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# Circle of Friends Australia Inc.

Supporting asylum seekers and refugees

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://cofa.org.au/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Updates](https://cofa.org.au/newsletters/)
- [Sanctuary Runners Event 15th August  2026](https://cofa.org.au/2026/08/03/sanctuary-runners-event-18th-august-2026/) - Next Sanctuary Runners event is on 18th August at Carisbrooke Park in Salisbury North. Meet at 7:30am for an 8:00am start. Event is free.
- [An Afghan Food Journey Fundraiser](https://cofa.org.au/2026/07/25/an-afghan-food-journey-fundraiser/) - Take your taste buds on a journey through Afghanistan. All funds will go to advocate for refugees currently living in Australia with no pathway to permanency.
- [Refugee Film Festival at Victor Harbour](https://cofa.org.au/2026/07/24/refugee-film-festival-at-victor-harbour/) - Organised by Nathan’s Circle. All funds raised go directly to Circle of Friends. The final screenings of this year's inaugural Adelaide Refugee Film Festival. Step into powerful stories from around the world at this special film screening at Victa Cinema, Victor Harbor. Two films, part of a moving and eye-opening celebration of cinema that shines
- [A successful parkrun at Carisbrooke Park for World Refugees Day](https://cofa.org.au/2026/07/01/a-successful-parkrun-at-carisbrooke-park-for-world-refugees-day/) - Recent migrants, refugees and supporters were invited to run or walk together on the 5km Parkrun for World Refugee Day. The event was a success attracting 40 newcomers.
- [Inaugural Adelaide Refugee Film Festival](https://cofa.org.au/2026/05/06/inaugural-adelaide-refugee-film-festival/) - Join us for the inaugural Adelaide Refugee Film Festival, a powerful showcase of recently released films that bring refugee and other stories to life.
- [Fundraiser Concert: Ambiguous Folk at the Wheaty](https://cofa.org.au/2026/06/05/fundraiser-concert-ambiguous-folk-at-the-wheaty/) - Concert featuring Ambiguous Folk. Raising money to reunite families and individuals here who need protection visas.
- [Join us to Celebrate Australia's Diversity](https://cofa.org.au/2026/05/30/join-us-to-celebrate-australias-diversity/) - Run or walk together at Carisbrooke 5km Parkrun in Salisbury, on World Refugee Day 20 June 2026 o celebrate our richly diverse and inclusive community.
- [Refugee Week 2026: A Million Stories](https://cofa.org.au/2026/06/17/refugee-week-2026-a-million-stories/) - Refugee Week 2026 marks Australia's one millionth humanitarian visa. A COFA volunteer reflects on 40 years of welcome, and the families still waiting.
- [Showing An Iranian Food Journey Fundraiser on Let's Eat with George](https://cofa.org.au/2026/05/20/showing-an-iranian-food-journey-fundraiser-on-lets-eat-with-george/) - “An Iranian Food Journey” - a sold-out fundraising event by Nathan Circle is now featured on 9NOW as part of the Let’s Eat With George television program
- [Quiz Night](https://cofa.org.au/2026/05/17/quiz-night/) - Quiz Night supporting the "Forgotten Refugees" living in dire straits in Indonesia, and supported by Forgotten Refugees Support Circle.
- [New Circle: Forgotten Refugees Support Circle](https://cofa.org.au/2026/05/13/new-circle-forgotten-refugees-support-circle/) - We are a group of Brisbane volunteers working to house, feed, and care for otherwise destitute refugees trapped in Indonesia.
- [Paella Party Fundraiser](https://cofa.org.au/2026/04/03/paella-party-fundraiser/) - 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
- [Circle of Friends Fundraiser Quiz Night](https://cofa.org.au/2026/03/30/circle-of-friends-fundraiser-quiz-night/) - 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
- [Laila's Story: a family's journey to Australia through CSP sponsorship](https://cofa.org.au/2026/03/26/lailas-story-a-familys-journey-to-australia-through-csp-sponsorship/) - 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.
- [Turkish Delight – A Turkish Food Experience Fundraiser](https://cofa.org.au/2026/02/15/turkish-delight-a-turkish-food-experience-fundraiser/) - Nathan's Circle (Circle 9) presents another fundraising food experience.
