Finding freedom: Refugee Week 2025

This year’s Refugee Week and the theme, Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community, is an opportunity for us to reflect on how we can work with people from refugee backgrounds to meet their health needs, empower them to thrive, and celebrate their rich, diverse contribution to our communities.  

The NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (MHCS) works closely with refugee communities and the services that support them to co-design health resources in language which are culturally-sensitive and relevant, and link them with health care. 

The MHCS won the Excellence in Multicultural Healthcare Award at the 2025 SESLHD CORE Awards (pictured) for their work in this space, and their delivery of the Translated Health Resources for Refugee Communities Project.  

On Thursday 26 June, the MHCS will also be presented with a NSW Humanitarian Award, recognising their outstanding dedication to supporting refugees and fostering multicultural harmony. 

In partnership with the NSW Refugee Health Service, Settlement Services International and bilingual community workers with lived experience, the team developed a range of resources in language about access to health care, preventative health care, mental health, and maternal and child health for refugee communities.  

These were translated into 20 languages spoken by refugee communities in NSW. The MHCS also developed a best practice guide for developing health resources for people from refugee backgrounds. 

“After noticing gaps in health resources for refugee communities, we have worked closely with these communities to address some of these gaps,” says Lisa Woodland, Director of the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service and the SESLHD Equity and Prevention Service. 

“Refugee communities will often require different kinds of health information. Rather than translating what already exists, it is critical to work with these communities to understand what information they need to look after their health and access services.” 

“It is a privilege to work with people from refugee backgrounds, who have shown incredible strength, resilience and contribute so much to our society.” 

Published 23 June 2025