United Nations Association of Australia - SA

17/06/2026

Sold Out “From Somewhere” Multicultural Community Dinner

Th United Nations Association of Australia South Australian Division were proud to host “From Somewhere” Multicultural Community Dinner last night as part of Refugee Week at Parwana Afghan Kitchen.

We were grateful to have the Minister for Multicultural Affairs the Hon Nadia Clancy MP provide opening remarks about the importance of migrant communities. Adriana Christopoulos former Chair of the SA Multicultural Commission warmly introduced our keynote speaker Denis Yengi FCPA President of the African Communities Council of South Australia, Board Member of the South Australian Multicultural Commission.

Denis spoke of how migrant experiences are relevant to the evolving Australian identity, the need for meaningful recognition of First Nations history to build a better future. He spoke of future hopes for Australia, as a generous, informed, inclusive and community-driven society that recognises we are all “From Somewhere”.

Our sold out event coincides with the 75th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Status of Refugees, one million refugees welcomed by Australia since World War II and the 40th year of Refugee Week in Australia.

Thank you to our special guests Jan Chorley CEO of the Australia Day Council of South Australia and UNAASA Advisers Hon Robyn Layton AO QC and Joanna Giannes.

Our thanks also to Parwana Afghani Restaurant for welcoming us and the generous and delightful spread of Afghan cuisine.

13/06/2026

Launch of Refugee Week - A Million Stories 🪭

It was a pleasure to attend the launch of Refugee Week (14-20 June) celebrations convened by Australian Migrant Resource Centre and consider the evolving story of our nation. Refugee communities deepen our capacity for intercultural dialogue, lived experience of resilience, generosity, fairness and humanity itself.

Refugee Week 2026 carries a particular significance as we mark the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Refugee Convention, 40 years of Refugee Week in Australia, and the one millionth refugee visa granted in Australia.

As we celebrate the start of Refugee Week 2026, may we continue to listen more deeply to one another’s stories as Australian stories.

11/06/2026

📣 Save the Date!
📆 Thu 17th September

We’re excited to announce our Annual Fundraising Dinner, the UNAASA’s main fundraising and flagship event, will be held on the evening of Thursday 17th September at the Kent Town Hotel

This year we will be highlighting 2026 as the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) spotlighting the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, from production to trade, contributing to food security, nutrition and economic resilience. IYWF 2026 raises awareness and promotes actions to close gender gaps.

We are delighted that our Keynote Speaker is Robyn Verrall, iconic South Australian trailblazer in agricultural and regional community leadership. Robyn is the Chair of the SA Skills Commission’s Agribusiness, Food, Wine, and Beverage Board and serves on the boards of SA Leaders for Gender Equity and the Regional Development Leadership Program for the Limestone Coast. Robyn was the 2022 SA Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award Winner and the 2024 Global Women Changing the World (Agriculture) Runner Up. Known for her inspirational engagement, wisdom, groundbreaking ideas, and relentless commitment to challenging the status quo, Robyn leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets.

We are pleased to be highlighting the UN Sustainable Development Goal - 15 Life on Land. Our event will spotlight South Australian regional communities, agricultural practices and will celebrate innovation, resilience, leadership and community spirit.

Tickets will go on sale closer to the event. However please mark 17th September in your diaries!

Robyn Verrall

08/06/2026

👏Congratulations to recipients for their community service with the highest honour of the Companion of the Order of Australia bestowed to Natasha Stott Despoja AO, currently serving her second term on the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) 💜💜

Congratulations to all Australians recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List, and especially to the South Australian women and men for their achievements and inspiring service to our community.

Among the 88 South Australian recipients are:
Companion of the Order of Australia (AC): Ms Natasha Jessica Stott Despoja AO for eminent service to the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence, to gender equity, and to the promotion of human rights and global systemic change.

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO):
Professor Jozef Gecz for distinguished service to human translational genetic science, to genomic research, to child health, and to neurodevelopmental disability.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Professor Konrad Pesudovs for significant service to optometry and ophthalmology research, and to clinical education and training.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) – General Division
Mr Salvatore Ciccarello forsignificant service to sports administration, and to the community of South Australia.

