Category Archives: Asylum Seekers
Interim Coordinator General Louise Perry Shares Vision for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria
Melbourne, Victoria — In a landmark moment for the state, Interim Multicultural Coordinator General Louise Perry has outlined her vision for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria — the newly established body created to ensure that the experiences, perspectives, and aspirations of Victoria’s diverse communities actively shape government policies, programs, and services.
A New Chapter for Victoria
Established today, Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria brings together three critical functions — community engagement, policy, and grants delivery — under one unified structure. This integrated approach is designed to strengthen the relationship between government and the state’s multicultural and multifaith communities, ensuring their voices are not only heard but embedded in the decisions that affect their lives.
A Vision Rooted in Community
Interim Coordinator General Louise Perry shared her vision for the new organisation, highlighting the opportunities it creates for communities across Victoria. Her message underscores a commitment to meaningful engagement — one that moves beyond consultation to genuine partnership.
The establishment of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria represents a significant step forward in how the Victorian Government engages with its culturally and religiously diverse communities. By bringing together engagement, policy, and grants under one roof, the organisation is positioned to deliver more coordinated, responsive, and impactful outcomes.
Watch and Learn More
Community members, stakeholders, and partners are invited to watch the official video to learn more about this new chapter for Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities. The video provides insight into the organisation’s mission, its approach to engagement, and the opportunities it will create for communities across the state.
A Shared Future
The launch of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria signals a renewed commitment to building a more inclusive, connected, and representative Victoria — one where every community has a seat at the table and a role in shaping the future.
For more information about Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria and to watch the video, visit the official website at https://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/
Stay connected by following Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria on LinkedIn for updates, announcements, and opportunities to engage.
Irreechaa: A Living Memory Across Generations
“Irreechaa waggaatti naanna’e dhufa; ayyaana kana irratti yaadannoo barayyuu jiraatu dhalootaaf kahanii darbuu waanti fakkaatu hin jiru.”
Irreechaa returns year after year; there is nothing that seems to pass beyond the reach of generations when the memory of this festival lives on and is preserved.
This profound truth captures the essence of Irreechaa — a festival that refuses to be confined to a single moment in time. It is a celebration that travels with its people, crossing rivers, mountains, and oceans, carrying with it the sacred duty of remembrance.
A Festival That Travels With Its People
Irreechaa is more than a thanksgiving ceremony. It is a living testament to the resilience, faith, and unity of the Oromo people. Celebrated at the banks of rivers and lakes, it marks the transition from the rainy season to the harvest, a moment of gratitude to Waaqa (God) for the blessings of life, fertility, and community.
But when Irreechaa travels — as it has with the Oromo diaspora to cities like Melbourne — it does not lose its meaning. Instead, it multiplies. Each celebration in a new land becomes a bridge between the homeland and the heart, between ancestors and descendants, between memory and hope.
Melbourne: A New Chapter in an Ancient Story
The Irreechaa celebrations in Melbourne are a vivid reminder that distance does not diminish devotion. Under the open sky of a foreign land, Oromo families gather in their traditional attire, sing songs of praise, and perform the sacred rituals that have been passed down for centuries. The colors of the calanchi and the rhythm of the shaggooyyee echo the same spirit that fills the banks of the Hora Arsadi and the Awash River.
These gatherings are not merely cultural events; they are acts of survival. They are declarations that no matter where life takes a people, their identity remains rooted in their traditions.
The Power of Shared Memories
“Suuraalee Irreechaa Melbourne kana waliif qooduunis yaadannoo keenyatti lubbuu haa horru!”
Sharing the photos of this Irreechaa in Melbourne breathes life into our memory!
In the age of digital connection, every photograph, every video, every shared post becomes a vessel of memory. When we share these images, we are not simply documenting an event — we are breathing life into our collective story. We are telling the next generation: This is who we are. This is where we come from. This is what we carry with us.
For those who could not attend, these shared moments become a lifeline. For those who were present, they become anchors of joy. For those yet to be born, they become a legacy.
A Call to Keep the Flame Alive
We extend our deepest gratitude to Yadeta Lemu, Kasahun Soboka, Aliye Geleto, Dhabessa Wakjira, and Yadesa Bedhasa for their dedication in capturing and sharing the spirit of Irreechaa Melbourne. Their efforts ensure that the memory of this celebration does not fade with time but grows stronger with each passing year.
Their work reminds us that preserving culture is not a passive act. It requires effort, commitment, and love. It requires people who understand that when we share our traditions, we are not just looking back — we are building forward.
