Aware member Richard White said efforts to raise awareness about the plight of refugees started with ecumenical prayers sessions before a vigil was held to reach the broader community three years ago.

“We really need to address the ignorance and myths about refugees,” Mr White said.

Some of those myths include the belief that people seeking refuge are economic migrants, queue jumpers or will have a negative effect on the community.

“There are an incredible lot of hardships these people have to endure,” Mr White said.

In the Riverina, Wagga Wagga and Leeton are resettlement areas for refugees but Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is a refugee welcome zone.

As well as films there’s an episode from the ABC’s Australian Story called ‘A Field of Dreams’.

Mr White said it covered the arrival of two refugee families to a small town in north-east NSW, and how their arrival helped stem the tide of economic downturn.

Mr White will also be facilitating a discussion with guests about any questions, fears, ideas or anxieties they have about refugees.

“It’s so they can be addressed and not in a polarising or partisan way you see on television,” he said.

“it’s a great opportunity to learn a little, discuss and maybe understand a bit more of the experience of refugees. “Refugees are real people just like us.”

The #WithRefugees mini-film festival starts at 4.30pm on June 16 at the Cootamundra Arts Centre.