- [Council Citizen of the Year award goes to Circle 42 Founder](https://cofa.org.au/2026/02/13/council-citizen-of-the-year-award-goes-to-circle-42-founder/) - Congratulations to Margaret McGregor who was awarded Citizen of the year by Norwood, Payneham and St Peter’s council on Monday 26 January 2026
- [Laila's Story: new book from Circle of Friends member](https://cofa.org.au/2026/01/01/lailas-story-new-book-from-circle-of-friends-member/) - Laila's Story is a upcoming book written Mij Tanith, from Circle 108, that documents the Circle's year-long effort to support an Afghan single mother and her five daughters as they seek safety and stability in Australia.
- [Milad Zaree, supported by COFA for 5 years, leaves for New Zealand](https://cofa.org.au/2026/01/07/milad-zaree-supported-by-cofa-for-5-years-leaves-for-new-zealand/) - Circle of Friends wishes Milad all the best as he begins a new journey to settling into New Zealand.
- [Success stories from the Empowerment Circle](https://cofa.org.au/2025/12/28/success-stories-from-the-empowerment-circle/) - The Empowerment Circle (Circle 132), which was set up to support the education of girls in Afghanistan, has had some successes in the past few months:
- [How Circle of Friends started – behind the scenes](https://cofa.org.au/2025/12/09/how-circle-of-friends-started-behind-the-scenes/) - Circle of Friends Australia began in May 2002 in response to the despair felt by many Australians about the treatment of asylum seekers who came by boat to our country.
- [Asylum seekers' plea to the Minister for Immigration](https://cofa.org.au/2026/01/14/asylum-seekers-plea-to-the-minister-for-immigration/) - This is a translation of a letter Milad wrote to the Minister for Immigration seeking the exercise of the Minister’s power to intervene in his case.
- [Monarto Safari Park with our Circle 111 Families](https://cofa.org.au/2025/12/16/monarto-safari-park-with-our-circle-111-families/) - A fun outing for families supported by Effective Living Centre Circle. Day trip to Monarto Zoo.
- [Effective Living Centre Circle ends the year with a celebration](https://cofa.org.au/2026/01/04/effective-living-centre-circle-ends-the-year-with-a-celebration/) - The Effective Living Centre Circle held a wonderful end-of-year picnic at the newly opened Kaurna Aboriginal Cultural centre in Port Adelaide, Yitpi Yartapuultiku.
- [Welcoming Refugees through Community Sponsorship](https://cofa.org.au/2025/12/05/welcoming-refugees-through-community-sponsorship/) - Circle of Friends is excited to join a growing national movement as a Supporting Community Organisation with Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA).
- [Can you help bring an Afghan family to safety?](https://cofa.org.au/2025/10/08/can-you-help-bring-an-afghan-family-to-safety/) - The Family Reunion Circle (Circle 115) has another request to assist an Afghan family sheltering in Iran to come here to Adelaide to live in safety.
- [Volunteer Assistant Treasurer Needed](https://cofa.org.au/2025/06/11/volunteer-assistant-treasurer-needed/) - The Circle of Friends Australia (COFA) Management Committee is looking for a volunteer to assist the Treasurer with accounting and book-keeping. The position will be principally home-based and will involve approximately 4 hours per week, with availability to respond to queries, attend meetings and network. The Assistant treasurer will work with the Treasurer of Circle
- [Changes for the Circle 110: More Volunteers Needed](https://cofa.org.au/2025/09/21/changes-for-the-circle-110-more-volunteers-needed/) - Can you join the new Emergency Circle team? In late April this year Circle 110’s name was changed from “Rapid Response” to “COFA Emergency Circle” to reflect a change in operational structure. The Circle can be contacted by the new email. At a practical level, the Emergency Circle is now managed by teams of 2
- [Changing Lives through Education – Circle 106](https://cofa.org.au/2025/09/13/changing-lives-through-education-circle-106/) - St Ignatius Refugee Education Support Group now offers educational support to between 30 and 40 students each year.
- [Volunteers needed for the Empowerment Network Circle](https://cofa.org.au/2025/09/11/volunteers-needed-for-the-empowerment-network-circle/) - The Empowerment Network is looking for volunteers: teachers for online teaching; Administration; and Fundraising and marketing/awareness raising.
- [Reflections of a new COFA volunteer](https://cofa.org.au/2025/09/10/reflections-of-a-new-cofa-volunteer/) - I began volunteering with the Afghan Arrivals Circle almost two years ago. I had recently retired and thought I would like to help refugees...