Conclusion: Irreechaa as a Bridge
Irreechaa is a bridge. It spans the distance between generations, between homelands, between hearts. It teaches us that as long as we remember, we are never truly far from home. As long as we celebrate, we are never truly alone.
So let us continue to share. Let us continue to remember. Let us continue to breathe life into our memories — for in doing so, we ensure that Irreechaa will indeed return, year after year, carrying our stories to generations yet to come.
Irreechaa fi yaadannoo keenya — dhalootaaf kahanii darbuu hin danda’u!
Irreechaa and our memory — they cannot pass beyond the reach of generations!
🩸 THREE MOMENTS. ONE PEOPLE. ONE NAME. 🩸
They tried to split us by faith. We chose to die as OROMO.
1️⃣ ARSII — 1966
📍 Hundee Tokkummaa Oromoo
In the mountains of Arsii, the foundation was laid. In 1966, brave Oromo sons — Muslim and Christian together — raised the banner of Oromo unity. The enemy’s plan was simple: use religion to break us. They failed. They dug deep foundations that no conspiracy could shake. From Arsii, the root of Oromo unity was planted in blood and fire. 🔥
“Hundee Tokkummaa Oromoo — Arsii, 1966”
2️⃣ SHINNIGAA — 1980
📍 Tokkummaa Oromoo Shinnigaa
In 1980, at Shinnigaa, they came with the same weapon — religion. “Separate yourselves,” they said. “Die apart.” But our heroes looked at the pit, looked at each other, and said:
“Maqaa amantaan gargar hin baanu.”
We do not divide the name by religion.
They refused to separate. They were massacred together, as one people, under one name. Their blood soaked the same ground. Their sacrifice became our foundation. 🕯️
“Tokkummaa Oromoo Shinnigaa — 1980”
3️⃣ BISHOOFTUU — 2016
📍 Walgaltee Ilmaan Oromiyaa
Thirty-six years later, in Bishooftuu Harsadii, the enemy tried again. Same tactic. Same lie. Separate the Muslim from the Christian. Divide the youth. Break the unity.
They failed again.
The youth of Oromiyaa refused to be divided. They were buried together — in one place, under one identity. They became the pillars of our identity (utubaa eenyummaa). We will never forget them. Not today. Not ever. ✊
“Walgaltee Ilmaan Oromiyaa — Bishooftuu Harsadii, 2016”
⚡ THE MESSAGE ⚡
From Arsii 1966 → Shinnigaa 1980 → Bishooftuu 2016
The enemy’s strategy never changed:
Use religion to divide. Use division to destroy.
Our answer never changed either:
We are OROMO first. We die together. We rise together.
They built pits expecting us to fall apart.
We built monuments of unity from our bones.
🔥 “Seenaa keenya keessatti barayyuu cululuqee jiraata.” 🔥
In our history, it lives forever — shining.
🔁 SHARE if you refuse to be divided.
❤️ LIKE if you honor their sacrifice.
💬 COMMENT the name of your hero.
📌 SAVE this. Teach it. Never forget.
#Oromo #Oromia #Arsii1966 #Shinnigaa1980 #Bishooftuu2016 #MaqaaAmantaanGargarHinBaanu #TokkummaaOromoo #NeverForget #OromoUnity #SeenaaKeenya #Qeerroo #OromoIdentity #OnePeopleOneName
“Those who tried to bury them did not know: a people who refuse to be divided have found something stronger than death.” 🩸✊
Irreechaa: Core Values
Core Values at a Glance: At its heart, Irreechaa is built on gratitude to Waaqa (God), which flows into four enduring pillars: peace, forgiveness and reconciliation, unity and inclusivity, and connection with nature.
Irreechaa is more than a harvest celebration in Oromo culture — it is a complete moral and spiritual framework. Here is a closer look at its core values.
🙏 Gratitude and Thanksgiving
This is the foundation of Irreechaa. The Oromo people gather to thank Waaqa (the Creator) for the blessings of the past year — life, peace, rain, harvest, health, family, and the fertility of livestock. It is not merely a celebration but a humble recognition that all life depends on the Creator’s generosity. Gratitude, in this sense, is not just spoken; it is felt and lived.
🤝 Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Peace
Irreechaa carries a transformative power. Before taking part in the ceremony, participants are expected to let go of grudges, release anger, and seek reconciliation with others. Traditional belief holds that prayers offered with a pure and forgiving heart are the ones through which true peace can descend. Former Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly described Irreechaa as an occasion for reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity.
