It was a true blessing to attend the welcoming ceremony of His Beatitude Mar Polis III Nona in Melbourne today with our traditional #alqush cloths.
A beautiful and humble gathering filled with faith, unity and warmth from our community. May this blessed visit continue to bring peace and hope to all families and communities.
It was a true blessing to attend the welcoming ceremony of His Beatitude Mar Polis III Nona in Melbourne today with our traditional #alqush cloths.
A beautiful and humble gathering filled with faith, unity and warmth from our community. May this blessed visit continue to bring peace and hope to all families and communities.
Grateful to have shared a few words at today’s peaceful Armenian commemoration. Thank you to Sayat Nova Melbourne for the invitation to honor to share words about their history and martyrs. 🙏💜
#ArmenianGenocide #Melbourne #Justice
Grateful to have shared a few words at today’s peaceful Armenian commemoration. Thank you to Sayat Nova Melbourne for the invitation to honor to share words about their history and martyrs. 🙏💜
#ArmenianGenocide #Melbourne #Justice
A moment of silence at the Craigieburn War Memorial. 🌹
Hearing the stories of those who served was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for our community and country. Deeply humbled by their courage.
Lest we forget. 🇦🇺🇳🇿
#AnzacDay #Craigieburn #LestWeForget
A moment of silence at the Craigieburn War Memorial. 🌹
Hearing the stories of those who served was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for our community and country. Deeply humbled by their courage.
Lest we forget. 🇦🇺🇳🇿
#AnzacDay #Craigieburn #LestWeForget
Honoured to meet with His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II during his visit to Melbourne.
We discussed many topics including the stability situation and developments in the Middle East and the ongoing challenges facing Christian communities, as well as the role of our community in Australia and ways to strengthen leadership across the economy, public life, and active citizenship. A meaningful and timely conversation. God bless Sayedna.
Honoured to meet with His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II during his visit to Melbourne.
We discussed many topics including the stability situation and developments in the Middle East and the ongoing challenges facing Christian communities, as well as the role of our community in Australia and ways to strengthen leadership across the economy, public life, and active citizenship. A meaningful and timely conversation. God bless Sayedna.
It was a true blessing to be in the presence of H.E. Metropolitan Basilios once again today at the St George’s Festival in Thornbury.
I am deeply grateful for His Eminence`s continued leadership and for the opportunity to welcome him to our community for a second time. It has been a beautiful afternoon of faith, culture, and fellowship.
#StGeorgesFestival #AntiochianOrthodox #MetropolitanBasilios #Community #thornbury
It was a true blessing to be in the presence of H.E. Metropolitan Basilios once again today at the St George’s Festival in Thornbury.
I am deeply grateful for His Eminence`s continued leadership and for the opportunity to welcome him to our community for a second time. It has been a beautiful afternoon of faith, culture, and fellowship.
#StGeorgesFestival #AntiochianOrthodox #MetropolitanBasilios #Community #thornbury
As Filippo Grandi concludes his ten-year journey as High Commissioner for @refugees , the UN Refugee Agency , I’ve been reflecting on the great legacy he leaves behind. Taking office in 2016 during a period of unprecedented global disruption and conflicts, Filippo didn’t just manage crises but he challenged the world to see the humanity behind the numbers.
His leadership was particularly felt across the The Middle East is a region that has tested the limits of global humanitarian resolve.
I remember seeing his photos from the height of the Mosul operations in Iraq to the long years of displacement for Syrians, Yemenis, and so many others, he was consistently there. He understood that for families in this region, dignity isn’t just a tent; it’s a legal identity, a school for their children, and a path back home.
Under his leadership, we saw a fundamental shift toward the Global Compact on Refugees, moving us away from temporary “band-aid” solutions and toward real inclusion and real meaningful refugee participation ensuring that those forced to flee could still go to school, work, and contribute to their new communities. He advocated tirelessly for the host communities in countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, insisting that they not be left to carry the weight of global displacement alone.
What always struck me most was his presence. Whether in the halls of power or on the front lines, he led with a quiet, steady courage. He spoke truth to power when political solutions stalled, ensuring that “refugee fatigue” never became an excuse for inaction.
Thank you, Filippo. Thank you for your moral clarity, your deep regional expertise, and for always keeping the dignity of the person at the heart of every decision. You leave behind a legacy of solidarity that we must now work even harder to uphold. Best of luck in your next chapter.
