Sacred Heart students celebrate Refugee Week with cricket legend 

Students at Sacred Heart Primary School in Fitzroy joined cricketer Fawad Ahmed for a special Refugee Week event that brought together cricket and community, while marking a historic national milestone.

The event, delivered in partnership with the Usman Khawaja Foundation and SSI, Australia’s largest refugee resettlement organisation, recognised that Australia has now welcomed one million refugees since the end of World War II.

The milestone resonated strongly with the school community, with many students and families having their own lived experience of displacement and resettlement.

Ahmed, who sought asylum in Australia himself, shared his story with students and used cricket as a way to connect, inspire and build confidence among young people.

Multicultural Affairs Minister the Hon. Dr Anne Aly MP, Sarah Witty MP, Member for Melbourne, and SSI Chair Peter van Vliet also joined the event, which formed part of Refugee Week 2026 ― an annual celebration highlighting stories of courage, resilience and belonging across Australia.

Usman Khawaja, cricketer and founder of the Usman Khawaja Foundation: 

“I am excited to have the Usman Khawaja Foundation here today at Sacred Heart Primary School, joining forces with SSI. Our two organisations share common goals and purposes and a belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to belong, to contribute and to thrive.”

Hon. Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs: 

“Every person deserves to feel safe, included and proud of who they are. Refugee Week is a reminder that belonging is built in places just like this, in classrooms, playgrounds, local clubs and communities that welcome people in.”

“Fawad’s story shows that where you start in life does not define where you can go. Sport has a special way of bringing communities together, and today was a beautiful example of multicultural Australia in action.”

“The Albanese Government will always back communities that help people feel at home, participate fully and contribute to the country we share.”

Violet Roumeliotis AM, SSI CEO: 

“Reaching one million refugees welcomed to Australia is a powerful reminder of who we are as a country. This milestone is not just about numbers — it’s about the kind of country we choose to be. What we saw on the pitch today is what real opportunity looks like: young people being supported to thrive and to see themselves as part of Australia’s story. Sport has a unique ability to bring people together. Whether on the cricket pitch or local sports field, it creates friendships and helps people from different backgrounds see each other as teammates and neighbours.”

Fawad Ahmed, cricketer: 

“Since World War II, Australia has welcomed more than one million refugees. We are celebrating their courage, resilience, and contribution to our nation, and reaffirm our commitment to a future built on compassion, dignity and opportunity for all.”