🕊️ Unity and Inclusivity
Irreechaa is radically inclusive. People of all ages, genders, religions, political views, and ethnic backgrounds are welcome to join. Scholars note that it unites not only Oromo people but also transcends language and territorial boundaries, bringing diverse communities together under the principles of peace, mutual respect, and coexistence. Participants dressed in white are themselves a symbol of that peace.
🌿 Connection with Nature
Irreechaa expresses a deep bond between humanity and the natural world. Ceremonies are held along riverbanks and lakeshores, where participants carry fresh green grass and flowers, dip them in water, and sprinkle the water as a blessing of renewal, hope, and purification. This ritual is not only an act of gratitude toward nature but also reflects the Oromo ethical principle of Safuu — the understanding that human beings are stewards of the earth, responsible for protecting water, soil, and the balance of life.
Together, these values form the spiritual core of Irreechaa, making it far more than a festival. It is a living heritage that continues to shape Oromo identity, moral life, and community bonds across generations.
What are 10 interesting facts about Irreechaa?
Here are 10 interesting facts about Irreechaa, drawn from its ancient origins, spiritual practices, and growing global reach.
1. It’s Not Just One Festival — It’s Two
Irreechaa is celebrated twice a year, marking two distinct seasonal transitions. The main festival, Irreechaa Malkaa, is held in autumn (September/October) at rivers and lakes to mark the end of the rainy season. The second, Irreechaa Tulluu (or Arfaasaa), is celebrated in spring on hilltops and mountains to welcome the rainy season .
2. 
Its Roots Go Back Over 6,000 Years
This is not a recent tradition. Irreechaa is rooted in over 6,000 years of Cushitic civilization, making it one of the oldest continuous thanksgiving traditions in the world. It predates both Christianity and Islam in the region .
3. 
It’s Recognized by UNESCO
The festival is intimately tied to the Gadaa system, the traditional Oromo governance structure. The Gadaa system was inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, giving Irreechaa international recognition as a vital part of global cultural heritage .
4. 
You Can’t Attend with a Grudge
One of the most striking rules of Irreechaa is that you cannot participate if you are holding resentment or hatred toward others. Disputes must be settled before the festival. It is believed that Waaqa will not accept the prayers and songs of those who come with unresolved conflict .
5. 👩🏾🤝👨🏾 Women Lead the Procession
In a powerful cultural tradition, women walk at the front of the Irreechaa procession, ahead of the Abbaa Gadaa (Gadaa leaders) and elders. If the women stop walking, the entire procession stops. Nobody passes before them. This is rooted in the Siinqee institution, which symbolizes women as sacred and as agents of peace .
6. 
The Grass and Flowers Are Sacred Symbols
Participants carry fresh green grass and yellow daisies (daraaraa keelloo) to the water’s edge. The grass symbolizes life, fertility, and renewal, while the yellow flowers bloom specifically during the Birraa (spring) season. Dipping them into the water is an act of purification and gratitude .
7. 
It’s Africa’s Largest Outdoor Gathering
The main celebration at Hora Arsadi in Bishoftu is one of the largest annual human gatherings in Africa, attracting millions of people. International media like the BBC, Al Jazeera, and CNN have covered the massive scale of the event .
8. 
It Returned to Finfinne After 150 Years
In 2019, Irreechaa was celebrated at Hora Finfinne in Addis Ababa for the first time in 150 years. Under previous regimes, public celebrations had been banned. Its return to the capital was seen as a powerful act of cultural reclamation and identity .
9. 
It’s a Global Diaspora Tradition
Irreechaa is not confined to Ethiopia. Oromo communities in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK organize their own celebrations. In cities like Melbourne, Washington D.C., Toronto, and Berlin, the diaspora gathers in parks and community centers to maintain their traditions and pass them to the next generation .
10. 
It’s a Platform for Peace and Unity
Beyond thanksgiving, Irreechaa is a peace-building event. Scholars describe it as a festival that “sermonizes peace, reconciliation, and unity.” It brings together people of all ages, genders, religions, and social statuses, reinforcing the values of equality and social harmony.
Irreechaa Birraa Celebrated in Amsterdam as Diaspora Reaffirms Identity and Tradition
Where the Oromo Are, There the Oromo Order Thrives
Amsterdam — Under the gray autumn skies of the Dutch capital, a sea of white, green, and yellow transformed Gaasperplas into a sacred Oromo landscape on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The Oromo community of the Netherlands gathered for Irreechaa Birraa, the ancient thanksgiving festival marking the end of the dark rainy season and the arrival of spring, in a powerful display of cultural continuity far from the Horn of Africa .
