Living Histories of Migration

Lake Macquarie City Council use Eventbrite to provide online booking and ticketing for our events.For more information on events and programs please contact 02 4921 0400 or artsculture&tourisminfo@lakemac.nsw.gov.auCancellation PolicyPlease ensure all details are correct as refunds are not available for change of mind.Contact UsLake Macquaire City Council:https://www.lakemac.com.au/HomeRathmines Theatre, nawayiba:https://arts.lakemac.com.au/Venues/Rathmines-TheatreWarners Bay Theatre, baramayiba:https://arts.lakemac.com.au/Venues/Warners-Bay-TheatreLake Mac Libraries, kawumalyikilba:https://library.lakemac.com.au/contact-usMuseum of Art and Culture, yapang:https://mac.lakemac.com.auMulit-Arts Pavilion, mima:https://arts.lakemac.com.au/Venues/Multi-Arts-Pavilion-mima

Lake Mac Arts and Culture

Hear first-hand accounts of migration from our panel spanning generations and cultures.

Windale Hub, bilyabayi

History Illuminated

History Illuminated explores how histories can strengthen the way we connect, learn from one another and share our lived experiences across our communities.

Step into the living history of migration in Australia through this panel discussion featuring migrants and refugees who arrived in the 1970s, 1990s and more recently.Hear first-hand stories of resilience, adaptation, and belonging from people who have shaped the cultural fabric of the Hunter region.Panellists<ul><li>Mr Louis Ndagijimana – African-Australian community leader, interpreter, and award-winning advocate for refugee communities.</li><li>Najia – Afghan-Australian women’s empowerment leader, interpreter, law student, and community educator.</li><li>Mr Omar Ali – Egyptian-Australian mathematics teacher and community elder, active since the early days of Hunter Ethnic Communities.</li><li>Dr Ashraf Abdelbaky – Egyptian-Australian academic, community leader, and Director of CALD CONNECT, advocating for CALD wellbeing and social inclusion.</li></ul>🎙 Facilitator The discussion will also be guided by Dr Ashraf Abdelbaky, who brings his own lived migration experience and research expertise to the conversation.Migration is not just history—it’s living memory. Be part of the conversation.Presented by <a href="https://library.lakemac.com.au/Whats-On/Festivals-Exhibitions/History-Illuminated" title="https://library.lakemac.com.au/Whats-On/Festivals-Exhibitions/History-Illuminated" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">History Illuminated Festival</a>.Cost: Free event

Dr Ashraf Abdelbaky Ashraf is an Egyptian-Australian academic, community leader, and Director of CALD CONNECT. His migration story is one of resilience and leadership—balancing research, teaching, and advocacy for multicultural communities in the Hunter. He has supported international students, led initiatives such as swimming programs, and acted as a trusted interpreter and cultural support worker during the Covid-19 pandemic. His contributions have been recognised nationally, including the 2022 NSW Premier’s Multicultural Medal. Ashraf continues to champion equity, belonging, and opportunity for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Louis Ndagijimana Louis is an African-Australian community leader, healthcare interpreter, and Project Officer at the University of Newcastle’s Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education. Since arriving in Australia in 2009, he has become a strong advocate for refugees and underrepresented communities. Awarded the University of Newcastle Rising Star Award (2019) and the Newcastle Lord Mayor’s Award (2025), Louis continues to shape inclusive spaces through participatory research and community engagement. Najia Najia is a proud Afghan-Australian dedicated to education, women’s empowerment, and justice. After being recognised as Afghanistan’s Best Teacher by the Prime Minister, she migrated to Australia in 2014. She now supports refugees as a CLSR Officer with STARTTS, pursues a dual Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science at the University of Newcastle, and leads literacy classes for Afghan women through Zara’s House. She also serves as Vice President of the Afghan Association of Hunter. Najia’s story reflects resilience, leadership, and transformative impact. Mr Omar Ali Omar Ali migrated from Egypt to Australia in 1970, settling in Warners Bay with his family. A high school mathematics teacher by profession, he has contributed to education and community life for decades. Beyond the classroom, Omar played a foundational role in the Hunter Ethnic Communities Council (now Hunter Multicultural Communities). Today, he is a beloved elder who shares his wisdom, resilience, and rich cultural heritage with younger generations.This event may be photographed and filmed, and your image could be used in advertising and promotion by Lake Macquarie City Council. Should you wish to not be photographed or filmed please advise event organisers on entry at the event.

Parking and Venue informationAll day parking is available around the venue on Lake and South Streets. From South Street, the library is an easy 5 - 10 minute walk.Windale Hub, bilyabayi also has a rear car park accessible from Shade Lane, which will be reserved for accessible parking with a ramp leading to the building. The building also has an internal ramp. There is a second entry to the library on Lake Street with 2-hour parking available. The library has an accessible toilet, and all meeting rooms have a hearing loop.

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