On Thursday 20 June, Macquarie University’s Professor Sean Brawley, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Programs and Pathways) and the Widening Participation Unit invite you to celebrate Refugee Week at a very special High Tea fundraising event to support Macquarie University students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

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Macquarie is honoured to host the Australian Human Rights Commissioner, Edward Santow, who will give the keynote address. Mr Santow will be joined by speakers Archie Law, Chair, Sydney Peace Foundation and Humanitarian Director at Save the Children, along with Sofia Ihsan, a Social Science bachelor student who found refuge in Australia and support and acceptance at Macquarie University.

Environments of understanding make all the difference

An important topic of discussion at the event will be the impact of a welcoming society.

“A welcoming society for students from refugee and/or asylum seeker backgrounds is understanding, respectful and friendly,” explains Carolina Morison, Widening Participation Planning Officer. “Simply put, it’s the type of society anyone would wish to step in to. One in which opportunity is equal and respectful, and a place in which friends can be made and new understandings created,” Carolina said.

What’s on

The High Tea will feature a delicious selection of desserts made from the recipes of Macquarie University students and staff, including those from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds. The Widening Participation Unit collected the recipes last year under The Sweetest Memory project and published them as a book of recipes and memories, which will be available for purchase at the event and online now.

All funds raised through product sales and tickets will go toward the Financial Needs Grant, which was established this year for Macquarie University students from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds. The grant will assist in fostering meaningful and positive educational experiences for students and contribute to their success.

You can register for The Sweetest Memory High tea now. Tickets are $40 and the event takes place Thursday 20 June from 2:30pm to 4.30pm at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Can’t make it?

You can still support our students of refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds by visiting the Widening Participation Unit online store to purchase The Sweetest Memory, a book of dessert recipes, artworks and personal memories shared by members of our University community.