The celebration, organized by Hawaasa Oromo Nederland, drew Oromo families from across the Netherlands and neighboring European countries. Women in traditional dresses carried fresh green grass and yellow daisies; elders led prayers in Afaan Oromoo; and the sound of faaruu—traditional songs of gratitude—echoed across the park grounds .
For the Oromo diaspora, Irreechaa is more than a festival. It is a living declaration that the Oromo system—the sirna Oromoo—endures wherever the Oromo people are.
A Nation of Greatness
The Oromo are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, numbering tens of millions and inhabiting a vast territory stretching from the central highlands to the southern lowlands . Their language, Afaan Oromoo, belongs to the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family, and their traditional governance system, the Gadaa, was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .
But numbers alone do not capture the depth of Oromo civilization. The Oromo possess a comprehensive philosophical and legal framework—safuu—that governs relations between humans, between humans and the natural world, and between humanity and the divine . Safuu establishes boundaries, rights, and responsibilities; it teaches that every created thing has its proper place and that violating these boundaries invites aadmalee—a profound moral transgression .
Central to this system is the land itself. For the Oromo, the earth is not merely property. She is haadha waan hunda—the mother of all things . Among the Boorana Oromo, the land is called Baattoo, a name that evokes her role as the sustainer who carries all life, both good and evil, upon her back . To farm sacred land—mountain slopes, water sources—without proper ritual is not merely an agricultural decision; it is a spiritual violation.
The Oromo are a people of profound religious tradition. Waaqeffannaa, the Oromo religion, worships one God—Waaqa—through a complex system of ayyaana, spiritual intermediaries who convey human needs to the Creator . The Oromo do not see themselves as a people without faith; they see themselves as a people with a very old faith, one that predates the arrival of Christianity and Islam in their lands.
Irreechaa: The Heartbeat of Oromo Life
No single institution better embodies the Oromo system than Irreechaa. Celebrated at the end of the rainy season (Ganna) and the beginning of spring (Birraa), Irreechaa is a national thanksgiving, a collective prayer of gratitude to Waaqa for protection, harvest, and peace .
The festival is celebrated in two principal forms. Irreechaa Malkaa takes place at the edges of rivers and lakes, where participants dip green grass and flowers into the water, sprinkling themselves as a symbol of purification and renewal . Irreechaa Tulluu is celebrated on hilltops, where the community gathers to pray for rain, fertility, and the well-being of the people . The largest celebrations occur at Hora Finfinne in Addis Ababa and Hora Arsadi in Bishoftu, where millions of Oromo gather each year—making it one of the largest annual human gatherings on the African continent .
The rituals of Irreechaa are rich with symbolism. Green grass represents life and fertility. Yellow daisies represent the joy of survival. Water represents purification and the washing away of hardship. The procession itself—elders leading, women walking in front, youth carrying flowers—is a living map of the Gadaa system’s social order .
Critical to Irreechaa is the requirement of reconciliation. A person carrying a grudge, a dispute, or an unresolved conflict is not permitted to participate fully in the festival . This is not merely a social nicety; it is a profound statement of the Oromo moral order. One cannot approach the sacred with a heavy heart. One cannot give thanks while holding anger. The Oromo system insists that gratitude and grievance cannot coexist.
The Diaspora Embraces the System
In Amsterdam, these traditions were not merely remembered—they were practiced. The Gaasperplas celebration followed the traditional structure: opening prayers led by community elders, a procession toward the water’s edge, the dipping of grass and flowers, and the sharing of food and coffee in a spirit of communal joy .
For diaspora Oromos, Irreechaa serves as a vital cultural anchor. In a world where the pressures of assimilation and the distance of migration threaten cultural continuity, Irreechaa is a reminder that the Oromo system is portable. It travels across oceans. It survives in new climates and new languages. It does not require the soil of Oromia to flourish—only the hearts of Oromo people who refuse to forget .
Community organizers emphasized the importance of the festival for younger generations. For Oromo children born in Europe, Irreechaa may be one of the few spaces where they hear prayers in Afaan Oromoo, see traditional caaccuu and siinqee carried by women, and witness elders acting in their traditional roles as Abbaa Gadaa and Hadhasiinqee .
The siinqee—the ritual stick carried by Oromo women—is itself a powerful symbol of the Oromo system’s treatment of gender. In traditional Oromo society, the siinqee represents the sacred power of women, particularly in their roles as peacemakers and protectors of life . A man who sees the siinqee planted in the ground knows that a woman has claimed her right to be heard, to demand justice, or to stop violence. That this institution survives and is honored in Amsterdam is a testament to the depth of the Oromo system.
