Centre to assist newly-arrived refugees opens in NSW

Established in a renovated building at the former mental health facility in Callan Park, the Community and Refugee Welcome Centre was a joint initiative of the newly amalgamated Inner West Council, as well as various church and community groups.

It will function as a day centre, providing practical support services, as well as leisure activities such as cooking and sport for new arrivals.

At the opening, NSW Premier Mike Baird said Australia should celebrate the contribution made by refugees.

"Over 800,000 refugees resettled since World War II," he said.

"That is something we should be proud of. That's what we should be celebrating. A nation that welcomes embraces and provides opportunity and hope."

The administrator of the Inner West Council, Richard Pearson, said he's proud of the political push behind the initiative.

"We've got people from all political parties supporting refugees today," he said.

"Labor, Liberal, Greens and Independents. And, I think in NSW it's just terrific in a difficult climate, we're all for refugees and helping make their life a better one."

The voices and stories of refugees in Australia are many and varied.

Like that of Aniya Kebabjian from Syria, who recently arrived on a humanitarian visa after bombs and tanks took over her home city of Aleppo.

"We left in 2011," she said.

"I think we were lucky to leave Syria early because it was just starting - the war - but I could hear and feel bombs everyday and it was pretty hard."

Another refugee making a contribution to Australian life is Shukufa Tahiri, a law student in her final year.

Fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan, she's grateful for her new life in Australia, but also embraces her past life.

"It is not an insult to be a refugee, it is a badge of honour to be a refugee," she said.

"It is a badge of strength and resilience, and victory." 

A sentiment likely to be echoed through Refugee Week, which starts on Sunday.