- [Fundraising Dinner: Afghan Flavours](https://cofa.org.au/2025/07/04/fundraising-dinner-afghan-flavours/) - This event will support refugees in South Australia, with a raffle on the night to assist.
- [Rapid Response Circle Update May 2024: the good news and the challenges](https://cofa.org.au/2024/05/20/rapid-response-circle-update-may-2024-the-good-news-and-the-challenges/) - As we end the 22nd year of Circles of Friends (founded in May 2002) there is the usual blend of good news and challenges.
- [Circle Spotlight: Effective Living Centre Circle](https://cofa.org.au/2025/04/01/circle-spotlight-effective-living-centre-circle/) - The Effective Living Centre Circle of Friends was set up in 2011 and now provides social and financial support to about 50 families.
- [Afghanistan Underground Girls’ Network of Schools](https://cofa.org.au/2025/03/27/afghanistan-underground-girls-network-of-schools/) - Empowerment Network Circle is empowering 640 girls through 16 underground classes giving them access to the knowledge and skills they rightfully deserve.
- [Take new action for Permanency Campaign - Nov 2024](https://cofa.org.au/2024/11/19/take-new-action-for-permanency-campaign-nov-2024/) - With nearly 9,000 people still waiting for permanent visas, action is needed.
- [Support a Palestinian Family who have fled the destruction of their home](https://cofa.org.au/2024/10/19/support-a-palestinian-family-who-have-fled-the-destruction-of-their-home/) - 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 the family receives the right to work and can support themselves.
- [Good News Stories from the Circles: families settling into new life in Australia](https://cofa.org.au/2024/09/23/good-news-stories-from-the-circles-families-settling-into-new-life-in-australia/) - At the AGM earlier this year Circles shared updates on their work. Here are a couple of success stories from Circles who have been supporting refugee families.
- [Time is running out to bring an Afghan family to safety in Australia: Can you help?](https://cofa.org.au/2024/09/01/time-is-running-out-to-bring-an-afghan-family-to-safety-in-australia-can-you-help/) - The Family Reunion Circle (115) has been asked to help a family raise the money for airfares and exit visas from Pakistan for an Afghan family of seven living and hiding there. The Pakistani government has been deporting all Afghans without valid visas, and this family is hiding so they can come to Australia as
- [Help Mohammed bring his Palestinian family to safety](https://cofa.org.au/2024/04/13/help-mohammed-bring-his-palestinian-family-to-safety/) - Help Mohammed bring his Palestinian family to safety
- [The Empowerment Network Circle supporting education of Afghan girls](https://cofa.org.au/2024/04/01/the-empowerment-network-circle-supporting-education-of-afghan-girls/) - 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.
- [Circle of Friends helps bring Afghani teacher and her daughters to safety](https://cofa.org.au/2024/02/08/circle-of-friends-helps-bring-afghani-teacher-and-her-daughters-to-safety/) - We are pleased to share some good news with the arrival of Afghani teacher Laila and her daughters in Adelaide last month.
- [A Cry Went Up in the Desert: Documenting Woomera Detention Centre](https://cofa.org.au/2024/02/01/a-cry-went-up-in-the-desert-documenting-woomera-detention-centre/) - ‘A Cry Went Up in the Desert’ provides an account of the impact of the Australian Government’s policies towards asylum seekers their advocates.
- [2024 SA Senior Australian of the Year awarded to Circle of Friends Member Meredith Evans](https://cofa.org.au/2023/11/26/2024-sa-senior-australian-of-the-year-awarded-to-circle-of-friends-member-meredith-evans/) - Congratulations to Circle 111 member Sister Meredith Evans who has been awarded the 2024 SA Senior Australian of the Year.
- [Where Are They Now? Snapshots of Success](https://cofa.org.au/2023/10/26/where-are-they-now-snapshots-of-success/) - Remembering people who lived in Inverbrackie Detention Centre, near Woodside SA, 2011–2014 and in Pt Augusta Housing at Ellis Close, 2012–2013.
- [Another busy year for the Rapid Response Circle](https://cofa.org.au/2023/10/06/another-busy-year-for-the-rapid-response-circle/) - Our Circle is down to our last $1,700 Whether you can make a one off donation or commit to a regular amount, your contribution is urgently needed.
