community
The Refugee Realities simulation is a moving and powerful experience. Here are some comments from participants about previous events:
"It was an extremely powerful experience that makes me feel emotional, even though I know it wasn't as severe in real life events for refugees."
– University student, Melbourne Refugee Realities event, 2008
"The most powerful thing for me was at the very beginning when I was separated from my daughter. I actually felt that sort of pain, and so did she, that separation".
– Parent, Melbourne Refugee Realities event, 2008
"We always hear about refugees coming to Australia, but until you hear their stories and learn about what they have been through you don't understand what it is to be a refugee fleeing from your own country. Refugee Realities is a great simulation for people to begin to understand what these people have been through."
– Danielle Mazza, Volunteer Presenter, Mildura Refugee Realities event, 2009
"I find it a privilege to take part in this role today and my hope in that it enlightens all those who participate in the exercise."
– Mike Oates, Mock government official volunteer, Mildura event
"You begin to see why people go to lengths to escape"
– participant at Mildura event
"It's good to help others that don't know about refugee experiences and to make them realise that they are lucky"
Elizabeth, 14yrs old from Sudan, a child of refugees – volunteer at Mildura event
The Mildura Refugee Realities event was run by, and for, the Mildura community. See what they managed to put together