Bhutan to Blacktown - And Beyond: A Conversation About Refugee Leadership in Australia

UNSW Kaldor Centre

Forced to flee Bhutan as a refugee, Om Dhungel is today an award-winning community leader in Western Sydney and a debut author, whose new book is described by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as simply ‘a great Australian story’. This special panel event was held on 18 May 2023, with Om Dhungel and CEO of Settlement Services International (SSI) Violet Roumeliotis AM, in conversation exploring what we all can learn – about refugee leadership, wellbeing, and belonging – from this story of grit and hope. Moderated by Kaldor Centre Director Jane McAdam AO, the event celebrated the publication of 'Bhutan to Blacktown: Losing everything and finding Australia' (NewSouth, 2023) by Om Dhungel with James Button. Presented in partnership with New South Books, Settlement Services International, Community Migrant Resources Centre, SydWest Multicultural Services and the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law.