World Refugee Day 2004 National Activity Plan: Australia

On the 17 June, UNHCR will launch World Refugee Day and the Australian High School writing competition at Parliament House in Canberra. On 20 June 10,000 handmade hearts will be planted on the lawns of Parliament House in the "Field of Hearts" installation to show support for refugees.

In Sydney, a World Refugee Day fundraising breakfast will be held on 18 June at the Westin Hotel. Primary school students will be able to participate in an art competition and exhibition celebrating World Refugee Day.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra will perform at the Sydney Opera House on 20 June and dedicate its performance to the spirit and courage of refugees around the world.

The Jesuit Refugee Service will host a Mass and lunch on 18 June at the Uniya Building in Sydney while the Labour Council of New South Wales will hold a World Refugee Day rally at Hyde Park on 20 June. An art show will take place on the same day at the St George Regional Museum in Hurstville. A rally and festival, including the Field of Hearts, will be held at 1pm on 20 June at Hyde Park North.

In Queensland, a UNHCR representative will speak at the Riverside Auditorium at an event organised by the International Association for the Study of Forced Migration on 17 June, and at a host of community events on 18 July. As part of a national campaign, Amnesty International will stage a mock detention centre at King George Square in Brisbane on 17 June inviting politicians, community leaders and entertainers to take part. The peace organisation, NOWAR, will host a Sakhi art exhibition at Ipswich Court House on 20 June. Refugee Action Collective QLD will hold a World Refugee Day rock concert at South Rugby League Club from 5pm on 20 June and a rally in King Georges Square, Brisbane on 19 June.

Austcare will host a function on 20 June at Justice Place, Brisbane. Actors for Refugees will perform a play on 19 June at the city's La Boitte's Theatre. The Refugee Migrant and Resource Centre Toowoomba is also staging a Field of Hearts exhibition at Lake Annand on 6 June.

In Northern Territory, Refugee Action Network will host a candlelight vigil on 20 June at Mindil Beach Markets, Darwin.

In Victoria, the city of Darebin will host a breakfast seminar on 22 June at Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre in Preston.

Refugee Action Collective VIC will hold a World Refugee Day rally on 20 June in Melbourne.

Actors for Refugees will perform the play, "Something to Declare" at Fitzroy Town Hall on 20 June at 7pm.

In Western Australia, on 19 June Amnesty International will be staging "Daybreak in Detention" outside the Fremantle markets and the Field of Hearts will be displayed.