23/06/2025
RCAA Queensland Chapter marks World Refugee Day
As we mark World Refugee Day today, 20 June 2025, we are reminded of how unpredictable and fragile our world has become. A record high of 122 million people are now displaced, fleeing in fear for their safety and survival, through no fault of their own.
Here in Cairns, on this World Refugee Day, we celebrate a shining example of resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of Mr. Meelan Rana, a former refugee from Bhutan. Arriving in Australia through the Humanitarian Settlement Program, Meelan has grown into a successful young entrepreneur. His journey is not only inspiring but also a source of immense pride for refugee communities across the nation. His leadership reflects the strength, potential, and valuable contributions that refugees bring to Australia.
Meelan and his business partner Mr Saroj Pradhan, founded Himalayan Community Care Services and have been providing their service in the region.
Reflecting on this day, Meelan shared:
βSince beginning operations in 2023, our organisation has been proudly delivering tailored services to participants from a diverse range of backgrounds. With a strong foundation in the care industry, both my business partner Saroj Pradhan and I brought years of experience and a shared dream, to provide high-quality, person-centred support while also creating meaningful employment opportunities within our community.
What started as a vision has grown into a thriving team of over 80 dedicated staff members, including our management team. Our commitment to excellence and community impact drives us forward every day, as we continue to grow and expand our services. We welcome you to connect with us as we continue striving to make a difference, both in the lives of our participants and within the broader community.β
As we mark this World Refugee Day, RCAA is saddened seeing the unpresented levels of growing conflicts around the world by the hours, now in Iran, which hosts 3.8 million refugees, making it the largest refugee hosting country in the world.
Our thoughts, prayers, and hopes are with vulnerable refugees, displaced persons and their communities in Iran and everyone around the world for them to find safety and shelter with dignity and honour.
One more refugee displaced is one too many.
Michael Healy MP Mayor Amy Eden Refugee Communities Association of Australia RCAA Elijah Buol OAM- Community Advocate Parsu Sharma-Luital JP Parsuram Sharma-Luital JP Cairns Bhutanese Community Inc Migrant Resource Centre North West Region Multicultural Communities Council of SA Multicultural Affairs, Queensland Government Multicultural Australia