Bellingen hosts transformative cultural exchange program for refugee and migrant women

The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) recently held its second Cultural Exchange Program in the Coffs Coast region, fostering a rich exchange of cultures and experiences.
The event took place on April 5, bringing together 24 women from diverse backgrounds including Cambodia, Nepal, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Peru, Samoa, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Serbia, and Slovakia, from Sydney to the rural setting of Bellingen.
Funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Home Affairs’ Fostering Integration Grants program, the initiative is aimed at participants of STARTTS programs in Sydney, offering them experiences they are unlikely to encounter otherwise. Ruth Kennedy, Regional Community Development Project Officer, and Susan Cunningham, the Cultural Exchange Program Project Officer in Sydney, spearheaded the coordination of this enriching program.
The women began their visit with a warm meet and greet, followed by a stay with local families who opened their homes, hosting them for three nights.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service provided a complimentary guided tour of the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, where Sandy Van Veluen educated the group about the unique ecosystem.
A culinary highlight was a Malaysian lunch prepared by caterer Wan Samsuddin, enjoyed at the home of hosts Natalie and Steven Hall in Glennifer.
The cultural exchange continued into the evening at the Bellingen Memorial Hall Studio, where the women prepared and shared traditional dishes from their respective cultures.
The evening was filled with vibrant presentations including a traditional Cambodian clothing demonstration, an explanation of Easter traditions in Slovakia, a Tibetan Buddhist prayer, and a Persian dance performance, culminating in an inclusive dance session.
The weekend also featured a significant educational component about Indigenous culture, attended by 80 people including women from both Sydney and Coffs Harbour.
The day began with performances by the STARTTS Singlish Choir and the Girrwaa Duguula Choir, singing an Indigenous song in four languages, with Uncle Micklo Jarrett doing a Welcome to Country over the instrumental solo.
Interactive presentations and a group singing of an Aboriginal song further enriched the attendees’ understanding of Indigenous family systems and culture.
A weaving workshop led by Amber Seccombe-Flanders and Dallas Gittins from Wild Earth Miimi offered hands-on learning, and a ceremonial and dance workshop facilitated by Cordell and Mudjai provided deep cultural insights and emotional engagement.
Participants were invited to participate in a reflective ritual that celebrated their connection to both the human and Earthly mother, emphasizing gratitude and interconnectedness.
Feedback from participants highlighted the profound impact of the weekend. Sophronia, a participant, shared her moved feelings about the deep love for culture she witnessed, while STARTTS worker Rebecca noted her newfound connection to country after 17 years in Australia.
The event was a testament to the power of cultural exchange and community spirit in promoting understanding and unity among diverse groups.
The heartfelt thanks from participants Sonam, Leki, and Gahsu underscore the lasting impact of such experiences, emphasising the importance of inclusion and empathy in today’s multicultural landscape.