2026 Open Night – Refugee Week: "A Million Stories"

AMIDHRP President Shares Refugee Journey at Department of Home Affairs Open Night

As part of Refugee Week 2026, the Department of Home Affairs hosted an Open Night celebrating this year's national theme, "A Million Stories." The event brought together government representatives, settlement organisations, community leaders and people with lived experience of forced displacement to reflect on Australia's humanitarian tradition and the contribution refugees continue to make to Australian society.

Refugee Week 2026 marked two significant milestones. Australia has now welcomed more than one million refugees and humanitarian entrants since the end of the Second World War, and this year also commemorated the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which remains the cornerstone of international refugee protection.

The theme "A Million Stories" recognises that every refugee has a unique journey. Behind every humanitarian visa granted is a story of resilience, courage, sacrifice and hope. Together, these individual stories have helped shape Australia's multicultural identity.

Representing the Australian Myanmar Institute for Democracy, Human Rights and Peace (AMIDHRP), President Go Suan Pau participated in a panel discussion held at Klemzig Community Centre on 26 June 2026, where he shared his family's refugee journey and reflected on the importance of belonging, community support and participation.

Drawing from his own lived experience, Mr Pau described how his family fled persecution in Myanmar and sought refuge in India before eventually being resettled in Australia through the refugee resettlement program. He spoke about the years of uncertainty spent waiting for protection and the opportunities that Australia provided once his family arrived.

During the discussion, he highlighted that successful settlement is about much more than providing housing or employment. It is about creating opportunities for refugees to build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, participate in society and ultimately feel that they belong. He acknowledged the vital role played by settlement services, community organisations, volunteers and local leaders in helping newly arrived families navigate life in Australia.

Reflecting on the Refugee Week theme, Mr Pau noted that Australia's story is not defined by a single narrative but by the collective experiences of millions of people who have made Australia their home.

"A million stories begin with one act of compassion. One welcoming community. One opportunity to belong."

He also encouraged Australians to see refugees not simply through the lens of displacement, but through their potential to contribute to society.

"People should not be defined by the circumstances that forced them to flee, but by the opportunities they create and the contributions they make once they have the chance to rebuild their lives."

AMIDHRP welcomed the Department of Home Affairs' recognition of Australia's long-standing humanitarian commitment and its continued investment in settlement programs that support refugees to become active members of Australian society.

The Institute also acknowledged the important contribution of ethnic community organisations, faith groups, volunteers and settlement providers whose work strengthens social cohesion and helps newly arrived families establish successful lives in Australia.

As Refugee Week 2026 concluded, AMIDHRP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights, supporting refugee communities and advocating for peace, democracy and inclusion.

The story of Australia's first one million humanitarian entrants is still being written. Every new arrival brings knowledge, resilience, culture and hope. Together, these individual journeys continue to enrich Australia's diverse and vibrant multicultural society.

Australian Myanmar Institute for Democracy, Human Rights and Peace (AMIDHRP)
Refugee Week 2026 – "A Million Stories"
26 June 2026