Refugee Week
Australia celebrates Refugee Week 2025 from 15-21 June. Refugee Week is an opportunity to reflect on Australia's long history of resettling refugees and others in humanitarian need. We also acknowledge the many contributions they make to Australia.
Since the end of the Second World War, Australia has accepted more than 985,000 refugees and humanitarian entrants. Refugees have brought diversity to our cities, suburbs and towns. This diversity has helped create the Australia that we know and enjoy today.
Refugee Week is a national event coordinated by the Refugee Council of Australia with their theme for this year being 'Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community'. This explores and celebrates the inclusive communities across Australia that open their arms to refugees. This theme also extends this connection to:
- extended and chosen families
- neighbours
- support systems upon arrival in Australia.
50th anniversary of Vietnamese settlement
During Refugee Week 2025, the Department of Home Affairs is acknowledging the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese migration and settlement.
On arrival in Australia, Vietnamese refugees were met by departmental officials, interpreters and Commonwealth Hostels personnel, along with voluntary organisations including Red Cross, Lifeline and the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
The earliest arrivals were selected by the then Department of Labour and Immigration, and the then Department of Social Security provided post-arrival care of migrants and refugees.
Targeted settlement assistance arose later, following the 1978
Migrant Services and Programs: report of the Review of Post-arrival Programs and Services for Migrants led by Professor Frank Galbally (Galbally Report). In February 1977, the first Migrant Resource Centre was established in Melbourne, and in December 1979, the Community Refugee Settlement Scheme commenced, providing newly-arrived refugees with on-arrival accommodation, social support and assistance with finding employment.
The Galbally Report was instrumental in the establishment of dedicated settlement services and informed the development of the humanitarian settlement support program as it is today. The department continues to ensure in the wellbeing of migrants and refugees settling in to Australia by responding to their specific needs and encouraging their independence and participation in the Australian community. Over the last 50 years Australia’s world class settlement services, our welcoming communities and not-for-profit organisations have helped refugees build new lives in Australia and to give back to their new home.
Australia’s humanitarian and settlement programs
Australia’s
Refugee and Humanitarian Program is part of international efforts to protect refugees, respond to global humanitarian need and provide specialist support.
Australia is one of the global leaders in international resettlement efforts, with our Humanitarian Program set to 20,000 places in 2023-24. This was the highest intake since 2012-13, and we welcomed the same number of entrants in 2024‑25 and will again for 2025-26.
Refugee and Special Humanitarian Program visa holders have access to a range of specialised settlement services, before and after arrival in Australia, funded through the Department of Home Affairs.
Prior to their departure for Australia, Refugee and Special Humanitarian Program visa applicants/holders have access to the Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) program, which gives practical advice about the journey to Australia, including information about what to expect post-arrival.
After arrival, the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) supports humanitarian entrants to integrate into Australian life by building the skills and knowledge they need to become self-reliant and active members of the community. HSP is delivered in each state and territory by service providers with extensive experience working with humanitarian entrants. The HSP is delivered across 24 settlement locations.
The Australian Government also funds Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS), Youth Transition Support (YTS), Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration (EPRI) and the National Community Hubs Program (NCHP):
- SETS is an early intervention national settlement program that has a focus on social participation, economic wellbeing, independence, personal wellbeing and community connectedness. It is currently being delivered by 103 organisations across Australia.
- YTS helps to build capability and resilience amongst humanitarian entrants and other eligible young migrants aged 15-25 to stay engaged in education and make successful transitions into employment. Six providers deliver YTS in key locations in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
- EPRI provides employment assistance to refugees who have lower skill levels and lower English language proficiency.
- The NCHP provides tailored, in community support to migrants and humanitarian entrants, with a focus on helping migrant women and their families. Community Hubs are based in primary schools, serving as gateways to connect families with each other, with their school and with existing services. They assist participants with learning English, developing new skills, finding employment and to access Government support services.
Read more about how we help refugees to
settle in Australia.
Early community support can also make a real difference to refugees and their settlement journey. There are lots of ways you can help our newest arrivals build their lives in Australia if you want to get involved.
Success stories
Countless refugees have built new lives in Australia. These stories highlight the skills, passion and commitment they bring to our multicultural society. Discover their inspiring stories.