A System That Endures
The Oromo say: Irreechi irree keenya—”Irreechaa is our unity” . The festival is not simply a religious observance or a cultural performance. It is a political and social statement: the Oromo system, with its Gadaa governance, its safuu ethics, its ayyaana spirituality, and its seasonal rhythms, is not a relic of the past. It is a living framework that continues to order Oromo life.
In Amsterdam, that framework was visible in every aspect of the celebration. It was visible in the respect shown to elders. It was visible in the equal participation of women, whose siinqee tradition remains one of the most distinctive aspects of Oromo society. It was visible in the focus on reconciliation and peace. It was visible in the integration of prayer and communal meal, ritual and celebration, solemnity and joy.
The Oromo system does not require an army to defend it. It does not require a state to enforce it. It requires only that Oromo people continue to live it. In Amsterdam, they did.
Source: Facebook page Gudisa Barbada
Oromo Community in Melbourne Celebrates Irreechaa with Color and Tradition at Botanical Gardens
By Dhabessa Wakjira
MELBOURNE, 27 September 2026 — The Oromo community in Melbourne today celebrated Irreechaa, the traditional Oromo thanksgiving festival, in a vibrant and beautiful ceremony at the Botanical Gardens, bringing together hundreds of community members in a powerful display of culture, faith, and unity.
The celebration began with traditional blessings, and members of the community participated in the event in large numbers, dressed in beautiful cultural attire. Mr. Abdeta Homaa, Chairman of the Irreechaa Festival Committee, welcomed the gathered community with a speech of welcome, saying “Baga nagaan dhuftan” — welcome, and may you have arrived in peace.
A Sea of Color and Tradition
From children to elders, attendees were resplendent in traditional Oromo clothing, the colors and scents of the festival filling the air. Carrying fresh green grass and flowers — the symbols of Irreechaa — community members walked to the water’s edge, dipping the grass into the water in the traditional manner, giving thanks that they had passed through the past year safely and reached the spring season.
The sight of families in their finest cultural dress, the sound of traditional songs, and the shared prayers created an atmosphere of joy and reverence that echoed celebrations back home in Oromia.
A Time for Gratitude and Prayer
Irreechaa is not only a time to give thanks for what has passed, but also a moment to pray to Waaqa (God) for a peaceful passage through what lies ahead. The Oromo people, found across the world, are known for celebrating Irreechaa together in a shared and unified manner.
The festival has been celebrated by the Oromo for generations, preserved through years of oppression and systemic subjugation, and passed down to the present generation. Irreechaa is celebrated as the festival that marks the transition from the rainy season to the spring — from Ganna to Birraa.
Resilience in the Diaspora
The Melbourne celebration stands as a testament to the resilience of Oromo culture and the community’s determination to keep its traditions alive far from home.
Despite the distance from their ancestral homeland, Oromos in Australia have ensured that Irreechaa remains a living, breathing tradition — not merely a memory. The Botanical Gardens became a sacred space where gratitude met hope, and where tradition triumphed over distance.
A Community United
As the Melbourne celebration drew to a close, the message was unmistakable: Irreechaa is more than a festival — it is an expression of identity, a bond of unity, and a living link between generations.
For the Oromo community in Melbourne, the Botanical Gardens became a place where the past and present met — where children learned the songs their grandparents sang, where elders saw their traditions carried forward, and where a people far from home remembered, together, who they are.
Baga Irreechaa nagaan geessan! — May the Irreechaa have arrived in peace.
The Oromo community in Melbourne celebrates Irreechaa annually, welcoming all who wish to share in its traditions of gratitude, reconciliation, and unity.
A Trailblazer Honoured: Dr Melika Sheikh-Eldin Inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women
By Dhabessa Wakjira
In a moment that celebrates both personal achievement and the power of lived experience, Dr Melika Sheikh-Eldin — Manager of International and Community Development at AMES Australia — has been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, one of the state’s most prestigious recognitions of women’s contributions to their communities and the nation.
The announcement was met with pride and joy across AMES Australia and the broader settlement sector, where Dr Melika has been a guiding force for more than two decades.
“Congratulations to Dr Melika Sheikh-Eldin, our Manager of International and Community Development, on being inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women,” AMES Australia shared in a statement. “This well-deserved recognition celebrates Melika’s outstanding leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for multicultural communities.”
A Journey from Refugee to World-Leading Innovator
Dr Melika’s story is one of remarkable transformation — and of turning personal hardship into a force for systemic change. She fled war in Eritrea in the late 1970s, volunteering in Sudanese refugee camps and in Cairo for organisations including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) , the Red Cross, and Save the Children. She resettled in Australia in 1992.
