Welcome to the final edition of The Lowdown for 2024!

As 2024 comes to a close, the Welcome Merchant team are filled with gratitude for another incredible year of community, creativity and impact. This year, we’ve worked alongside inspiring refugee-powered businesses, hosted unforgettable events and witnessed the generosity of our supporters in action (find our year in numbers below for more on this).

None of this would be possible without our amazing volunteers, inspiring businesses and loyal community – thank you for supporting WM’s mission to amplify refugee voices. Here’s to another year of making a difference!

2024 IN NUMBERS: OUR IMPACT

THE WELCOME MERCHANT ETHICAL GIFT GUIDE

We’re so excited to share that the official Welcome Merchant Holiday Guide is now live on our website! Find the detailed guide here and take a look at some extra gifting ideas below!

Two Good Cook Book Two

Two Good Cook Book Two includes over 100 recipes, featuring contributions from renowned chefs like Kylie Kwong and Maggie Beer.

Every purchase supports Two Good Co's mission to empower women at risk of homelessness, helping them reclaim independence through meaningful employment and community support.

Buy it from Goods 4 Good here.

The Shea Body Balm

The Shea Body Balm by Just Shea combines ethically sourced shea butter with African oils like Marula and Baobab for intense hydration and nourishment. Inspired by a family tradition of using shea butter to heal and moisturise, this balm is perfect for soothing and softening even the driest skin.

Buy it here.

Girls from Gaza Floral Subscription

The Girls from Gaza Subscription delivers stunning seasonal blooms every Friday, arranged by newly arrived Palestinian trainees in a supportive environment. Every bouquet provides consistent employment and opportunities for women rebuilding their lives in Australia.

Find it here.

The First Nations Response Christmas Toy Drive

Last year, First Nations families were supported with food and toys for Christmas, with many accessing the organisation’s services. This year, the Christmas toy drive will expand its reach, offering essential support to even more families facing financial hardship.

Donations close on December 19 and can be made via bank transfer, gift card, or dropped off. Find details above or visit the FNR Instagram page linked below.

Follow FNR here for more information.

An update on the latest immigration bills:

The Albanese Government’s controversial migration bills were recently passed by Parliament, marking a significant shift in Australia’s approach to immigration policy. Despite vocal opposition from legal advocates, including RACS (Refugee Advice and Casework Service), the legislation introduces stricter measures that dehumanise vulnerable people seeking safety.

Sarah Dale, RACS' principal solicitor, described the laws as “ugly and dehumanising” in an op-ed for The Sydney Morning Herald, comparing them to policies endorsed by far-right leaders overseas. This raises serious concerns about Australia’s commitment to human rights, however; fight is far from over, with RACS emphasising the need for ongoing advocacy to protect the rights of those affected.

Keep up with RACS here.

WHAT’S NEXT: Save the Date

MELBOURNE CHRISTMAS MARKET

For those in Melbourne, don’t worry, we have a WM Christmas market for you, too! Shop gifts for your loved ones for this holiday season from talented refugee-owned and migrant businesses, including Liew Ceramics, Aheda's Kitchen, RJ Dradi the Label, OKO Catering, Small Fires, Tienda Wuarmi, Mystical Incense Candles, Erica Pearl Fashion, Crochet Things & more. Live music by Rick Fean from 4pm-4.30pm.

• When: Saturday, December 14 (12pm-5pm)
• Where: Section 8, Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne CBD

The event is free entry!

MILAD SHARQI: END OF YEAR CHRISTMAS PARTY [MELB]

Celebrate the festive season at Milad Sharqi, an end-of-year Christmas party with a buffet by Chef Aheda, live music from Camille and Taj, and a closing set by DJ Ahmad Atawneh. 10% of ticket sales will support those recently arrived from Gaza.

• When: Sunday, December 15 (6pm-10pm)
• Where: 11 Hope Street, Brunswick VIC
• What’s included? Tickets are $75, which includes an open food buffet (including dessert). Children under six are free.

Get your ticket here!

International Human Rights Day

Held on December 10, International Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)!

Celebrated on December 10, the UDHR was first adopted in 1948. This year’s theme, Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now, emphasises the role of human rights in building a more equal, just, and sustainable world.

Image via @unitednations.

Ways to continue supporting causes over the holidays

1. Attend our events. Although our events will slow down over the break, we have the Melbourne Christmas markets coming up, as well as the Milad Sharqi end-of-year Christmas party (find details above).
2. Support Welcome Merchant entrepreneurs. If you’re shopping for the festive season or just looking to show your support, you can follow and engage with refugee and migrant-owned businesses online. Find our directory for more here.
3. Donate to support our mission. Help us continue empowering refugee and migrant entrepreneurs by making a contribution. Your donation ensures we can expand our programs and amplify their voices.
4. Advocate and amplify. Use your voice to stand up for refugees and migrants by sharing their stories, signing petitions and contacting your local representatives about policies that affect them.

Keep up with Welcome Merchant by following us on Instagram here!

ON THE BLOG: Catching Up with Emmanuel Asante

Words by Evie Cantellow

“Emmanuel Asante is a visual artist residing in Western Sydney, I caught up with him a couple of weeks after he’d won the Kirk Robson Award for Community Arts & Cultural Development at the 2024 Creative Australia Awards (formerly known as Australia Council for the Arts).”

Read it here.

Support the work of Welcome Merchant by signing up to Patreon!

By becoming a Patron for as little as $5 a month, you'll help support our mission to provide a free platform for refugees, former refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia. Your support will help change the narrative around these communities while ensuring their voices are heard.

Subscribe here.