Activites

The Ezidi Youth Association in Australia had the privilege to showcase the vibrant Ezidi culture at the International Fiesta Street event held in Toowoomba’s Queensland Park! It was an incredible opportunity to share our music, art, food, and traditions with the broader community. From traditional Ezidi melodies to flavorful dishes and beautiful artworks, we were honored to represent our heritage and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to experience and celebrate the richness of Ezidi culture with us. We look forward to more opportunities to share our unique heritage with the world!

On Friday, October 25th, 2024, members of the Ezidi Youth Association in Australia attended a 4-hour session hosted by the Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) at Toowoomba City Library from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The session aimed to strengthen the growing network of individuals and agencies working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in our region, fostering open dialogue and the exchange of ideas to support CALD populations in Toowoomba and beyond.

Throughout the session, our association members actively engaged with various culturally diverse communities, exchanging contacts and insights. This collaboration will help us expand our efforts to support and advocate for the Ezidi community, with a special focus on addressing the needs of our youth and the broader community. We look forward to the continued partnerships that will emerge from today’s meaningful discussions.

Together, we can make a difference!

We are excited to share that our team recently took part in the final session of the grant writing program provided by the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ).

This workshop was an incredible opportunity to enhance our skills and knowledge in grant writing, helping us prepare for future funding applications. A big thank you to ECCQ and the session facilitator for delivering such an insightful and valuable experience!

We appreciate ECCQ’s support and look forward to applying what we’ve learned.

Stay tuned for more updates on our journey! 

Ezidi Youth Association Meets with MP Garth Hamilton to Advocate for Community Needs

The Ezidi Youth Association, along with members of the Ezidi community, recently met with Garth Hamilton, Member of Parliament, to discuss key needs of the Ezidi community in Toowoomba. The discussion focused on the urgent need for a temple, graveyard, and community hall to support our growing community.

Mr. Hamilton has committed to following up on these concerns and has encouraged us to identify suitable land for further study. He will also engage with the council to explore any requirements for these essential facilities.

In the coming weeks, Mr. Hamilton has agreed to meet again with members of the Ezidi Youth Association to discuss any progress and further steps needed to achieve these goals.

We appreciate his support and look forward to working together to strengthen and empower the Ezidi community in Toowoomba.

The Ezidi Youth Association in Australia proudly participated in the Toowoomba Community Consultation Forum held on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024, at St Anthony's Catholic Church, 3 Memory Street, Harristown. Four members of our association engaged with community leaders, sharing ideas and exchanging contacts to enhance support for our communities. The forum focused on key topics, including Health, Mental Health, and Community Wellbeing, and provided an excellent platform for collaboration and strengthening community ties. We look forward to continuing our efforts to advocate for the wellbeing of all.

With the support of around 150 Ezidi members from Armidale, Toowoomba, and Wagga Wagga, a peaceful gathering was held at the Australian Parliament House on 8th of September . The group called for family reunification, an end to hate speech against Ezidis, the formation of a committee to locate missing members, the extension of the UNITAD mission in Iraq, and the recognition of the Ezidi language in the Australian Constitution and census. Five community representatives, chosen from different regions, presented these demands to an MP and a Home Affairs consultant.

During the meeting, the representatives have also shed light on the importance of supporting Ezidis in Australian such as a symbolic representation of the community, having land allocated for a cemetery and other community related activities.

On October 13, 2024, the Ezidi Youth Association in Australia held a significant meeting with Mr. Garth Hamilton, Member of Parliament House in Toowoomba, to address key challenges faced by our community. We discussed three main priorities:

- Family Reunification: Highlighting the urgent need for Ezidi families to be reunited, we emphasized concerns over humanitarian applications being refused and stressed the reality that Iraq remains unsafe for minorities like the Ezidis. We urged the Department of Home Affairs to reassess its approach.

- Establishing a Dedicated Space: To support our community's cultural and spiritual needs, we proposed the development of a property in Toowoomba, which will include a graveyard, temple, and hall for funerals and weddings. This will serve as a central gathering place for ceremonies.

- Recognition of Ezidi Identity: We called for formal recognition of the Ezidi ethnicity within Australian institutions, ensuring that our cultural, religious, and linguistic heritage is preserved without being merged with other identities.

We are pleased to report that the meeting concluded on a positive note, with Mr. Hamilton expressing strong support for our cause. He committed to working closely with us to secure the necessary property for our community, including the hall and graveyard.

This is just the beginning of our efforts to achieve even greater goals. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue working towards a brighter future for the Ezidi community in Australia.