- [Support COFA's newest Circle: Family MF Circle](https://cofa.org.au/2023/09/10/support-cofas-newest-circle-family-mf-circle/) - The Family MF Circle (Circle 129) was formed in February of this year (2023) to support the family of a man who is a refugee. He arrived at Christmas Island over 10 years ago. But as with many who have sought safety in Australia his family are yet to join him and are currently enduring
- [A busy winter for the Rapid Response Circle](https://cofa.org.au/2023/08/31/rapid-response-circle-winter-update/) - Looking back over the past year reminded me how groups of ordinary people can help achieve positive outcomes for, and with, refugees and asylum-seekers.
- [Happy Birthday Circle of Friends Australia](https://cofa.org.au/2023/08/06/happy-birthday-circle-of-friends-australia/) - This year marks the 21st year of Circle of Friends Australia. Some of the original Circles have been operating continuously since that time.
- [Calling for Action in Support of Refugees held in Immigration Detention](https://cofa.org.au/2023/07/31/calling-for-action-in-support-of-refugees-held-in-immigration-detention/) - Join us to support the 55 people who have been seeking compensation due to being held in immigration detentionfor 5 years or more.
- [10 years too long: protesting ongoing offshore detention of asylum seekers](https://cofa.org.au/2023/07/03/10-years-too-long-protesting-ongoing-offshore-detention-of-asylum-seekers/) - Hosted by Adelaide Vigil for Manus and Nauru When: WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023 AT 12 PM – 1 PM Where: Outside offices of Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, 70 Franklin St, Adelaide 5000,Adelaide Vigil for Manus and Nauru is organising a vigil to both mourn the 10th anniversary of ongoing detention of those sent
- [See how you can transform refugee resettlement in South Australia through community sponsorship!](https://cofa.org.au/2023/06/24/see-how-you-can-transform-refugee-resettlement-in-south-australia-through-community-sponsorship/) - Attend one of the upcoming Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) events.
- [Urgent help needed for people who have sought refuge in Australia](https://cofa.org.au/2023/06/17/urgent-help-needed-for-people-who-have-sought-refuge-in-australia/) - The Pilgrims Circle of Friends provides support to individuals and families who have nothing and no one to fall back on. We need your help to continue.
- [Ongoing support needed for Asylum Seekers on bridging visas](https://cofa.org.au/2023/05/13/ongoing-support-needed-for-asylum-seekers-on-bridging-visas/) - Recently the Federal government made a decision to grant permanent protection visas to some of the people seeking asylum who arrived in Australia by boat. This is an extremely exciting and overdue development which will have an enormous impact on the lives of those who are eligible. They will be able to make use of
- [Celebrity Quiz Night](https://cofa.org.au/2023/05/07/celebrity-quiz-night-2/) - Presented by Blackwood Circle of Friends . All profits going to support refugees in our community. Come join us for a high energy quiz night with Amazing Celebrity Quiz Masters including: Mwajemi Hussein, star of The Survival of Kindness Rebekha Sharkie, Federal Member for Mayo and a surprise celebrity Put together your table of eight
- [Donate as little as you would spend for one Easter egg](https://cofa.org.au/2023/04/05/donate-as-little-as-you-would-spend-for-one-easter-egg/) - Let’s make a bit brighter Easter for the refugees and asylum seekers whom the Rapid Response Circle (110) is supporting. A small team of four continues to give a hand to a core group of nine men living alone and four families. Costs of rent, weekly living expenses, household bills, Metrocards, medical visits and treatments,
- [Can you help? - Volunteer Drivers Needed](https://cofa.org.au/2023/02/15/can-you-help-volunteer-drivers-needed/) - Circle of Friends has received more requests for assistance than we can fill at present. We need help to driving lessons and transport to medical appointments.
- [Successful Appeal brings Afghani Mother and children to Adelaide](https://cofa.org.au/2022/11/15/successful-appeal-brings-afghani-mother-and-children-to-adelaide/) - Successful appeal enabling an Afghani mother, Sara and her five children to travel to Australia where they can now settle on permanent visa.
- [Commitments exceeding income again! We need your help](https://cofa.org.au/2022/11/07/commitments-exceeding-income-again-we-need-your-help/) - Demand for emergency support is coming in fast. Make a donation now ensuring that the Rapid Response Circle can continue help when no other option is available.
- [Letters from Kabul # 3: Black, the Taliban’s desired colour in the university](https://cofa.org.au/2022/09/21/letters-from-kabul-3-black-the-talibans-desired-colour-in-the-university/) - How has the environment of universities changed for girls after the rule of the Taliban?
- [Helping people to live with dignity](https://cofa.org.au/2022/09/08/helping-people-to-live-with-dignity/) - Thank you to all our donors who enable us to assist refugees and asylum seekers with not only rent and food, but also the extra things so that they can live with dignity.
- [Free Talk: Support for refugees and asylum seekers](https://cofa.org.au/2022/09/02/free-talk-support-for-refugees-and-asylum-seekers/) - Come and hear from Libby Hogart speak about the assistance she and her colleagues are providing for refugees and asylum seekers fleeing their homelands.
- [Free Film Event- Australian musicians and refugee awareness](https://cofa.org.au/2022/08/14/fleurieu-refugee-support-group-agm-movie/) - Fleurieu Refugee Support Group will have their AGM with special guests and a FREE MOVIE Scattered People. 23 September from 6pm at Club Fleurieu (140-142 Main South Road) Scattered People is a documentary (60minutes) will appeal to lovers of film and lovers of music. The film shows the power of song to share stories to
- [Invitation to Circle of Friends AGM](https://cofa.org.au/2022/08/19/invitation-to-circle-of-friends-agm/) - You are invited to attend Circles of Friends Australia's Annual General Meeting 2 - 4pm Friday 23 September 2022 at the Effective Living Centre (26 King William Rd, Wayville) Learn more about the work of each of our Circles as they present their annual reports Plus hear from our special guest speaker Ahmed Hakimi. Afternoon
- [Letters from Kabul #2](https://cofa.org.au/2022/07/19/letters-from-kabul-2/) - Afghanistan is becoming hell for women. It has been more than half a year that Taliban took Afghanistan's control. They made the situation worse day by day.
- [Appeal: Help Bring an Afghani mother and children to safety](https://cofa.org.au/2022/07/24/appeal-help-bring-an-afghani-mother-and-children-to-safety/) - Help an Afghani mother and her five children to travel to Australia. They have been granted a Humanitarian Visa by the Australian Government, but the cost of travel is beyond the family’s financial means.
- [Thank you for your generous responses to our Crisis Appeal](https://cofa.org.au/2022/07/13/thank-you-for-your-generous-responses-to-our-crisis-appeal/) - Sincere thanks to everyone who responded to our recent call for donations. You have got us safely over another hump, helping a number of very grateful people.
- [Letters from Kabul #1](https://cofa.org.au/2022/07/06/letters-from-kabul-1/) - Welcome the first in a series of ongoing letters written by a young woman from Kabul detailing her experience in present day Kabul.
- [Adelaide Vigil for Manus and Nauru Event](https://cofa.org.au/2022/06/30/adelaide-vigil-for-manus-and-nauru-event/) - Join Adelaide Vigil for Manus and Nauru on 17 July to call for an end to the harm, and an end to indefinite detention without charge.
- [Did you know an asylum seeker from Manus lives next door?](https://cofa.org.au/2022/06/29/did-you-know-an-asylum-seeker-from-manus-lives-next-door/) - Ahmad (not his real name) is an asylum seeker from Iran. He spent 8 years on Manus Island before being transferred to Australia for emergency medical treatment (related to depression). The future for Ahmad remains uncertain. He is not able to return to Iran, and he is not eligible for resettlement in the US program.
- [Phone calls reveal the struggles of asylum seekers and refugees](https://cofa.org.au/2022/06/18/phone-calls-reveal-the-struggles-of-asylum-seekers-and-refugees/) - During May, the Rapid Response Circle, delivered money, bedding, warm clothes, essential living expenses and more for 15 individuals and families in crisis.
