The Cambodian Australian Welfare Council (CAWC) and five other organisations, including the Khmer Community of NSW and Cambodian Buddhist Society, celebrated Refugee Week by organising an event at Wat Khemarangsaram in Bonnyrigg.
Hundreds of people, including local and state government representatives, turned up to the event, which included a photo exhibition and poetry reading. Community members enjoyed catching up with friends and reflecting on memories of how they came to Australia in the early 1980s.
One woman recalled escaping with her family when she just 14 years old, crossing into Thailand and spending two years in a refugee camp before being settled in Australia.
Speakers included Sarithya Tuy from CAWC, who welcomed the guests, and Nick Lalich, state Member for Cabramatta. Mayor Frank Carbone delivered opening remarks paying tribute to the role of migrant and refugee communities in Fairfield.