Since joining AMES Australia in 2001, she has dedicated her career to settlement, community development, capacity building, and advocacy. Her work has helped thousands of new arrivals settle successfully in Australia and has influenced settlement policy and practice both nationally and internationally.
At the Victorian Honour Roll of Women ceremony, it was recognised that Dr Melika Sheikh-Eldin has transformed her lived experience as a refugee into world-leading approaches to community integration and social cohesion.
Three World-Leading Models
Dr Melika’s impact at AMES Australia is perhaps best illustrated by the innovative programs she has led — programs that have become blueprints for others:
1. The Nhill Rural Settlement Project
In western Victoria, the small town of Nhill was facing economic decline. Dr Melika’s project settled Karen refugees in the community, revitalising the town’s economy and creating a model now considered a global blueprint for rural settlement.
2. The Werribee Park Gardening Program
Engaging isolated Karen women in gardening, this program addressed critical issues of isolation and mental wellbeing. Its success was so evident that the model has been adopted by other organisations.
3. The Community Guides Program
Perhaps her most influential innovation, the Community Guides Program recruits former refugees to use their lived experience to assist new arrivals. Dr Melika has travelled to Sweden, New Zealand, and Japan to help international organisations establish programs based on this model.
Challenging Stereotypes, Championing Two-Sided Education
Throughout her career, Dr Melika has disrupted gender stereotypes and challenged the public perception of what refugees can achieve. Central to her philosophy is the concept of “two-sided education” — the idea that both host communities and new arrivals must learn about one another for true integration to occur.
This mutual learning, she explains, helps mitigate the fear of the unknown — the anxiety that so often fuels resistance to newcomers. It is a simple but profound insight: integration is not something done to refugees, but something built with them, and with the communities that receive them.
A Scholar and a Mother
Dr Melika’s achievements are all the more remarkable given the circumstances in which she pursued them. While raising three children as a refugee in a small Australian town, she completed a PhD in aquatic science — a testament to her intellectual rigor and her refusal to be defined by the limitations others might have placed upon her.
Since 2007, she has also sat on the board of the Refugee Council of Australia and represented the nation as a “Refugee Voice” at annual UNHCR consultations in Geneva, advocating for policy shifts that recognise refugees as stakeholders rather than recipients of aid.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
The Victorian Honour Roll of Women celebrates women who have made exceptional contributions to Victoria and beyond. Inductees are recognised for their leadership, courage, and lasting impact on their communities.
Dr Melika’s induction places her among a distinguished group of women who have shaped the state’s social, cultural, and political landscape. For the Oromo community and for refugees and migrants across Australia, her recognition is a moment of immense pride.
“Congratulations, Melika. We are incredibly proud of you,” AMES Australia said. 💙
Learn More
To read Dr Melika Yassin Sheikh-Eldin’s full profile on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, visit:
🔗 https://www.vic.gov.au/dr-melika-yassin-sheikh-eldin
#AMESAustralia #AMES #Award #VictorianHonourRoll
Melbourne Irreechaa Festival 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Oromo Thanksgiving in Australia
By Dhabessa Wakjira
For the Oromo diaspora in Melbourne, Irreechaa is more than a festival. It is a sacred homecoming — a chance to gather by the water, give thanks to Waaqa, and pass the flame of Oromummaa to the next generation. In 2026, the Melbourne Oromo community will once again celebrate this ancient tradition on Australian soil, welcoming all who wish to share in its beauty, meaning, and joy.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 celebrations, from dates and locations to the rituals, etiquette, and cultural significance of Irreechaa in the diaspora.
What Is Irreechaa?
Irreechaa is the annual Oromo thanksgiving festival, celebrated at the banks of rivers and lakes across Oromia. It marks the end of the rainy season (Ganna) and the beginning of a new year of hope, renewal, and abundance. Rooted in Waaqeffannaa, the traditional Oromo belief in one God (Waaqa), the festival predates Christianity and Islam and has been passed down through generations for thousands of years.
Participants carry fresh green grass and yellow daisies (daraaraa keelloo) to the water’s edge, dip them into the water as an offering of gratitude, and sing ancient songs of praise and blessing. The festival is also a time of reconciliation — disputes are settled before participation, and communities come together in peace.
For the diaspora, Irreechaa is a vital cultural anchor. It connects Oromos in Australia to their homeland, their ancestors, and one another .
2026 Melbourne Irreechaa Events
The Melbourne Oromo community typically celebrates two major Irreechaa festivals each year: Irreechaa Arfaasaa (the spring celebration) and Irreechaa Malkaa (the main thanksgiving at the water’s edge).
