Events

These are some events we have joined on previous programmes:

A party with the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group

In the countryside two hours from Sydney, this party gives us the chance to talk in a relaxed environment with refugees and their supporters. Everybody makes some food to bring and share, and so far we've had dishes from Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Tibet, Australia and Japan. This event, which we now hold at the YHA in Katoomba, where we also stay, has been a part of the programme from the first year in 2014.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade

One of the biggest LGBTIQ events in the world, this parade is both a party celebrating sexual and gender diversity and a call for improved rights for LGBTIQ people. It includes groups from all parts of society including sport, education, the corporate world, the police and other first responders, First Nations (Indigenous people), and refugees and their supporters. The parade is always a highlight of the programme and we have attended every year since SALP began, dressing up for it and getting in the party mood. Like the Tribal Warrior cruise, for the last few years students from Chuo's English for Law Programme who also study in Sydney, and friends of SALP in Sydney have come with us to Mardi Gras.

The Community Kitchen at Auburn Community Centre

New Australians (refugees and migrants) come together with other members of the community every two weeks at this event organised by Settlement Services International. At Community Kitchen, "People from different backgrounds and cultures share and learn from each other. This fortnightly event celebrates the diversity and strength in our community". As our contribution, SALP students have taught origami and how to write name cards in Japanese.