Perhaps the most significant aspect of our Circle is the established relationships we have with the families we support. Lyn Kerkham writes about the long term-commitment of the Effective Living Centre Circle to supporting refugee families in settling into Adelaide. The Effective Living Centre Circle of Friends (number 111) was set up in 2011 by members of the Uniting Church …
Before joining this class, I felt my dreams were slipping away. But now, I see a path forward. I know I have a future. Erfanullah Abidi, the convenor of Empowerment Network Circle wants to express his gratitude for the generosity and commitment his Circle has received for the education of Afghan girls. He shares the incredible impact this has made …
Below is information prepared by the national Permanency and Family Reunion Network about what you can do on an individual level to lobby on behalf of people seeking asylum who have been denied permanency under the discredited ‘fast-track’ system. With nearly 9,000 people still waiting for permanent visas, action is needed.
Dear Refugee Supporter
You may have already been active in supporting the campaign for Permanent Visas. A campaign group is meeting regularly to monitor development, and to share ideas for ongoing advocacy with MPs and to inform the broader public. You probably know that there have been protests in 5 capital cities – the Sydney Protest reached 100 days on November 13 and continues. The protest in Brisbane is now over 80 days. Refugees in Melbourne are continuing a series of actions.
The Permanency and Family Reunion Network has been meeting fortnightly, and we have compiled this campaign update with suggested actions. We encourage you to continue being active in this campaign, and to share through your networks – the more people who take action, the more likely it is there will be change.
Current campaign strategy
The protests by people unfairly denied protection under Fast Track, together with the advocacy efforts of supporters appear to be having some impact. There are indications that the Minister is considering various options to grant permanency. However, it is not clear what process is actually being considered, or the likely timeframe.
And with the federal election looming, urgent action is needed.
Here are suggested actions to keep up the pressure for change:
Here are resources to assist you to undertake the suggested actions:
Note – to edit documents downloaded from these links you will need to save a copy to your own device
The Gaza Support Circle (135) was set up by Laila, a Palestinian-Australian, who has lived in Adelaide for nine years. After countless attempts, and trying many different strategies, Laila’s family were finally permitted to escape their war-torn homeland of Gaza and come to Australia on a 12-month Visitor Visa. Their house was bombed, family members killed, all possessions destroyed, and their savings obliterated in the collapse of the banking system. They fled Gaza with only the clothes on their backs.
Once this Visitor Visa lapses, they hope to gain a Protection Visa for refugees with the right to work. They have the qualifications and skills that Australia needs – Kefih is a doctor, Freih a civil engineer, and Ahmed has a Bachelor of English Literature. They’re trying to keep busy and volunteer. Until they are given the right to work mid next year, they cannot earn an income.
With help from some very generous people, they have a roof over their heads for the moment. To keep this accommodation ongoing, they must pay for rent and utility bills. The Gaza Support Circle (135) is seeking your generosity to raise funds to support the payment of rent, gas and electricity, water and some daily incidentals until they receive the right to work and can support themselves. Any amount, big or small, will be gratefully received.
Donate now through our secure GiveNow page.
It is very important to ensure you check the “Gaza Support (135) Circle” box when donating so that your donation goes to this Circle.
At the AGM earlier this year the various Circles shared updates on their work. Here are a couple of success stories from Circles who have been supporting refugee families.
Carol Collin reports that members of the Willunga Circle first started visiting a mother and her four children, refugees from a South American country, last year when they lived in a cold flat in the city. At the end of last year they moved to an old house north-west of the city, and are now very happy. They like this area very much as it is quiet with some nice parks and good bus services.
The eldest child is doing well at school, has made friends and now has a part-time job at Enzo’s at Home (Italian pre-made pasta dishes). The business has been very supportive and has been giving him hours that fit in with his school work. He says it’s a great place to work and that there are other Spanish speaking people working there. Apparently Enzo’s products can be bought at IGA!
The other children are also happy at school. The eldest daughter would like to do nursing and then perhaps become a doctor. The three-year old goes to a creche at TAFE while Mum tries hard – but is finding it difficult – to learn English. Of course, her 3 year old’s English is good and improving rapidly.
As Carol says, all in all, they are now a happy well-settled family.
A Sri Lankan family who arrived by boat many years ago have endured a long period of great hardship but are now finally starting to make a life for themselves.
Around 5 years ago, a desperate worker from Red Cross contacted the Rapid Response Circle as the father of the family was in detention and the support payment entitlement provided to the mother, S. and the 4 children was about to be cut. With no way to cover living expenses S and her children were in danger of having to live on the streets, despite receiving considerable help from the Effective Living Centre Circle.
S’s husband, in detention, tried his best to find somewhere for his wife and children to live. Initially they were able to share a house with the husband’s brother, sister-in-law and three children. They then all moved to a farmhouse in the country after the brother-in-law managed to find work on the farm, and S and her children continued to be supported by Rapid Response Circle and the Willunga Circle.
This living arrangement, however, was not sustainable, given the number of people in the house. Helped by a small Church community, S and her children returned to suburban Adelaide and were allowed to live for two years in a small Church hall, having to pack up their belongings every week when church services took place.
Both Circle of Friends and the Vinnies Refugee and Asylum Seeker Service in Kilburn continued to help S and her family. S managed to study and now has a qualification in Aged Care. She is actively looking for work but struggles due to the written language requirements of the job. Further English language tuition may be needed.
Without any notice, S’s husband was released from detention, which led to great joy for the whole family. He set out immediately to do some training and find work in order to start supporting the family. He now works approximately four days a week and the family, with the help of Vinnies and an understanding agent, has found a house to rent. They no longer have to live in the Church hall which is a great relief. Visitors to the house are greeted by 2 multi-coloured pots of flowers at the front door.
The family still needs some help to cover their living costs, but it is much reduced and they are on their way to becoming self-sufficient.
This story is a great example of what can be achieved not only be the determination, courage and resilience of the refugee family themselves, but also what happens when different organisations collaborate and work together – in this case, the Church that provided the hall, Circle of Friends, the Vinnies Refugee and Asylum Seeker Service and Red Cross.
