Join us for our Refugee Week Lunchtime Speaker Panel and Sound Bath Session, delivered in partnership with Advance Diversity Services.

This special lunchtime session will be hosted by former foreign correspondent Melinda Ham, author of The Lucky Ones: Stories of Australian Refugee Journeys.*

Learn about the extraordinary refugee journeys of our panellists Saada Khalef and Veronika originating in Palestine and Ukraine.

The speaker panel will end with a peaceful sound bath —offering time to pause and reflect.

Thursday 19 June, 12.30pm – 1.30pm (registration opens at 12pm)

Hurstville Library Exhibition Area

Cost: Free (catering provided)

*Available in Georges River Libraries

Melinda Ham
Melinda is an award-winning journalist and former foreign correspondent. Spanning 70 years, and tracking journeys from Iraq, Afghanistan, Poland, Tibet, Vietnam and Zaire, The Lucky Ones offers a window into the complex history of Australian refugee experiences.

Panel Speakers:

Veronika

Armed with only her passport and sheer determination, 15 year old Veronika jumped on an evacuation train from Ukraine to Poland, eventually making her way to Australia in 2022. After attending classes to learn English, Veronika went on to enrol in University, studying for a Bachelor's in Computer Science and securing employment with a local IT company. She is now passionate about sharing the story of her journey and supporting other refugees settle in Australia.