Celebrating Belonging: Refugee Week 2026 with Melaleuca Australia

A million stories — and a shared sense of belonging

From 16 to 19 June 2026, Melaleuca Australia marked Refugee Week in Darwin with a program inspired by the theme “A Million Stories.” The week honoured the resilience, journeys, creativity, and contributions of people from refugee backgrounds while creating space for the community to listen, reflect, and connect.

The Ukrainian Australian Association of Northern Territory was proud to attend and support these thoughtful events. For many Ukrainians who have rebuilt their lives far from home, the themes of safety, welcome, identity, and belonging carry deep personal meaning.

Inside the Frame

The interactive Inside the Frame exhibition invited visitors to walk through stories of strength and resilience shared by members of the local community. Artworks, written reflections, candles, video, and participatory displays helped turn individual experiences into a powerful collective story.

Ukrainian creativity was part of that story. Traditional floral artworks brought colour and cultural memory to the exhibition, while the wider displays traced the many journeys that have brought people from around the world to the Northern Territory.

Fusion Fest

The week concluded on Friday, 19 June, with the lively Fusion Fest. Food, conversation, art, and music brought people together in a warm celebration of Darwin's cultural diversity. UAANT representatives joined friends, organisers, and members of other communities for an evening that demonstrated what belonging looks like in practice.

UAANT at Refugee Week 2026

We thank Melaleuca Australia, the organisers, artists, storytellers, volunteers, and everyone we met throughout the week. Together, we continue building a Northern Territory where people from every background can feel safe, valued, and at home.