Join award-winning journalist and former foreign correspondent Melinda Ham in discussion with Nyah Fouad (Philanthropy Manager at Australia for UNHCR) as she discusses her anthology of Australian refugee journeys, The Lucky Ones.

The Lucky Ones is a moving and meticulously researched book of refugee stories. Though they are from different generations, countries and cultures, the families in this book all have one thing in common: they have escaped persecution in their homelands to find safety in Australia. Spanning 70 years, and tracking journeys from Iraq, Afghanistan, Poland, Tibet, Vietnam and Zaire, The Lucky Ones offers a window into the complex history of Australian refugee experiences. 

More than 35 million refugees around the world are currently waiting to be resettled. In their own words, the people in this book are some of the 'lucky ones' who survived terror, detention, beatings and torture to reach a country that offered them a new beginning.

$5.00 + booking fee

Books will be available for purchase and signing on the night.

Non-alcoholic refreshments and nibbles on arrival.

Enquiries: 8495 5028 or libraryprograms@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Melinda Ham has been a journalist for more than twenty-five years. She started her career in southern Africa as a correspondent for six years for the Associated Press and for London's Daily Telegraph, The Economist and other international publications. She's also lived and worked in India and Singapore.

In Australia, she wrote for The Sydney Morning Herald and the Sun Herald for more than twelve years, including stints as a sub-editor on the foreign desk and as commissioning editor for Special Reports. She wrote on a diverse range of subjects, including education, environment, health, lifestyle, health and culture. She's been editor of Explore, the Australian Museum's twice-yearly magazine. She's also produced dozens of publications through her media company, Narrate Media, for charities, universities and companies.

Nyah Fouad is the current Philanthropy manager at Australia for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Nyah describes her role as a great privilege, working closely with Australian supporters to align them towards areas of UNHCR’s crucial work that deeply resonate with them. These are projects that have a significant impact on the lives of refugees. https://www.unrefugees.org.au/ways-to-give/philanthropy/