Refugee Week talk: Simon Shahin

Join us to celebrate Refugee Week with guest speaker Simon Shahin, followed by a musical performance and refreshments.

Simon, a Refugee Council of Australia ambassador, is a former refugee from Syria. He fled the war in Syria with his family in 2013 and spent 2 years in Lebanon before being granted a refugee visa to resettle in Australia.

He has since graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Electric Power and Renewable Energy) from UTS and continues to pursue a career in this field. Simon also volunteers with youth empowerment, refugee resettlement and human rights advocacy organisations.

Simon is a speaker for the refugee national education program, which aims to build social cohesion, address negative perceptions and raise public awareness about refugees and their journeys and contributions to Australia.

Simon will share his experience of overcoming adversity and finding freedom. Learn how he is now advocating and empowering others to have a better understanding of being a refugee.

The talk will be followed by a Zimbabwe musical performance by Simba Mushete and his band and refreshments. Bookings are essential for this free event.

Refugee Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the contributions which refugees bring to Australia. It's also a time when all Australians are encouraged to educate themselves about the issues that affect refugees, as well as listen to the stories of those seeking asylum.

We aim to present inclusive and accessible events. If you have any particular access or communication needs, please contact Jessica Mayr, community services worker on 02 9265 9701 or jmayr@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.