Former refugees have told their stories to anyone who was prepared to listen at an event in Wollongong.

Woonona High School was transformed into a mock refugee camp earlier this month, and former refugees shared their stories and shed light on the refugee experience.

The Illawarra Refugee Challenge Community Night saw people to sit down with a former refugee and listen to the events that led to these people fleeing their country of origin. As well as having several former refugees as guest speakers, the school set up an interactive refugee camp simulation, similar to those seen in the recently shut down Manus Island. The event aimed to educate community members while showing support for those who are becoming a part of the community.