- [Bringing together diverse communities during Refugee Week](https://cofa.org.au/2022/05/24/bringing-together-diverse-communities-during-refugee-week/) - The Pilgrim Circle initiated a unique celebration fundraiser for Refugee Week in 2021, which fortunately fitted in the middle of two Covid lockdowns. At this event a panel of former refugees spoke about their experience of arriving in Adelaide as refugees, particularly the turning points and memorable moments of settling into Australia, to great mix
- [Questions for politicians on treatment of asylum seekers](https://cofa.org.au/2022/05/16/questions-for-politicians-on-treatment-of-asylum-seekers/) - Written by Claire O'Connor, Adelaide Barrister on 20 April 2022 on Facebook (shared here with her permission) Can candidates not say they support off-shore processing of asylum seekers? Can they be honest and say they support the detention of innocent asylum seekers - indefinitely - in conditions every human rights organisation nationally and international has said
- [505 People still without lasting settlement option](https://cofa.org.au/2022/04/12/505-people-still-without-lasting-settlement-option/) - From the Refugee Council of Australia Press Release from 24 March 2022 "Australians welcome NZ’s generosity to refugees in offshore processing": "Of the 3,127 people sent to detention in Nauru and Manus Island in 2013 and 2014 under Australia’s offshore processing policy, around 1,384 people remain in Nauru, PNG and Australia. There are around 270
- [Volunteers needed to help newly arrived Afghanis settle into Adelaide](https://cofa.org.au/2022/03/17/volunteers-needed-to-help-newly-arrived-afghanis-settle-into-adelaide/) - The Afghan Emergency Circle was set up to support newly arrived Afghans to settle into Adelaide. There is a lot to learn when moving into a new country, especially when faced with a different language and culture. We offer assistance in a number of ways from helping people make friends and community connections, finding work,
- [Heartfelt thank you to all our donors](https://cofa.org.au/2022/03/08/heartfelt-thank-you-to-all-our-donors/) - Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has responded so quickly and generously to the recent, urgent appeal by the Rapid Response Circle (110) to help meet basic living expenses of individuals and families at risk of homelessness, who were hungry and fearful of services being cut off after long extensions of final payment dates and without
- [Further urgent funding needed for basic living costs](https://cofa.org.au/2022/03/01/further-urgent-funding-needed-for-basic-living-costs/) - Circle of Friends is receiving increasing numbers of requests for basic living support for asylum seekers with no access to any form of social security and no employment (or insufficient employment to make ends meet). Circle 121 SOS for Asylum Seekers is now managing these requests and raising the necessary funds to ensure people do
- [Funds urgently needed for basic living costs](https://cofa.org.au/2022/02/09/funds-urgently-needed-for-basic-living-costs/) - The Rapid Response Circle (Circle 110) needs your donations today to ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of highly vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees who have little or no access to social security from the Government. All Circles are feeling the impact of Covid restrictions which has both reduced fundraising opportunities and
- [Supporting education for Asylum Seekers](https://cofa.org.au/2021/12/23/supporting-education-for-asylum-seekers/) - For the past 4 years the Blackwood-Hills Circle (Circle 7) has been providing a living allowance to 11 asylum seekers who had gained scholarships to the University of Adelaide. Adelaide University generously offered scholarships to students of refugee background which enabled them to study without paying full international student fees. However, there were concerns that
- [Rapid Response Circle of Friends (Circle 110) update](https://cofa.org.au/2021/12/10/rapid-response-circle-of-friends-circle-110-update/) - In recent months, the Rapid Response Circle has continued to provide food, bedding and clothes and, where there is no other option, supporting refugees and asylum - seekers financially. As usual the expenditure, as outlined below, is varied and indicative of the various emergencies that can derail the life of people with little or no
- [Circle of Friends receives Red Cross Humanitarian Partner Award](https://cofa.org.au/2021/10/11/circle-of-friends-receives-red-cross-humanitarian-partner-award/) - On Tuesday at the Red Cross SA AGM, Circle of Friends was presented with the Australian Red Cross Humanitarian Partner Award with the following citation: Australian Red Cross Humanitarian Partner Award Circle of Friends Australia consists of local community groups which support refugees and asylum seekers living in the community, or visit those in detention.