Irreechaa Arfaasaa 2026
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Location: Dandenong Mountain (Tulluu Dandenong), Melbourne
Time: Morning (exact time to be announced)
Organizers: Oromo Irreecha Association and Melbourne Oromo community
Irreechaa Arfaasaa marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season. It is a spring celebration that follows traditional Oromo customs, beginning with the blessing of elders .
Irreechaa Malkaa 2026
Irreechaa Malkaa, the main thanksgiving festival, is typically celebrated in September or October, corresponding with the end of the rainy season in Ethiopia. Past Melbourne Irreechaa Malkaa celebrations have been held at locations such as Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick.
The 2026 date and location for Melbourne will be announced by community organizers as follows closer to the time.
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Location: Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick, Melbourne
Time: 11:00am
Organizers: Oromo Irreecha Association and Melbourne Oromo community
What to Bring
Organizers have specified the following items for attendees :
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Water | For personal use and the ritual |
| Flowers | For the Irreechaa tradition (yellow daisies if available) |
| Fresh green grass | Symbol of life, fertility, and gratitude |
| A spirit of gratitude | The heart of Irreechaa |
Wear traditional Oromo clothing if you have it. The vibrant colors and styles are a beautiful expression of cultural pride and identity.
What to Expect: The Rituals and Traditions
Irreechaa follows a structured, reverent sequence of events. Here is what you can expect at a Melbourne celebration:
1. Blessing of Elders
The celebration begins with blessings and prayers led by community elders (Abbaa Gadaa, Hadhasiinqee, and respected community members). These blessings focus on peace, prosperity, and remembering those who sustained the tradition .
2. The Procession
Participants walk together toward the water (or the designated sacred area). In traditional Irreechaa, women walk in front of the elders — a practice rooted in the Siinqee institution that symbolizes women as sacred and as agents of peace.
3. Carrying Grass and Flowers
Attendees carry fresh green grass and yellow flowers to the water’s edge. The grass is a symbol of life, fertility, and the connection between the Oromo people and the earth .
4. Dipping and Sprinkling
Upon reaching the water, participants dip the grass and flowers into the water and sprinkle water on themselves and others as a blessing. This act symbolizes purification, renewal, and the washing away of the past year’s hardships .
5. Songs and Prayers
The air fills with the sounds of traditional Oromo songs (faaruu) — songs of gratitude, hope, and blessing. Women sing “Maariyoo… Maareyoo…” (“your mercy on us”), while men chant the Irreechaa songs alongside them. The communal singing is a powerful expression of unity and shared emotion .
6. Cultural Performances and Food
After the rituals, the celebration continues with traditional music, dances (such as the Siiqqee and Gumii dances), and communal meals featuring Oromo food. It is a time for storytelling, laughter, and strengthening community bonds .
Irreechaa Etiquette: How to Participate Respectfully
Irreechaa is a sacred festival, not merely a cultural event. If you are attending for the first time — whether you are Oromo or from another background — here are important guidelines to ensure your participation is respectful and meaningful:
Do:
- Wear traditional clothing if you have it. It is a sign of respect and pride.
- Follow the lead of elders and community organizers.
- Carry grass and flowers to the water as an offering.
- Sing along if you know the songs — or simply listen and absorb the moment.
- Respect the natural environment. Leave no waste behind. The Oromo value of caring for nature is central to Irreechaa.
- Be present with gratitude. Irreechaa is a time of thanksgiving, reconciliation, and peace.
Don’t:
- Don’t splash water indiscriminately. The water ritual has specific traditional meaning.
- Don’t preach or distribute religious materials of other faiths at the Malkaa (water site). Irreechaa is rooted in Waaqeffannaa, and the sacred space should be respected.
- Don’t make noise or ululate during the solemn moments of the ceremony before the water ritual is complete.
- Don’t block the path with vehicles. Irreechaa is a communal pilgrimage — walk with the community if you are able.
These guidelines are not restrictions on participation. They are invitations to engage more deeply, with the reverence that Irreechaa deserves.
Why Irreechaa Matters in the Diaspora
For Oromos in Melbourne, Irreechaa serves several vital functions:
Cultural preservation. It ensures that younger generations born or raised in Australia learn about their heritage, language, and traditions. The festival is a living classroom for Oromummaa .
Community cohesion. It brings together families and individuals scattered across Victoria, strengthening social bonds and creating a sense of belonging .
Connection to homeland. It bridges the physical distance between Australia and Oromia, allowing the diaspora to maintain a profound spiritual and cultural connection to their ancestral land .
