Welcome to the November edition of The Lowdown!
Welcome Merchant
Award-winning social enterprise that elevates refugee-owned businesses in Australia through Events, Hampers & directory.
As we wrap up the year, the Welcome Merchant (WM) team have plenty of exciting updates. First, we share some gifting suggestions for the holiday season, all from refugee-owned businesses.
We also recap the Parra Lanes Festival, give a special shout-out to two incredible people in the WM community and take a look at Ruth Juwa Dradi’s new St Kilda store. Looking ahead, we have Christmas markets in Sydney and Melbourne, plus a range of personal and professional development and resources.
THE WELCOME MERCHANT HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Food for Everyone:
A special collab from WM featured entrepreneur, Aheda's Kitchen & talented artist, Abbey Rich, this print features a special recipe. Proceeds from this print will go to the PARA Foundation. Get it here.
Aunty’s Ginger Tonic:
A zesty blend of quality and authenticity, Aunty’s Ginger Tonic is a refreshing gift, fitting for the warm months ahead! Choose from a range of flavours and opt for a six or 12-pack. Get it here.
Palestine Chocolate:
Spread hope and solidarity this season with Palestinian Chocolate bars. Featuring the Palestinian flag, 10% of every purchase supports Palestinian causes. Get it here.
A RECAP OF THE PAST MONTH WITH WELCOME MERCHANT:
The Parra Lanes Festival
A big thank you to everyone who joined us at Powerhouse Lane during last month’s Parramatta Lanes Festival!
Across four nights, attendees indulged in dishes from Sangees Kitchen, Taste of Sierra Leone, Yummy Yummy Knafeh, Lugaw Queen and Sydney Cebu Lechon, while listening to RnB, soul and hip-hop music curated by We Are Warriors, fbi.radio and MC Trey.
We wanted to extend a huge thank you to Powerhouse Museum and our talented vendors, performers and volunteers, as well as the NSW Government for bringing this celebration of food and culture to life!
Images via @danishraviphotography
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!
Emmanuel Asante
Congratulations to Emmanuel Asante on receiving the Kirk Robson Award for Community Arts & Cultural Development at the Creative Australia Awards!
A Ghanaian-Australian artist and advocate from Western Sydney, Emmanuel’s inclusive, person-centred work empowers d/Deaf and Disabled communities, youth, and refugees, making this recognition well-deserved.
Follow Emmanuel here.
Samuel Kostevc
Congratulations to WM volunteer cinematographer Samuel Kostevc on winning Gold and Silver awards at the Australian Cinematographers Society Victoria and Tasmania Awards!
We are especially proud to see Sam win the Silver Award for Stories of Power Season Two, highlighting WM entrepreneur, Ruth Juwa Dradi's incredible story.
Follow Sam here.
INSIDE RJDRADI THE LABEL’S NEW ST KILDA BOUTIQUE
RJDRADI THE LABEL has officially opened its doors in St Kilda, marking an exciting new chapter for WM entrepreneur, Ruth Juwa Dradi.
Known for her bold, wearable art and jewellery inspired by culture, community, and identity, Ruth’s boutique is a reflection of her passion and commitment to art and creativity!
Be sure to check out her new store at 1 Vale Street, St Kilda VIC.
Follow her here.
WHAT’S NEXT: Save the Date
SYDNEY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Shop ethically this Christmas! Held with Paddington markets, this is a chance to find gifts for your loved ones from refugee-owned and migrant businesses including Racha’s Syrian Kitchen, Gina Barjeel Fashion, Goods 4 Good, African Food Feasts and plenty more. Everyone is welcome!
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, Wuarmi and plenty more.
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.
Get your ticket here!
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Call for Stall Holders: Celebrate Culture and Support Local
Calling all Palestinian, First Nations, and allied artisans!
Apply for a free stall at a special community event hosted by the Greek ATLAS Community and Cultural Centre and Families for Palestine in Sydney. Showcase your handcrafted goods, art, and traditional food while supporting Palestinian small businesses and First Nations artisans.
The event will be held on Saturday, December 14, from 11am to 3pm at ATLAS Community and Cultural Centre, Marrickville. All gold coin donations will benefit the Sydney Basin Tent Embassy. To apply, fill out the stall-holder application form here below.
Applications close November 25, 2024.
Barkada Index: A Database for Filipino Creatives in Australia ????
Barkada Index is an open-access list celebrating Filipino arts and culture workers in Australia, the country’s fifth-largest migrant community. It’s a space to connect, share work, and amplify talent across fields like visual arts, writing, music, performance, and more.
Join the Index:
Women in Social Enterprise Activate Australia's Skills
From July 2024 to June 2026, SECNA is helping 500 women in NSW through a business networking and support program proudly funded by the NSW Government.
The Women in Social Enterprise Program by SECNA is a free initiative for women and non-binary individuals in New South Wales who are involved in or aspire to start a social enterprise.
Participants gain access to peer mentoring, online learning, and in-person events to help build skills, confidence, and connections in the social enterprise sector. Supported by the NSW Government, the program fosters collaboration, celebrates achievements, and provides vital resources for navigating challenges while creating positive social and environmental impact.
FDPN: Request form LGBTQI+ refugees located in refugee camps or transit countries
The Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN) is Australia's first LGBTIQA+ refugee-led organisation, advocating for individuals forced to flee their homes due to persecution related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. By filling out this form, the FDPN can better help understand your needs.
ON THE BLOG:
Historic Open Letter Demands Permanent Visas for Refugees After 100 Days of Protests
Words by Rochelle Gunn
“After an unprecedented 100 days of national protests led by refugees themselves, a historic open letter signed by 75 prominent organisations has urged the Albanese Government to provide a clear pathway to permanent visas for the approximately 8,400 people failed by the now-defunct Fast Track refugee assessment system.”
Finding The Confidence To Start Your Own Business In Australia
By Welcome Merchant
“Starting your own business in a new country is an exciting opportunity, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just starting out with a brand new idea or looking to grow your existing business, confidence is a key ingredient to success…”
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.