Adnan and Shadia Alkhoury, along with their four children, Roy, Santya, Sabeen and Roney were hosted and introduced to the seaside town by Zanette Burr, Karen Gillespie and Ian McLiesh. 

The Alkhoury family resettled in Canberra one year and three months ago after being forced to flee the conflict in their home country. 

The family was part of a group of 65 refugees from Canberra and Melbourne who visited the Sapphire Coast over the weekend, staying with host families from across the region. 

The event, organised by Social Justice Advocates, invited the refugees – originally from countries such as Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Myanmar and India – to come together for a three-day coast experience.

Their trip included beach time and a barbecue at Pambula, a Welcome to Country from Eden elder Pastor Ossie Cruse and a native animal experience at Potoroo Palace.

Sabeen, the eldest of the Alkhoury siblings, has just entered a mainstream primary school after completing an English course. 

“I didn’t know much English when we first came, but it only took me one term to pass, and I like my new school,” she said. 

“None of the other kids in my class know about Syria, only one friend knew it because he is from overseas too, from India.”

Host Ms Gillespie said she was astounded by how quickly the children had picked up a new language. 

Mr Alkhoury left behind a successful exporting business in Syria, and Ms Alkhoury was forced to give up her 14 year career as a primary school sports teacher. 

“There’s nothing left of that now, there is nothing to go back to for our family,” Mr Alkhoury said. 

The family and their hosts made the most of their holiday by exploring the coastline, taking photos and playing in the sand together. 

Social Justice Advocate Mick Brosnan said the weekend had been a learning experience for both the refugees and their hosts. 

“The enjoyment and benefit of this weekend is as much for us as it is for our visitors,” he said. 

“It’s about us realising there is a far bigger world outside of the Bega Valley, and this is how we can connect directly with it, this is the real world.” 

The Social Justice Advocates are planning similar events this year, including a coast tour for five Western Sydney families and a multicultural festival in August.