RACS’s 2025 Refugee Week lunch
On Friday 13 June 2025, RACS headed out to Regents Park in Western Sydney for our yearly Refugee Week Lunch in celebration of refugees who received permanent protection in Australia in the last 12 months. With a musical performance and speeches from past clients, the event was a joyful occasion with a family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Around 150 clients, pro bono and other sector partners, as well as members of the RACS team, turned up for the occasion.
RACS offers free legal services to people who have fled their homes to seek safety in Australia and Friday’s event was a reflection and reminder of why we do the work we do.
The purpose of the event was to celebrate the collective effort leading to 310 refugees now having a safer and more certain future with permanent protection visas since May 2024. Together, we have helped refugees and people seeking asylum from over 120 countries.
The event was held at Dooleys Club’s Regents Park Pavilion. Dooleys provide funding for RACS’s weekly Auburn outreach and also contributed some in-kind sponsorship for the lunch. Additional sponsorship was provided by RACS pro bono partner Baker McKenzie.
Following an Acknowledgement of Country, Centre Director & Principal Solicitor Sarah Dale officially welcomed guests. This was followed by a buffet style lunch. Our ambassador Mo Sakhvidi and former client Hiva (a pseudonym) both spoke at the event. They shared their stories and why legal help from RACS has changed their lives.
Finally, guests enjoyed a musical performance on the Egyptian drums, also known as Darbuka, performed by Ramy Ibrahim, a man with lived experience of seeking asylum in Australia.
The event was an opportunity for the RACS community of clients, partners and staff to come together and see the impact and difference the work at RACS has made. Many guests came with their children who were able to enjoy a playground and activities like face painting.
Visas represent safety and security for people forced to flee dangerous, often unimaginable circumstances. A permanent visa allows refugees to start over without the fear of being sent back to danger. In addition, it gives them the right to legally work, study and live in Australia, enabling them to build a lasting future for themselves and their families.
Celebrating these visa grants is one way in which we recognise the resilience of refugees.
RACS was able to provide legal advice to these children and adults because of the generosity of our partners and donors. Be part of a brighter future for refugees by donating today:
