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 …
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.
As we end the 22nd year of Circles of Friends (founded in May 2002) there is the usual blend of good news and challenges.
Recognition for the vital role of all the volunteers in Circle of Friends Australia
A University of Adelaide PHD Thesis completed in 2023 showed that Circles of Friends continue to occupy a unique support niche. As was the original goal, the Circles complement what Agencies provide and do so responsibly, with compassion, with a minimum of red tape and in good time. (Dr Alison Reid, “Band-Aids in a Battlefield.”)
One key component at the core of this undeviating journey is the involvement of people from all walks of life and backgrounds, in whatever way they can contribute, so that a wide, up to date range of information and ideas constantly informs those providing direct services through the Circles.
We need more volunteers
Currently the Rapid Response Circle is looking for 4 -6 new members for a range of roles. If you are someone who spends a lot of time near their computer, or who is regarded as “houseproud” or “fussy,” or who doesn’t mind 80 km or so round trips to make deliveries, you could be just the person needed. For an outline of what is involved in one of these roles, please contact Tricia Dundon (Convenor of the Rapid Response Circle)
Dire state of Asylum seekers across Australia: How the Rapid Response Circle is helping
Australia wide about 15 000 people seeking asylum are living in deep poverty and facing destitution. More than 30 000 people who have sought protection in Australia do not have access to Medicare. (Refugee Council of Australia, 2024).
The type of temporary visas that an asylum seekers is on determines critical things like their right to work or study and, for a minority, access to Medicare (basic healthcare). Amongst the asylum seekers the Rapid Response Circle supports are two men with no right to work or study; the Circle covers rent and modest living expenses. The Rapid Response Circle also provides living expenses and part rent for two other men and a family of six where all the adults have work rights but remain unemployed.
Generally, the Rapid Response Circle partners with the SOS for Asylum Seekers Circle with the latter paying rent and the Rapid Response Circle paying living expenses and bills. Expenditure by the Rapid Response Circle, on this cohort of asylum seekers alone, totals at least $4600 each month. Total monthly expenditure is around $8000 per month.
During April 2024, in our triage role, the Rapid Response Circle received 11 new requests for help from workers at ARA, AMES, STTARS and the Salvation Army City Outreach team. Four were assisted by Blackwood/Hills Circle, Willunga Circle and St Ignatius Refugee Education Circle. The Rapid Response Circle responded to the remainder which included (unusually) a CPAP machine for a man with serious cardiac and other health challenges, a mobile phone for a homeless asylum seeker with no bank account or income and a particular heater for a woman with health issues.
Rapid Response Circle’s regular monthly income from donors is around $2000, which is a remarkable amount in the current economic climate in South Australia. Regular weekly contributions of $5 become $260 over the year or $5720 over the 22 years we have been operating. This amount, or more, is what some of the founding members of Circle of Friends have contributed. Significant supplementary grants have come from the Suzanne Elliot Trust Fund and, this year, Rapid Response Circle and SOS for Asylum Seekers Circle each received $10,000 and $5,000 respectively from the Catholic Church Insurances Community Foundation. A further $5000 from an anonymous donor was an unexpected boost and greatly appreciated.
Every donation, no matter how small it seems, helps build a solid amount of money that enables fast responses to calls for help. In summer it meant up front motel costs could be paid within hours for a woman with two children who had nowhere to go on a 40-degree day, due to violence from her husband. During this same burst of hot weather, fans were also purchased and delivered to three mothers unable to keep their babies cool.
As always, thanks to all of you who have contributed in any way to this Circle’s efforts to support asylum seeker and refugees. Without your involvement it would be impossible.
Hoping 2024 is proving to be a good year for you and there are happy months ahead.
Tricia (Trish) Dundon, Convenor Rapid Response Circle.
Circle of Friend’s new Circle, the Empowerment Network (Circle 132), was formed a few months ago with the aim of supporting education of girls in Afghanistan.
In 2021 when the Taliban stopped girls from going to school, a group of people, mostly in Australia, decided to help by starting secret schools for girls in Afghanistan. They planned carefully and worked with people they trusted inside Afghanistan to find safe places for the schools. Even though it was risky, they managed to set up classrooms in hidden spots in different parts of Afghanistan and despite the dangers, girls started coming to these secret schools to learn. Over time more and more joined, eager to get an education despite the Taliban’s rules.
Running the schools wasn’t easy. They faced problems with money, safety, and logistics. But the friends never gave up. Now, they need financial help to keep the schools running. This is where the Empowerment Network aims to work, by raising funds to allow these schools to keep educating girls in Afghanistan. Donations are urgently needed to pay for teachers, supplies, and safety measures. You can help by making a one-off donation or a monthly donation. Alternatively, you can sponsor one or more classes. With just $150, you can support one class of 10 students for a month.
Despite the challenges, these secret schools are shining lights in a dark time for Afghanistan. With help from supporters like you, they can continue to provide hope and education to girls who need it most.
