Understanding Refugee Journey Session

FREE Cultural Awareness Opportunity for Sporting Clubs in the Greater Bendigo Region

Sports Focus invites all community sporting clubs across the City of Greater Bendigo region to take part in a valuable and insightful session – Understanding Refugee Journey Session, presented by the Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) Cultural Diversity Team. This free session is developed and delivered by individuals with lived experience, focusing on the journeys of people from the Karen and Afghan (Hazara) communities – two of the most significant and growing refugee populations in the Bendigo region.

Why Should Your Club Get Involved?

Community sporting clubs are in a unique position to foster connection, inclusion, and a sense of belonging. By attending this session, you and your club members will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the refugee experience, both before and after resettlement to Australia
• Learn about the cultural values, traditions, and challenges faced by Karen and Afghan community members
• Develop strategies to create a more welcoming, culturally safe and inclusive environment
• Build confidence in engaging respectfully with players, families, and volunteers from refugee backgrounds

This is a practical, real-world learning opportunity, that will strengthen your club’s capacity to be a truly inclusive space for all community members.

The Multicultural Landscape in Bendigo:

Bendigo and the wider Loddon Campaspe region are becoming increasingly diverse. Over the past decade, there has been significant growth in refugee resettlement, particularly for the Karen and Afghan (Hazara).

Unfortunately, many of these multicultural community members face considerable barriers to participation in community sport – such as language barriers, unfamiliarity with local systems, past trauma, and exclusion. With the right understanding and support, sporting clubs can play a vital role in helping individuals and families settle, belong, and thrive.

Join us in creating a sporting culture that is welcoming, informed, and inclusive. Small steps in understanding can make a big difference in people’s lives—and in the strength of your club.

Session Details:

Cost: Free

Who can attend: All community-level sporting club members, volunteers and officials in the City of Greater Bendigo

Date: Monday 16th June 2025

Time: 6pm – 7:30pm

Venue: Shadforth Park, 40 Fenton Street North Bendigo