Word of Mouth is the culmination of a series of writing workshops where participants from refugee backgrounds developed their stories. The writers presented them at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre as part of Liverpool’s contribution to celebrating Refugee Week 2019.

“I want to emphasise the importance of hearing refugees’ stories told in their own words. Our nation’s understanding of refugees and asylum seekers is often through the lens of news media or through politically motivated debates. Rarely do we have the opportunity to hear from the people at the centre of the stories. Stories are powerful ways to connect people with each other and to cross cultural and linguistic barriers. Projects like these are crucial in sending a message to our community that our stories matter and are part of the fabric of Australian society.”
– Councillor Charishma Kaliyanda, Liverpool City Council

“It was a small wooden boat. But there were a hundred of us.”
– Asma

“It all started when ISIS attacked and bombarded our cities on 10th of June 2014.”
– Sameem

“My story is a small part of a bigger story.”
– Mariam

To be called a refugee is the opposite of an insult: it is a badge of strength, courage, and victory.”
– Jehan