A few years ago, Adelaide University commenced a program awarding scholarships to refugees to complete degree courses. Many have experienced great financial difficulties when their Centrelink payments were removed. Circle of Friends Australia was aware of this happening and drew it to the attention of the University. Since then a partnership has grown where we are working with the university …
Author: admin
New Circles
It is always so pleasing to have applications from new groups wishing to be affiliated with COFA. We have two new Circles: 113 called Suzanne’s Circle, arising from a very generous grant from a Trust 123 called St Chad’s, based at Highgate Anglican Church We also have a group, Fleurieu Refugee Support Group, who are looking at joining as well. …
Collaboration with Adelaide University
This is an exciting partnership with Adelaide University in assisting the refugee scholarship holders having difficulties in meeting living expenses once their Centrelink Student Allowances have been cut off. The University group of staff has asked whether COFA can also assist meeting accommodation needs as well. The COFA Committee met last Friday and discussed policy and administration requirements to present …
Many, many Thanks
In September last year, COFA received a request from the Clinical Research Manager, Hepatology at the Royal Adelaide Hospital: “I am writing to you to request help from the “Circle of Friends” for a patient of ours who is an Afghan refugee with end stage cancer. He would like to return home to his family for the last weeks/months of …
Scholarships aimed at supporting tertiary education leads to Centrelink Student Allowances being stopped
This year, Adelaide University provided 40 scholarships to Refugees and Disadvantaged People which provided all tuition fees and an annual stipend of $5,000. Once scholarship holders received the stipend, Centrelink ceased payment of Student Allowances. This put them under undue pressure to earn to survive and COFA has been supporting a refugee with his living expenses. COFA alerted the University …