2006 National Refugee Week Writing and Artwork Competition

The winners of the 2006 National Refugee Week Writing and Artwork Competition were announced as part of the 2006 National Refugee Week Festival.

Best Overall Written Piece, Alice Thai, ‘My Journey To A Dream Country’

Alice’s deeply moving story describes her life from her family’s courageous journey from Vietnam to her personal struggles and victories in Australia.

‘Receiving Refugees’ Category Winner, Shane Hart, ‘Phong’

“I realised, he not only survived, but thrived’ are the words Shane Hart uses to describe Phong, his 15 year old school friend, a refugee from Vietnam. Shane’s poem is both raw and powerful. It is a testament to Phong’s bravery and Shane’s triumph in taking a stand for a friend.

Best Poem, Saber Baluch, ‘To My Motherland’

‘To My Motherland’ is a nostalgic poem which on one hand reflects on the impact of war and on another illustrates his unwavering love for his homeland.

Best Long Story, Majok Tulba, ‘ Through The Eyes Of Innocence’

‘Through The Eyes of Innocence’ is an excerpt from an unpublished book, which contrasts the horrors of war with the playfulness of childhood. It is an account of the period leading to the moment Majok fled from his birthplace.

Best Short Story, Aguer Lual Deng, ‘A Beautiful Day in Two Countries’

Encouraged by his teacher, Aguer writes about a beautiful day in his old country, Sudan and a beautiful day in his new country, Australia.

The Triumphant Award, Fatmata Bangura

This award acknowledges an outstanding demonstration of triumph. Fatmata arrived in Australia in 2002 from Sierra Leone. After four years of solid academic achievement she is studying Medical Science at Macquarie University. Since her arrival, she has generously contributed her time and energy to her community.

High Commended Recipients

Rita Da Costa Sarmento for:	“My first day in Australia”
Abeer Hamdan for:	“My first day in Australia”
Hakimeh Sheivani for:	“My first day in Australia”
Achol Bol for:	“My memories”
Achol Manyok for:	“When you are a girl you are obedient”
Achal Thiik for:	“We have many different culture”
Rose Bol for:	“A recollection”
Dabora Kuir for:	“My journey”
Atem Atem for:	“A snapshot (water pump story)”
Kalsang Yonten for:	“Journeys and triumphs”
Martin Takpiny for:	“My story as a refugee”
Caterina Mastroianni for:	“Reflections on racism”

2006 National Refugee Week Festival

26th – 28th October 2006
Pitt Street Uniting Church, 264 Pitt Street

Triumphant! International, Friends of STARTTS, STARTTS and members of refugee communities recently celebrated the 2006 National Refugee Week Festival. Entries from the 2006 National Refugee Week Writing and Artwork Competition were on display throughout the festival.

On Saturday October 28 over 400 people came through the doors of the Pitt Street Uniting Church to attend the official launch of Triumphant! International. This all day celebration included refugee speakers, musicians, dancers, singers and artists as well as multicultural cuisine and face painting for the kids.

The winners of the 2006 National Refugee Week Writing and Artwork Competition were also presented with their awards on this day.

Kids With Kameras

The Kids with Kameras concept gave refugee children, many of whom had been in detention centres, a special opportunity to photograph their excursion to the 2006 National Refugee Week Festival on 28 October. Over 20 children were provided with disposable cameras at the beginning of their day’s journey. By day’s end, the children had the opportunity to photograph the festival and have their images projected on big screen to an appreciative audience. Selected photos will now be included in the Triumphant! book.

Special thanks to Gary, Zoe and the volunteers from ALIV (Australian League of Immigration Volunteers) who organised this excursion for the kids.

Click here to see the images by the Kids with Kameras