By Cecelia Morton
Melbourne, VIC – The “Migrant Women in Australia” exhibition, hosted by the Australia Women and Children Protection and Development (AWCPD) Inc., concluded its week-long event from 8 June to 15 June 2024, drawing more than 1,000 visitors to Brunswick Town Hall. The exhibition, proudly supported by the Victoria State Government, Merri-bek Council, and several community organisations, served as a powerful celebration of the strength, resilience, and cultural contributions of migrant women in Australia.
The event showcased a diverse range of artistic expressions, from visual art and photography to personal narratives, all reflecting the experiences of migrant women who have helped shape Australian society. The exhibition offered a platform for these women to share their stories, challenges, and triumphs, inspiring a deeper understanding of the migrant experience.
The opening ceremony, attended by prominent figures such as Cr Angelica Panopoulos from the City of Merri-bek, featured speeches from key community leaders and a distinguished panel discussion with business leader Snowe Li, IT expert Dr. Ruwangi Fernando, action artist Dr. Angelina Mirabito, and Lina Xu, COO of Telecare. Each panelist shared their personal experiences as migrant women in Australia and offered valuable insights on the importance of cultural integration and community support.
In addition to the thought-provoking discussions, the exhibition also introduced several innovative programs, including “Art Harmony Melbourne”, which promotes cultural integration and artistic expression among young migrant women, and “One Square Meter of Sunshine”, a family-friendly initiative encouraging environmental awareness through gardening. The “Bridging Support: Multi Bridging Aid” program, aimed at providing free legal and psychological services to non-English-speaking migrant women, was also highlighted, drawing interest from attendees and potential partners alike.
The week-long event culminated in a cheque donation ceremony, with the Lions Club of Melbourne Ausina making a generous contribution to support AWCPD’s ongoing programs. The exhibition closed with a heartfelt video that captured the essence of the event, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
Sheryl Lee, founder of AWCPD, expressed her gratitude, saying, “This exhibition has been an incredible opportunity to highlight the contributions of migrant women to Australian society. It’s not just about art, but about creating a space where we can share our stories, support each other, and inspire inclusivity. We are grateful to our sponsors, supporters, and the amazing women who made this event possible.”
The “Migrant Women in Australia” exhibition served as a reminder of the important role migrant women play in shaping Australia’s cultural and social landscape. Through art, collaboration, and shared stories, the exhibition successfully fostered a sense of community and connection among participants and visitors alike.
For more information about the event and AWCPD’s upcoming initiatives, please visit: www.wcpd.org.au
Media Contact
Eva Laun 04 2687 1288 | hello@wcpd.org.au