- [Justice For Refugees Media Release On Afghan Refugees](https://cofa.org.au/2021/08/21/justice-for-refugees-media-release-on-afghan-refugees/) - We must do more, and better, for Afghan refugees South Australian refugee advocates are calling on the Australian Government to do more to help Afghan refugees currently fleeing the chaos and looming humanitarian crisis in Taliban- controlled Afghanistan, and to offer permanent protection to the more than 4200 Afghan refugees currently in Australia on temporary
- [The Good News Update](https://cofa.org.au/2021/07/01/the-good-news-update/) - By Trish, Rapid Response for Refugees Circle Supporting women to find employment Together with other Circles, AMES and the Vinnies Welcoming Centre at Kilburn, Rapid Response for Refugees Circle (Circle 110) is proud to have helped two wonderful women on their journey to employment – one with attaining a Care Certificate, the other with restarting
- [Supporting Refugee Education for 19 years](https://cofa.org.au/2021/06/23/supporting-refugee-education-for-19-years/) - The St Ignatius Refugee Education Circle (Circle 106) was established in early 2002 and has operated continuously since then. The members focus on helping refugees and asylum seekers gain educational qualifications to enable them to lead dignified lives and to join the Australian workforce in jobs that allow them to support their families appropriately. This
- [Overwhelming support for our work during Covid-19](https://cofa.org.au/2021/05/30/overwhelming-support-for-our-work-during-covid-19/) - We have previously posted about the difficulties faced by refugees and asylum seekers through the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then there have been great efforts by Circles to assist the refugee community. A new Circle was set up which distributed food on a weekly basis for up to 60 family units. Another new Circle was established
- [Keep families together: Get Up Petition](https://cofa.org.au/2021/05/13/keep-families-together-get-up-petition/) - Circle of Friends Australia has been supporting Mehreen since she was moved to Adelaide from Nauru to give birth to her daughter. The same daughter recently turned 3 years old and has still never met her father outside of the Kilburn detention facility where he is being held. A recent report from the Human Rights
- [Rapid Response for Refugees Circle May Appeal](https://cofa.org.au/2021/05/09/rapid-response-for-refugees-circle-may-appeal/) - Since January, 30 new referrals for assistance have come to the Rapid Response for Refugees Circle (Circle 110) from AMES Australia, Red Cross, STTARS (Survivors of Torture & Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service), ARA (the Australian Refugee Association), Royal Adelaide Hospital Mental Health Unit, Hutt Street Centre and other Crisis Services supporting refugees and asylum-seekers
- [](https://cofa.org.au/2021/05/06/886/) - Do you work with refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants who have minimal support options available to them? Baptist Care SA can help. They provide FREE emergency relief assistance to vulnerable South Australians and help meet their most urgent needs through: Food hampers Community Food Hub vouchers PBS prescriptions Bus tickets. Concession card holders
- [Hope's Cafe New Initiative for Refugee Families: Connect 4 Children](https://cofa.org.au/2021/04/07/hopes-cafe-new-initiative-for-refugee-families-connect-4-children/) - Hope's Cafe has received funding to run a Connect 4 Children initiative on Tuesday mornings, 11 - 12.30pm. The aim is to build support for refugee families with young children. Hope's Cafe is located on corner of Portrush Road and Norwood Parade. For more information contact Alex on 0451 517 040 or email Alex.
- [Petition Concerning Long Delays in Processing Family Visa Applications](https://cofa.org.au/2021/01/21/petition-concerning-long-delays-in-processing-family-visa-applications/) - Monica O’Wheel, Chair of Circle of Friends Australia Inc. (COFA), and other members of the COFA Management Committee, have received an invitation to sign an important petition to the Commonwealth House of Representatives concerning the administrative mistreatment of permanent residents who are former asylum seekers, and their families. Asylum seekers who have been granted permanent
- [Rapid Response for Refugees Circle Appeal](https://cofa.org.au/2020/11/24/rapid-response-for-refugees-circle-appeal/) - Help us to continue supporting refugee families over Christmas Warmest thanks to all our donors who have enabled us to keep going this year – you are our lifeblood. Unfortunately we need to call on the generosity of Australians once again. The Rapid Response for Refugees Circle (Circle 110) has a crucial role within the
- [Home Affairs Moves it Responsibilities to Community](https://cofa.org.au/2020/11/01/home-affairs-moves-it-responsibilities-to-community/) - Over October and November this year, more than 500 Refugees and Asylum Seekers across Australia are being moved out of community detention and onto Final Departure Bridging Visas. This will give them, for the first time since they attempted to enter Australia to seek asylum in 2013 or 2014, the right to work. Yet at
