Stories
Andrew’s Story: “For us the WDP is a practical, proactive and positive way of responding to current Australian challenges. “
From Food to Friendship and Family Me and my family are part of the neighbourhood at the local church, where we focus on sharing meals, exploring the world together and making our neighbourhood a little bit better. So when we heard about the Welcome Dinner Project, we...
Sahil’s Story: “I was really interested not only in the food, but more in the people, what they are doing with their lives, how they are living and what they are thinking.”
As an international student, discovering the Australian culture and people was an enriching experience for Sahil, made possible through the WDP. Breaking the Barriers with Food I came to Australia in 2013 and I was 18 years old. I had the worst experience that an...
Rachel’s Story: “When we reach out to people, when we smile, connect, acknowledge the differences and similarities,we are making a huge difference.”
Changing the World One Dinner at a Time I’ve been coordinating The Welcome Dinner Project in Melbourne since 2016. Coming from a politically active family and having worked in the settlement sector, with service providers and young people, WDP was something that was...
Ali, Haneen & Hasan: “All the adventures that I am experiencing these days is because of my new good friends from WDP.”
Arriving to Australia as a family from Iraq, Ali, Haneen and Hasan were able to form a large circle of friends through the WDP: Good Friends are Priceless Initially we were involved with the Welcome Dinner Project as guests. After this first Dinner, our circle of...
Serena’s Story: “Thank you, WDP, for broadening my horizon and giving me new experiences.”
As an international student from China, Serena shares how WDP helped her come out of her shell while studying in Australia: Big Start for My New Life in Melbourne When I arrived in Australia to study my accounting/business law Master degree, I didn’t participate in...
Maisoon’s Story: “We really needed a program that would give us a chance to feel less embarrassed, less alien.”
An Honour to Meet Australian People When me and my family came to Australia in 2007, we felt like strangers who couldn’t express themselves. Back then we really needed a program that would give us a chance to feel less embarrassed, less alien. If WDP existed back...
Kate’s Story: “The Welcome Dinner Project was quite eye-opening for me.”
It's common for friendships to remain long after the Welcome Dinners are hosted. One particular example comes from Kate, who shares the privilege of getting to know one of her dinner attendees. A Privilege for Me I finally got around to contacting one of the newly...
Zaki’s Story: “We need these opportunities to bring humanity back.”
On the 3rd day of Christmas, we meet Zaki from Afghanistan. After struggling to feel a sense of community during his first two years in Australia, he was able to find it through The Welcome Dinner Project. A Feeling of Belonging In 2014 I met Penny Elsley and that...
Developing high quality facilitation skills – a deep dive with the Groupwork Institute.
Reflection by Angela Moran - WDP Victoria Central Hub Member On Saturday 9th December 2017 I was lucky enough, along with several other WDP volunteers, to participate in another wonderful professional development workshop thanks to Joining The Dots. The aim of the...
Debra’s Story: “I am so humbled by the kindness and generosity of humanity at these dinners”
Today's story comes from Debra, who is based out of Hobart and has been a facilitator for us for over a year. Here's her take on The Welcome Dinner Project Open Space for People to Connect in Their Own Way I've been a Welcome Dinner Project facilitator for just over a...
