members, create a  convivial atmosphere, provide excellent varied entertainment from refugees, migrants and friends, imaginatively celebrate contributions migrants, refugees and the Manningham community bring to each other, then include wide community representation in the official launch. 

Just prior to the launch Key Note Speaker Mr Thomas Albrecht, Regional Representative of UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) spoke informatively about the complex issues surrounding refugees and  asylum seekers, and their numerous challenges at both ends of their often hazardous journeys.  However the overall spirit of his presentation and the whole occasion was overwhelmingly optimistic, based on people of good will coming together in a spirit of shared social values and  mutual respect and support.

This highly collaborative launch was well planned locally by Manningham City Council, the Communities Council on Ethnic Issues and the Refugee Council of Australia and other organisations across Australia. Manningham Interfaith Network (MIN) was one of many local groups proudly involved and welcomed the opportunity during the launch to sign a shared Declaration.  The Declaration "is a commitment in spirit to welcoming migrants and refugees into our community, upholding their human rights, demonstrating compassion, and enhancing the cultural and religious diversity of our community". 

Official representatives together with many others wrote 'welcome leaves' on special Welcome Trees created for the event, to be subsequently displayed widely.

Congratulations to Manningham Council and all involved in this great initiative, and especially to the migrants and refugees for whom this 'Welcome Zone' was created.

A further report and details of the Manningham Interfaith Network  are published on the 'Events and News' page of the MIN website.

By John Costa
Manningham Interfaith Network