Australian Government will issue the millionth permanent refugee visa
The air in the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) office buzzed with anticipation. This was a monumental year: the Australian Government was poised to issue the millionth permanent refugee visa since the post-war resettlement program began back in 1947. This extraordinary milestone prompted a national reflection on the immense contribution of refugees to Australia’s shared national story.
To properly honor this moment in history, the RCOA initiated a special project: a series of short films titled One Million Untold Stories.
The project brought together the talents of award-winning filmmakers Mark Gould and Andrew Arestides. Their mission was to capture the essence of a million journeys, focusing on individuals from a wide range of backgrounds that reflected the rich diversity of Australia’s humanitarian program. The films were designed to illuminate the moving, personal stories of those whose lives in Australia began not necessarily by choice, but by necessity as refugees.
Among the many voices they sought were individuals like Farkhunda and Parisa, former refugees from Afghanistan. Through their accounts, and the stories of others, the filmmakers aimed to underscore a vital truth: that every statistic represents a unique journey of struggle, hope, resilience and contribution.
Since 1947, when Australia first partnered with the International Refugee Organisation to welcome displaced people from Europe, these refugee communities have worked to help shape the cultural, economic and social fabric of the nation. Today, millions of Australians have a personal connection to that journey, whether through their own lived experience or that of their parents or grandparents.
The team worked diligently, recording narratives that reminded them how important it was to build on Australia’s proud humanitarian legacy. The film series was eagerly awaited and was scheduled to be launched at the RCOA’s Annual General Meeting in November. By November 10, 2025, the RCOA had successfully launched the oral history series, celebrating the milestone of welcoming one million refugees.
The One Million Untold Stories became more than just a celebration; it served as a powerful call to remember the human element behind the policy, ensuring Australia’s commitment to refugee protection remained strong, generous, and inclusive amidst record global displacement.
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