Tea, stories and connection in Refugee Week 2026
A simple cup of tea helped strangers become neighbours during Refugee Week 2026.
Multicultural Youth South Australia (MYSA) recently hosted Have Tea With a Refugee at the Gawler Place Canopy in Rundle Mall. The free event brought together people from across the community and young people from refugee backgrounds. They shared food, stories, music, laughter and, of course, plenty of tea.
Making space for conversation
This year’s Refugee Week theme, A Million Stories, celebrated the experiences, strength and journeys of people who have come to Australia seeking safety and a new beginning.
The event gave visitors a chance to hear some of these stories directly. People who may not otherwise have met sat together, talked about their lives and learned more about each other.
Tamara Stewart-Jones, Chief Operating Officer of MYSA, said the event showed how much people have in common and how powerful a simple conversation can be.
A celebration in the heart of Adelaide
Rundle Mall was filled with colour, music and activity across the two days. Visitors enjoyed African drumming, henna, a glitter bar, multicultural food and live performances by the Colombian band Cantambó. The activities helped create a lively and welcoming space where everyone could take part.
Ms Stewart-Jones described both days as being filled with people from all walks of life swapping stories, having a laugh and enjoying each other’s company.
Supporting young people to be heard
The Department of Human Services funds MYSA through the Youth Support and Development Program and the Advocacy and Impact Program. These programs support young people from multicultural and refugee backgrounds to build connections, take part in their communities and have a voice on the issues that affect them.
Events such as Have Tea With a Refugee also give the wider community an opportunity to listen, learn and celebrate the valuable contribution of refugees and multicultural young people in South Australia.
Sometimes, building a more welcoming community can begin with something as simple as putting the kettle on.