Refugee Week

Refugee Week is celebrated across Australia each year in June. Refugee Week promotes greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face, and their contributions to the Australian community.

Everyday, millions of people across the world embark on dangerous journeys for the sole purpose of finding safety and freedom. From Australia to nations across the globe, settling into a new environment after experiencing the perils of a refugee’s journey can also provide the opportunity to live, love, and dream.

The theme for Refugee Week 2026 is ‘A Million Stories’. 

What does it mean to be free?

As Europe recovered from the devastation of World War II, Australia responded to an international call to offer a future to people with nowhere to call home. Since that initial agreement in 1947 to receive 4000 refugees from Central Europe, Australia has issued one million permanent humanitarian visas – welcoming people from all parts of the globe, people who have helped to build modern Australia.

Refugee Week 2026 is a moment to reflect on that milestone and to celebrate the million stories behind it. Each story is unique. Each one is powerful. And together, they shape the Australia we all call home today.

Refugee Week incorporates World Refugee Day (June 20) each year, the international day to honour people who have been forced to flee