More than 90 community members, partners, students and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of the Portraits of Belonging Exhibitionas part of Refugee Week 2026, in an event marked by reflection, gratitude and community spirit. The works reflect individual journeys of migration, settlement, and belonging, aligned with this year’s Refugee Week theme, A Million Stories.
The exhibition launch at Gallery Central on Wednesday 17th June, brought together a wide cross-section of supporters to honour stories of belonging, resilience and diversity. Guests were welcomed into a warm and inclusive atmosphere that reflected the heart of the exhibition itself.
Tarrah Dodds, Chair of the Committee of Management at NNHLC, officially opened the exhibition and delivered the opening address, recognising the importance of creating spaces where community voices and lived experiences can be seen and celebrated.
A highlight of the event was the moving reflection speeches delivered by ESL students May Than and Gay Doh Moo Moo, whose words captured the powerful themes of belonging, strength and connection. Their thoughtful contributions left a strong impression on those in attendance.
Special thanks were also extended to multilingual staff members Thablay, Yah Min The and Klu Say, along with ESL teacher Cindy, for their support and dedication in helping make the event such a success.
The exhibition also stands as a celebration of the incredible efforts of the ESL students, whose hard work and commitment were warmly acknowledged on the day. Each artwork tells a deeply personal story, capturing experiences of life before arriving in Australia, the challenges of resettlement, and the strength and resilience required to build new lives in a regional community. Alongside the portraits, students have written biographies that offer insight into their identities, cultures, hopes, and dreams for the future.
The project has been made possible through a strong collaboration between local educators, bilingual support staff, and community partners. A key partner in the initiative is Uniting Vic. Tas through the HACC program, whose ongoing support has played a vital role in enabling community participation and connection
For those who were unable to attend the opening, the Portraits of Belonging Exhibition remains on display at Gallery Central for the next two weeks. Visitors are encouraged to experience the powerful portraits and stories that highlight belonging, diversity and community.
This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 24 June 2026.
