To celebrate Refugee Week 2026, JRS Australia held a student creative competition, inviting students to respond to this year’s theme ‘A Million Stories’.  

We were overwhelmed by the response, receiving nearly 150 entries from students all across Australia.

Through visual art, stories, poetry, and videos, students demonstrated remarkable creativity and insight, exploring themes of belonging, the hope for a more welcoming and compassionate Australia, and the richness of our multicultural communities.  

Our judging panel was deeply moved by the quality of submissions and the care with which students reflected on the stories that make up the shared culture of our country.

“This year’s Refugee Week creative competition was a powerful reminder of the empathy, compassion and creativity that young people bring to conversations about refugees and people seeking asylum,” shared Kristen Lazarus, our Schools and Community Engagement Officer.

“All the entries demonstrated the students’ understanding that behind every refugee journey or statistic is a unique human story deserving of respect and welcome.”

“Our Stories” Art Exhibition

We were also delighted to welcome the shortlisted students and their families to our Refugee Week Exhibition in Surry Hills, where their works were displayed alongside those of Refugee Leaders and artists in a wonderful celebration of art, storytelling and community. 

Competition Winners 

Primary School Artwork 

• First Place – ‘Australia: The Land of Dreams’, Maria Gerges, St Patrick’s Primary Guildford 

• Second Place – ‘A New Chapter’, Tala Haddad, St Patrick’s Primary Guildford 

• Third Place – ‘A New Beginning’, Arianna, St Mary’s Primary Rydalmere 

• Highly Commended  

• ‘Walking Towards Home’, Ethan, St Mary’s Primary Rydalmere 

• ‘One Million Stories, One Million Voices’, Rose, St Mary’s Primary Rydalmere 

• ‘A Million Stories…’, Elina, St Mary’s Primary Rydalmere  

 Secondary School Artwork 

• First Place – ‘Beyond the Field’, Darcey Ibarra, Aquinas Catholic College Menai  

• Second Place – ‘Journey of Hope’, Bianca Mekdess, Cerdon College Merrylands 

• Third Place – ‘A Million Chains Broken, a Million Stories Told’, Hadija Muzaffar, Homeschool  

• Highly Commended – ‘Only ONE Home’, Kashish Bafna, Catherine McAuley Westmead 

 Video 

• First Place – ‘Those who start with nothing can change everything’, Benjamin Kalouche and Joseph Chahine, Parramatta Marist High 

• Second Place – ‘A Million Stories’, Lydia Couper and Rosina Adams, St Ignatius College Adelaide  

 Primary School Written Work 

• First Place – ‘A Million Stories’, Sienna Baxter and Paige Barclay, Marist Catholic College North Shore  

• Second Place – ‘The Faces Behind the Figures’, Jared Caucan, St Patrick’s Primary Parramatta 

 Secondary School Written Work 

• First Place – ‘Australia Becoming Home’, Evanshka Jeyasotharan, Catherine McAuley Westmead 

• Second Place – ‘Million Stories, One Journey’, Maryam Yamayan, Caroline Chisholm College Glenmore Park 

• Third Place – ‘One Million Ways to Begin’, Alexander Tran, Parramatta Marist High 

• Highly Commended  

• ‘The History Assignment’, Alphen Albert, Parramatta Marist High 

• ‘A Boy Near the Window’, Chloe Lowe, Aquinas Catholic College Menai

We extend a massive congratulations to all the students whose works were shortlisted. We would also like to thank the teachers and families who supported students throughout the competition and encouraged them to share their creativity.  

Sharing stories creates change!

At JRS Australia, we believe education and storytelling are powerful tools for fostering understanding, challenging misconceptions and inspiring action. The Refugee Week Creative Competition was a meaningful way for students to learn about refugee experiences while contributing to a more welcoming society.  

Congratulations to all participants, thank you for helping us share a million stories!  

Want to stay in touch?

Click here to learn more about taking action to support refugees and people seeking asylum at your school!