We kicked off Cultural Diversity Week with a welcome event to the recently arrived Afghan evacuees, held by AMES Australia and the City of Melbourne.
About a hundred Afghans were welcomed by Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp and AMES Australia CEO Cath Scarth at the Melbourne Multicultural Hub.
Cath told the attendees that Melbourne and Victoria were welcoming places when it comes to refugees and migrants.
“You are very welcome and we look forward to seeing you settle and build successful new lives in Australia," Cath told the gathering.
A representative of the Afghan group thanked AMES, the City of Melbourne and the Australian government for the welcome and for providing a refugee for families from the conflict in Afghanistan.
The 30 or so children who attended enjoyed popcorn, face painting as well as cut outs and colouring in supplied by the City of Melbourne libraries.
AMES Australia Senior Manager Community Development Maria Tsopanis said the event was a great success.
“We had a big turnout and everyone enjoyed the day. It was good to have some of newly arrived Afghans to meet the Lord Mayor and some of our councillors," Maria said.
“It was part of our work to support the Afghans to settle and build connections in the wider community," she said.
A delicious Afghan lunch was served by the Afghan Gallery Café.