Council to co-host film on refugees and welcome bus tour of those with an interest in making the shire home

During Refugee Week, starting on Sunday, the council will partner with Gymea Community Aid and Information Service to screen the film Journey Beyond Fear on June 19 at Hazelhurst Theatrette.

The documentary, filmed over seven years, is the story of a refugee family's pursuit of resettlement told through the eyes of a teenage girl and her family.

A council spokeswoman said, "Further to our Refugee Week activities, council will also be welcoming a bus tour of recently arrived refugees who will explore our local area with an interest to move to Sutherland Shire".

Refugee Welcome Zones were an initiative of the Refugee Council of Australia in 2002 and Sutherland Shire Council was an early signatory.

Councils make a commitment in spirit to welcome refugees into the community, uphold their human rights, demonstrate compassion and enhance cultural and religious diversity in the community.

Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce re-signed the Refugee Welcome Zone certificate at a recent schools' forum on refugees.

The certificate is on display in the council's administration building at Sutherland.

Cr Pesce said the council worked alongside community groups and businesses to foster a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community.

"We welcome all individuals to be a part of our community and it's important everyone feels safe, respected and comfortable so that together we can all enjoy a wonderful quality of life," he said.

Jenny Grey, of Gymea Community Aid and Information Service, said she was delighted to be working with the council to show the film Journey Beyond Fear, which will be followed by a Q & A session with a guest speaker from a refugee background.

"This is a meaningful film and sharing this inspiring story with our community is a great way to celebrate Refugee Week while also raising awareness about people from refugee backgrounds," she said.

"Gymea Community Aid and Information Service is committed to supporting all members of our community to achieve inclusiveness, promote independence and participation in community life."