Public Service Medal (PSM) – Federal
Mrs Janice Ann Silby for outstanding public service as South Australian Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Public Service Medal (PSM) – South Australia
Mrs Dianne Mary Simmons for outstanding public service as a nurse and midwife consultant in perinatal mental health.

Recipients will be formally presented with the insignia of their awards at Investiture Ceremonies at Government House, to be held at a later date.

Visit gg.gov.au to view the full list of honours.



australianhonoursandawards

06/06/2026

🌟 UNAASA and UN Youth SA are proud to have contributed to the organising committee for SA Refugee Week. In conjunction with Australian Migrant Resource Centre we are delighted that the calendar this year is the biggest program ever, a record-breaking 116 events across metropolitan and regional South Australia 👏

🎟️ SOLD OUT - Tickets to our “From Somewhere” Multicultural Dinner are sold out however view the calendar and join other events! From storytelling, music and food to exhibitions, workshops, performances, conversations and community celebrations.

🗣️ This year’s theme is “A Million Stories,” and reflects the many voices, experiences and cultures that enrich our communities and shape South Australia.

02/06/2026

The Answer Is Human Rights national seminar series is in Adelaide 🌟

FREE event will focus on how we can fix wrongs with rights, concerns around social cohesion, the right to peaceful protest, housing affordability, economic inequality, and the impact of climate change and digital technologies.

We're pleased to announce the next event in our The Answer Is Human Rights national seminar series is in Adelaide:
📅 Thursday 25 June, 5.30pm – 7pm
📍U City, 43 Franklin St, Adelaide City

Presented in partnership with Equal Opportunity South Australia and as part of our 40 Years program, this FREE event will focus on how we can fix wrongs with rights, such as concerns around social cohesion, the right to peaceful protest, housing affordability, economic inequality, and the impact of climate change and digital technologies.

Featuring a panel of leading local and national human rights advocates, it’s a not-to-be missed event for anyone who cares about keeping our democracy healthy and strong as well as ensuring Australia and South Australia are just, equal and inclusive places where everyone can feel safe and have opportunities to thrive.

REGISTER NOW: https://loom.ly/NQw5os4

27/05/2026

💜💜 All of us, everyday, for meaningful change 💜💜

27/05/2026

Nunga Screen returns for its 15th year of powerful storytelling, celebrating First Nations culture, language and creativity through film.

This year’s National Reconciliation Week (NRW) theme, All In, is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

Reconciliation will not happen by itself; it takes all of us to champion the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’.

National Reconciliation Week is held every year on 27 May – 3 June, these dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey, the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Head to the Reconciliation Australia website to learn more and see what events are happening near you: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/calendar/

Or head to our website to book Nunga Screen: https://www.countryarts.org.au/events/nunga-screen-2026/

25/05/2026

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 begins on 27 May and is for all Australians to reflect, learn and take meaningful action. This year’s theme, 'All In', invites us to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation - every day.

24/05/2026

Earlier this week (21 May) we celebrated UN World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. To continue to acknowledge the richness of the diverse cultures and the essential role of intercultural dialogue in fostering peace and sustainable development, don’t miss our multicultural dinner coming up on 16th June.

BOOK NOW

“From Somewhere” Multicultural Community Dinner
📍Where: Parwana Afghan Kitchen
⏰ When: 6-8pm, 16th June 2026
📣 Guest Speaker: Denis Yengi FCPA (President of the African Communities Council of South Australia, Member of the South Australian Multicultural Commission and Community Leader)
🎫 Tickets: $55 (Members) $60 (Non members) https://www.trybooking.com/DLMOZ

UNAASA is delighted to share that, as part of Refugee Week 2026, we are launching a multi-year initiative "From Somewhere" featuring stories from notable Australians on their past and future hopes for Australia, as a generous, informed, inclusive and community-driven society. As well as migrants, it is to highlight the stories of First Nations people.��Our initiative coincides with the 75th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Status of Refugees and 40th year of Refugee Week in Australia, and is held in collaboration with the Australian Migrant Resource Centre.��Join us for a community dinner at Parwana Afghan Kitchen to showcase Afghan cuisine and a restaurant that represents migrant evolving history and hopes.

Not a member? Join at https://www.unaasa.org.au/membership/

Australian Migrant Resource Centre