#FilippoGrandi #UNHCR #MiddleEast #Iraq #HumanitarianLeadership Refugees Solidarity
As Filippo Grandi concludes his ten-year journey as High Commissioner for @refugees , the UN Refugee Agency , I’ve been reflecting on the great legacy he leaves behind. Taking office in 2016 during a period of unprecedented global disruption and conflicts, Filippo didn’t just manage crises but he challenged the world to see the humanity behind the numbers.
His leadership was particularly felt across the The Middle East is a region that has tested the limits of global humanitarian resolve.
I remember seeing his photos from the height of the Mosul operations in Iraq to the long years of displacement for Syrians, Yemenis, and so many others, he was consistently there. He understood that for families in this region, dignity isn’t just a tent; it’s a legal identity, a school for their children, and a path back home.
Under his leadership, we saw a fundamental shift toward the Global Compact on Refugees, moving us away from temporary “band-aid” solutions and toward real inclusion and real meaningful refugee participation ensuring that those forced to flee could still go to school, work, and contribute to their new communities. He advocated tirelessly for the host communities in countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, insisting that they not be left to carry the weight of global displacement alone.
What always struck me most was his presence. Whether in the halls of power or on the front lines, he led with a quiet, steady courage. He spoke truth to power when political solutions stalled, ensuring that “refugee fatigue” never became an excuse for inaction.
Thank you, Filippo. Thank you for your moral clarity, your deep regional expertise, and for always keeping the dignity of the person at the heart of every decision. You leave behind a legacy of solidarity that we must now work even harder to uphold. Best of luck in your next chapter.
#FilippoGrandi #UNHCR #MiddleEast #Iraq #HumanitarianLeadership Refugees Solidarity
2025 has been a year that truly redefined what community and service mean to me. Reflecting on the federal campaign for Calwell, I am still moved by the way we managed to unite so many voices in just a few short months. We didn’t just run a campaign; we harvested a deep sense of trust and a real passion for change that I haven’t seen before. It was incredibly heartening to see so many local organisations and businesses back our campaign and provide the support needed. Seeing the youth step up was easily one of the most rewarding parts of the journey their energy gives me so much confidence in our future. We sent a clear, powerful message to the Labor party that we have a solid base of people who demand better, and that foundation is only going to grow stronger as we look toward the next election.
2025 has been a year that truly redefined what community and service mean to me. Reflecting on the federal campaign for Calwell, I am still moved by the way we managed to unite so many voices in just a few short months. We didn’t just run a campaign; we harvested a deep sense of trust and a real passion for change that I haven’t seen before. It was incredibly heartening to see so many local organisations and businesses back our campaign and provide the support needed. Seeing the youth step up was easily one of the most rewarding parts of the journey their energy gives me so much confidence in our future. We sent a clear, powerful message to the Labor party that we have a solid base of people who demand better, and that foundation is only going to grow stronger as we look toward the next election.
Another milestone for Meaningful Refugee Participation in Geneva 🇦🇺🇺🇳🇨🇭
I have just wrapped up three intensive days at the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) Progress Review 2025 in Geneva. It was a profound honour to serve as the Refugee Advisor for the Australian Government delegation, representing the Australian Refugee Advisory Board.
This wasn’t just about being at the table; it was about having a voice in the room. I was proud to present parts of our National Statement, contribute to #resettlement intervention, and championing #MeaningfulRefugeeParticipation.
Australia is setting a global precedent by ensuring lived experience isn’t just an "add-on," but a core part of diplomatic strategy. As we look toward GRF 2027, I am encouraged by the commitment to turn these pledges into reality. Gratitude to my fellow delegates and the Australian Refugee Advisory Board for the trust and support. Let’s keep leading the way.
Australian Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,IOM - UN Migration, United Nations, Tawasul, Hume City Council
#GRF2025 #RefugeeLeadership #Australia
Another milestone for Meaningful Refugee Participation in Geneva 🇦🇺🇺🇳🇨🇭
I have just wrapped up three intensive days at the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) Progress Review 2025 in Geneva. It was a profound honour to serve as the Refugee Advisor for the Australian Government delegation, representing the Australian Refugee Advisory Board.
This wasn’t just about being at the table; it was about having a voice in the room. I was proud to present parts of our National Statement, contribute to #resettlement intervention, and championing #MeaningfulRefugeeParticipation.
Australia is setting a global precedent by ensuring lived experience isn’t just an "add-on," but a core part of diplomatic strategy. As we look toward GRF 2027, I am encouraged by the commitment to turn these pledges into reality. Gratitude to my fellow delegates and the Australian Refugee Advisory Board for the trust and support. Let’s keep leading the way.
Australian Department of Home Affairs, Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,IOM - UN Migration, United Nations, Tawasul, Hume City Council
#GRF2025 #RefugeeLeadership #Australia
