It has been nearly one year since she moved with her husband and two children from Melbourne to Ballarat.

“We saw so many other country side (places), but we find Ballarat is a bit bigger and more support for the refugee people,” Susan said.

House of Welcome has been supporting local families, the homeless, refugees and other vulnerable people in the Ballarat community for more than a decade. 

Susan said the group had helped the family feel connected and a part of the Ballarat community.

“Sometimes I really think that I’ve made a good decision to come here,” she said.

When Susan is not studying or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, she is volunteering at House of Welcome and the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council.

Through this work she has met a lot of other individuals and families from refugee and migrant backgrounds. 

But she said the garden party would be a chance to get to know other people within the community.

“This is my first time attending the garden party,” Susan said. “I want to share my story because most of the people, they don’t know about refugees. Sometimes they are scared about who we are or why we come here. 

“I just want to give them positive thinking about the people. When the people meet each other closely, they will then understand.”

Susan will bring along her children for entertainment including a Celtic band and Irish dancers, storytelling and activities such as face painting and lucky dips.

There will be a guest speaker, plant sales, mini auctions and afternoon tea served in the garden by Ballarat Grammar senior students. 

A major prize is also on offer. Six people will win a holiday in Victor Harbor in South Australia with all proceeds going towards House of Welcome’s work in assisting vulnerable people and families in the community.

The garden party will take place at 30 Waller Avenue in Newington on Sunday from 2pm. Entry is $20 with these proceeds also donated.