World Refugee Day: Compassion, Hope and the Strength to Begin Again
- Shane Warren
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE / AWARENESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
20th June 2026
On World Refugee Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) stands alongside refugees around the world, recognising both the extraordinary resilience they demonstrate and the challenges they continue to face as they rebuild their lives.
For many refugees, the journey to safety is marked by conflict, persecution, loss, displacement, separation from family, and profound uncertainty. These experiences can leave lasting impacts on mental health and wellbeing. Yet they are also stories of courage, perseverance, hope, and determination.
VMHPAA Chair Shane Warren said:
"Every refugee carries a story that deserves to be heard with dignity and compassion. Behind every journey is a person who has experienced loss, but also remarkable strength. Recovery is not simply about finding safety it is about rebuilding connection, purpose, belonging, and hope." [Shane Warren]
Australia's multicultural society has been enriched by generations of refugees who have contributed to our economy, culture, education, healthcare, and community life. Creating welcoming communities that foster inclusion and belonging is not only socially responsible, it is a powerful protective factor for mental wellbeing.
Mental health support for refugees must be culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and recognise the unique experiences of displacement while also honouring individual strengths and resilience.
VMHPAA Secretary Susan Sandy said:
"Healing begins when people feel safe, respected, and welcomed. Communities have an important role to play in creating environments where refugees can rebuild their lives with confidence and hope." [Susan Sandy]
On World Refugee Day, VMHPAA calls on all Australians to:
Welcome diversity with openness and respect.
Foster inclusive communities where everyone feels they belong.
Support trauma-informed mental health services.
Challenge prejudice and discrimination wherever it occurs.
Recognise the valuable contributions refugees make to Australian society.
World Refugee Day reminds us that compassion is more than kindness it is a commitment to creating communities where every person has the opportunity to live with dignity, safety, and hope.
Together, we can build communities where new beginnings become lasting opportunities.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO