Circle of Friends Australia Inc.
Supporting asylum seekers and refugees
Supporting the Wayville Circle. Funds raised will help us to continue to support refugee families who are unable to pay utility bills and rent because they are under-employed and cannot make ends meet.
Includes Traditional or Vegan Paella & dessert
Door prize, raffle, lucky squares & more!
When: 1-3:30pm, Sunday 19 April 2026
Where: Mercy Centre, 4 Victoria Street, Mile End
Cost: Tickets $50.00
Book online via Humanitix
Presented by the Blackwood-Hills Circle of Friends Come join us for a high energy quiz night! When: 6:15 – 9:30 Saturday, May 9 (Event kicks off 7:00 pm sharp… don’t be late!) Where: Blackwood Uniting Church, 266 Main Road Blackwood Cost: Tickets $20 Book Tickets via Trybooking With Quizmaster Spectaculaire, Mij Tanith! Come hear the stories of how our Circle …
Mij Tanith’s book “Laila’s Story’ is a fabulous and important testament to how persistence and self-less care can brighten another’s life. Heartwarming, funny and honest, this book grabs you and doesn’t let go until the last page. I read it in one evening.
Mij adeptly uses a mix of prose and poetry to and give us a glimpse into the horrendous, stressful process of securing visas for Laila and her five daughter’s to travel to Australia and the naturally bumpy start of their journey of settling into their new home. Through this shines the unexpected love and deep connection that develops between these women across culture and language.
Well done to Mij and all of Circle 108 for enabling Laila to come to Australia, and to Laila and her family for their strength and determination in making the most of their life and opportunities. I am sure every reader will be wishing Laila and her family all the very best.
You can buy a copy of Laila’s Story from Spinifex Press or directly from Mij Tanith. Email Mij Tanith to buy directly from her.
Nathan’s Circle (Circle 9) presents another fundraising food experience.
Let the tantalising flavours of Turkey sweep you away on a magical culinary journey. Featuring dishes from celebrated Turkish authors and their cookbooks, this evening promises an indulgence in a range of turkish dishes, all part of a special menu for this event. Each dish is an invitation to explore the vibrant and diverse flavours of Turkey, served straight to your table as part of a hands-on, food lover’s dream. An unforgettable gastronomic adventure, where exceptional food meets people and community. Don’t miss out on this exclusive culinary experience!
Raffle on the night with prizes to make your evening even more memorable. Cash and electronic payment options available.
Hosted by the amazing Olive Branch Cafe and the ever-enthusiastic Nicole McIntosh.
When: Friday 17th, Saturday 18th April 2026 6.30pm each night.
Where: Olive Branch Cafe, 84 Main Road, Balhannah.
Cost: $66.50 adults, Children by request $30.00.
Tickets via TryBooking.
All money raised goes directly to support the work of Circle of Friends.
Congratulations to Margaret McGregor who was awarded Citizen of the year by Norwood, Payneham and St Peter’s council on Monday 26 January 2026. It is a well deserved honour and she did Circle of Friends proud.
Margaret started Circle of Friends 42 in 2003. Monica O’Wheel joined this circle in 2005 and notes that Margaret led the circle with energy, dedication, grace and consideration. Margaret still continues to contribute to the Circles though she is now 95. Following is the speach as read by Margaret in accepting the award.
Good morning!I am very honoured to accept this Citizen of the Year award and warmly thank the Mayor – Robert Bria – and the Council.
It is so wonderful that today’s event is being shared with new Australian citizens who are being welcomed into our community. On today of all days we reflect that the First Nation people are the original inhabitants of this country. The rest of us are immigrants, or descended from immigrants.
I first became involved with boat people in the early 2000s with the boat people who landed on the coast of Australia and were detained at Woomera, and later, the Baxter Detention Centre, near Port Augusta. I was shocked and horrified, by the inhumane way in which refugees from Iran, Afghanistan and Iraq were treated. All countries with cruel, and repressive regimes.
A horrifying thing about their incarceration, was that they had no understanding of why they were locked up and treated as criminals, nor if they would ever be released. Politicians cited rules and regulations but gave no thought to the inhumanity of their actions. No wonder that mental health issues became endemic in the centres.
Circles of Friends were set up in South Australia to raise funds, lobby politicians, help with legal cases, and to regularly visit refugees in detention.
I started Circle 42 with sympathetic friends. It comprised mostly women but also two stalwart men: The late Richard Llewellyn and the late Viesturs Cielens, who swept us along with their energy and commitment.
When we support refugees, we’re not just offering help, we’re investing in a more just future – for all of us. They enrich our communities, and remind us of our shared humanity.
At a time when division can feel loud, choosing empathy is a powerful act.
Thank you again for this honour. I accept it with gratitude, and share it with the members of Circle 42, who proved that kindness is not abstract. It is practical. May we keep building communities where everyone has a sense of belonging, the chance to feel safe and valued – and at home.
Thank you.
