The exhibition was sponsored by Amnesty International and Rural Australians for Refugees Southern Highlands (RARsh).

“I and many participants were moved and inspired by the stories of people who despite their experience of displacement and seeking refuge, have lived full lives contributing to Australian society” RARsh member Francine Bartlett said.

A wide range of people attended the events, including children.

Some spoke about their own experiences and all were supportive of the possibility that families who have been refugees would be welcome if they chose to settle in the Southern Highlands.

Renee Dixson, the artist, said she was keen to show that being a person from a refugee background does not stop people being successful and well established Australians.

Tina Dixson, one of the project’s participants spoke about how hard it was to be asked to tell her story.

“Being asked all the time to say where I’m from makes me feel I’m not accepted as Australian. This is my home - this is where I live. I have a responsibility to give back.”

She is working in the field of addressing violence against women.

Some of the participants spoke about the wish to leave behind the trauma of having to leave their country and how they did not want to keep revisiting those memories, but rather talk about the joy of their current lives .

Refugee Week will run from June 18-24.

As part of this RARsh and Amnesty will host a screening of the Australian documentary Constance on the Edge at Mittagong RSL on June 23.

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/285624