Each year, June 20th commemorates World Refugee Day. The United Nations Association of Australia Young Professionals are proud to demonstrate solidarity with the 108.4 million people worldwide who are forcibly displaced. To this end, we are hosting an event to bring together community and experts to discuss a way forward.

On 8 July 2024 - we will meet online to create awareness of refugee journeys to find safety:

Be inspired by an opening address from Jasmina Joldić PSM, the Director-General of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General;

We will hear the story of Mahmoud, a refugee from Syria now living, working, and supporting other refugees in Belgium;
Learn from Rose Dash the work being performed in the aftermath of displacement, with a focus on refugees in Australia.

Join us to hear incredible stories, engage in on the ground issues, and help raise awareness of a global problem that affects people both abroad and here at home.

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Meet our Speakers:

A portrait of a lady, Jasmina Joldić PSM

Jasmina Joldić PSM

Ms Jasmina Joldić PSM has been the Director-General of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General since May 2023.

Ms Joldić has previously served as Associate Director-General with Queensland Health, Assistant Director-General with the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, and in roles with the Department of Community Safety, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, University of Queensland, The University of Melbourne, and the Commonwealth Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Ms Joldić was awarded an Australia Day Public Service Medal in 2022 for her public service, particularly for her leadership at Queensland Health during Queensland’s COVID-19 pandemic response. She received the Griffith University and Griffith Business School Alumnus of the Year awards in 2023.

Ms Joldić is a current member of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) Board, the Queensland Government’s Public Sector Governance Council, the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) Queensland Division Council, and the Children’s Hospital Foundation Legacy Advisory Committee.

She holds a BA (Hons) from the University of Queensland and Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis and Master of Public Administration (Public Policy) from Griffith University.

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Mahmoud Qeshreh

As a former refugee from Syria, I've witnessed firsthand the power of hope and resilience. Now, I dedicate my life to building a more peaceful and compassionate world, where everyone has the chance to thrive, regardless of their background. I believe in the transformative power of empathy and the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need.

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A portrait of a lady, Rose Dash, with black hair and round glasses.

Rose Dash

Rose is the Chief Client Officer at Multicultural Australia. Rose Dash holds qualifications in social work and business, and has been working in the refugee and multicultural sector in Queensland and internationally in client service delivery, torture and trauma services, and community development for over a decade. Rose has a demonstrated history of working holistically and collaboratively with diverse communities, and complex, vulnerable, resilient individuals and families. She is experienced in developing organisational strategies and turning them into achievable operational plans and modelling for direct service delivery and community development. Rose is passionate about leading teams in best practice, creating moments that matter and impact for new arrivals through empowerment, opportunity generation, and building safe, inclusive, and welcoming communities in Australia.