Intercultural exchange. Melbourne Irreechaa events often welcome local government officials, multicultural organizations, and curious residents, fostering mutual respect and understanding between communities.
The Spiritual Meaning of Irreechaa
At its heart, Irreechaa is an act of thanksgiving to Waaqa for the blessings of the past year and a prayer for peace and abundance in the year to come. It is a time of reconciliation — when those in conflict bury the hatchet and communities heal.
The festival is also a celebration of the Gadaa system, which upholds national unity, reconciliation, and solidarity. Irreechaa is one of the mammoth outdoor cultural festivals that showcase Ethiopia’s wealth of cultural heritage .
As one community message beautifully expressed:
“Irreecha is not a memory. It is a living prayer. And you are the ones who keep it alive.”
Practical Information
Getting There: Dandenong Mountain and other past venues are accessible by public transport and car. Check with organizers for specific directions and parking information.
Weather: Melbourne weather is unpredictable. Dress in layers and bring sun protection. April can be cool and changeable.
Accessibility: Contact organizers in advance if you have accessibility needs.
Staying Updated: Follow Advocacy for Oromia and local Oromo community associations on social media for the latest announcements about Irreechaa Malkaa 2026 and any changes to Irreechaa Arfaasaa details.
Baga Irreechaa Nagaan Geessan!
Whether you are Oromo, a friend of the Oromo community, or simply someone who wishes to witness a beautiful and meaningful cultural tradition, you are welcome at Melbourne Irreechaa 2026.
Come with an open heart. Come with gratitude. Come ready to sing, to celebrate, and to honor a tradition that has survived centuries of suppression and continues to thrive in every corner of the world where Oromo people gather.
Irreechaa keessan haa fudhatamu. May your thanksgiving be accepted. 🌿💚
Source information: Advocacy for Oromia, Oromia Communication Bureau, and the Melbourne Oromo community
“Welcome Home”: Artist Daawwitee Mokonnon Returns to Ethiopia After 27 Years, Received with Celebration in Bole
By Dhabessa Wakjira
ADDIS ABABA — After 27 long years away from home, renowned Oromo artist Daawwitee Mokonnon has returned to Ethiopia. The beloved singer and cultural figure was welcomed with a warm and celebratory reception in Bole, marking an emotional homecoming that has touched the hearts of many Oromos at home and abroad.
“Baga nagaan gara biyya abbaaketti galte!” — “Welcome back to your fatherland!” — read the message shared by the Oromia Communication Bureau, capturing the joy and relief that accompanied him return.
A Long Journey Home
Twenty-seven years is a lifetime. For Daawwitee Mokonnon, those years were spent in exile — far from the land, the people, and the culture that shaped him art and his identity. His music, however, never left. Throughout him time abroad, his voice remained a powerful thread connecting the Oromo diaspora to their homeland, a source of comfort, pride, and remembrance for millions.
Now, that thread has come full circle. His return is not merely a personal milestone; it is a symbolic moment for the Oromo people — a reminder that distance, however long, cannot sever the bond between an artist and his nation.
A Reception Fit for a Cultural Icon
The reception in Bole was filled with the warmth and reverence befitting an artist of his stature. Community members, fellow artists, and admirers gathered to welcome him back, celebrating not only his return but also the decades of cultural contribution he has made from afar.
Daawwitee Mokonnon is more than a singer. He is a keeper of Oromo musical heritage, a voice that has carried the stories, struggles, and aspirations of her people across borders and generations. His songs have been sung at Irreechaa gatherings, at family celebrations, and in quiet moments of longing for home. For many in the diaspora, his music was a piece of Oromia they could carry with them.
A Symbol of Hope and Reconnection
His return after 27 years carries profound meaning. It speaks to the resilience of the Oromo people and the enduring pull of the homeland. It is a reminder that exile, however painful, does not have to be permanent — and that the cultural treasures preserved abroad can, and do, find their way back home.
For younger Oromos who grew up hearing his name but never seeing him in person, his return is an opportunity to connect with a living legend. For elders who remember his performances from decades past, it is a joyful reunion. For the diaspora, it is a sign that the distance between home and abroad is not insurmountable.
A Homecoming That Belongs to All
While the reception was held in Bole, the significance of Daawwitee Mokonnon’s return extends far beyond one city or one gathering. It belongs to every Oromo who has ever longed for home, every family separated by circumstance, and every artist who has carried their culture with them into unfamiliar lands.
His journey back is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unbreakable connection between an artist and his people.
Baga nagaan gara biyya abbaaketti galte, Daawwitee! 🥰
Welcome home.
Source: Oromia Communication Bureau
