“Taste the Difference” dinner brings Melbourne together for Refugee Week

A celebration of flavour, resilience and community spirit took centre stage at the Melbourne Multicultural Hub on June 18, as AMES Australia hosted its annual “Taste the Difference” dinner in honour of Refugee Week 2025.

The sold-out event brought together more than 80 guests from over 20 diverse communities for a vibrant evening of storytelling, shared meals and cultural exchange, highlighting Melbourne’s deep commitment to multiculturalism and refugee inclusion.

Guests were treated to a rich Middle Eastern feast prepared by three refugee chefs, each of whom shared their powerful stories of displacement and hope.

Faduma Abdi from Somalia, Mariam Salameh from Syria and Ahlam Shafa Amri from Palestine not only crafted the evening’s menu, but also spoke about their journeys to Australia and how food has played a healing and empowering role in their resettlement.

Now in its seventh year, “Taste the Difference” is not just a dinner, but a platform for refugee entrepreneurs to showcase their culinary talent, connect with new audiences and grow their businesses.

Since launching in 2018, the event has helped many participants establish thriving food ventures, from catering services to market stalls and restaurant collaborations.

Among the distinguished guests were newly elected federal member for Melbourne Sarah Witty, federal member for Gorton Alice Jordan-Baird, City of Melbourne Cr Davydd Griffiths and former Socceroo and multicultural ambassador Archie Thompson.

Ms Witty praised the event as “a powerful reflection of the cultural diversity that defines Melbourne.”

“Our city’s commitment to welcoming refugees and celebrating multiculturalism is one of the reasons I’m so proud to be a Melburnian,” she told the audience.

AMES Australia chair Dr Vanda Fortunato reminded guests of the global context behind the celebration. According to the UNHCR, more than 123 million people are now forcibly displaced due to war, conflict or persecution – the highest number ever recorded, and a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by many.

“Tonight, we honour not only the rich cultural contributions refugees bring to our communities, but also reflect on the growing scale of displacement worldwide,” Dr Fortunato said.

“Events like these show what’s possible when people are given a chance to rebuild – to share their talents, their food, and their futures with us.”

Backed by AMES Australia, a leading settlement agency supporting refugees and migrants across Victoria, the event once again demonstrated how food can be a powerful force for connection, economic opportunity and belonging. •