- [Iranian Women's Association Campaign for Permanency](https://cofa.org.au/2020/10/22/iranian-womens-association-campaign-for-permanency/) - The Iranian Women’s Association has launched a petition that says that since COVID-19 has temporarily stopped migration, now is the time for the Australian government to provide permanent visas to refugees and asylum seekers. The petition points out many of the refugees have lived in our community for many years and have demonstrated their commitment
- [Support of refugee student scholarship holders](https://cofa.org.au/2020/10/18/support-of-refugee-student-scholarship-holders/) - A partnership between COFA and the University of Adelaide. The Guest Speaker at this year’s AGM was Alexander Reilly, Professor of Law, Adelaide Law School, University of Adelaide. He spoke about how the Universities the value of asylum seekers gaining access to tertiary education. Yet the government classifies asylum seekers as foreign students making University
- [The Food Box Project](https://cofa.org.au/2020/10/12/the-food-box-project/) - The Food Box Project was started by Rachel Lafain for Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) holders who had lost jobs due to COVID-19. Catherine Russell of Circle 124 and Libby Hogarth, Circle 92, then collaborated to co-ordinate an expansion of this project. Catherine gathered the names of Bridging Visa holders in need of help, plus
- [Willunga Circle of Friends 2020 Appeal](https://cofa.org.au/2020/10/06/willunga-circle-of-friends-2020-appeal/) - We would prefer to be seeing and talking to you but, due to COVID restrictions, our fund raising has been curtailed. As a result our funds have diminished. However the needs of asylum seekers and refugees have dramatically increased due to lack of government support. We have been responding to urgent requests for food parcels,
- [Notes from the COFA Annual General Meeting, 14 August 2020](https://cofa.org.au/2020/09/29/notes-from-the-cofa-annual-general-meeting-14-august-2020/) - Annual general meetings are commonly thought to be routine and boring, but not this one, following such an extraordinary year. Monica O’Wheel, Chair, and Bruce Whyatt, Treasurer, in their annual reports, focused on the pandemic, its impact on refugees and asylum seekers, and the response of COFA and its circles. “When COVID-19 hit Adelaide, the
- [New 'Rent Relief Circle' supporting Refugees and Asylum Seekers without jobs due to Covid-19 restrictions](https://cofa.org.au/2020/09/01/new-rent-relief-circle-supporting-refugees-and-asylum-seekers-without-jobs-due-to-covid-19-restrictions/) - Recently Elham who is living in Adelaide on a Bridging Visa was interviewed on ABC radio. She spoke movingly on the physical, emotional, educational and social effects Covid-19 induced poverty has had on her family. Elham and her husband have work rights but with the Covid-19 shutdown they no longer have any work and were
- [Rapid Response for Refugees August Update](https://cofa.org.au/2020/08/25/rapid-response-for-refugees-august-update/) - Thanks to our donors, the Rapid Response (Circle 110) team has continued to “Make things happen” over these challenging winter months. Our Circle received substantial financial donations for which we are truly grateful. They created capacity to supplement pre-loved blankets, quilts, throws and warm clothes donated, with new items tailored for each person. Singles and
- [Ongoing collaboration with Adelaide University](https://cofa.org.au/2018/08/15/ongoing-collaboration-with-adelaide-university/) - 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
- [2018 AGM Update](https://cofa.org.au/2018/09/18/2018-agm-update/) - Below is an excerpt of the Chairperson's Report for the 2018 Circle of Friends Australia AGM which illustrates the range of work being done by our circles. This year the committee has been busy following through on many projects started in previous years. Partnership with Adelaide University In 2017 we began working with Adelaide University
- [Circle 1: Sharing what we have](https://cofa.org.au/2018/09/30/circle-1-sharing-what-we-have/) - Currently Circle 1 is lending a hand to a family of 7 who fled from the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2010. The father arrived in Australia in 2011 and received a permanent Visa. In the years since he has sponsored his wife (now 70) and each of his children with the last 3 arriving in
- [Safe Harbour Project: End offshore dentention](https://cofa.org.au/2018/12/13/safe-harbour-project-end-offshore-dentention/) - Safe Harbour A small group of Adelaide-based activists have devised a project aimed at persuading the government (whether it be the current Coalition, or, after the next Federal election, the ALP) to close the Manus Island and Nauru concentration camps and finally, finally, begin to treat all refugees and asylum seekers in the “care” of
- [Launch of Safe Harbour Project](https://cofa.org.au/2018/12/16/launch-of-safe-harbour-project/) - The Safe Harbour Project was launched on Monday 10 December at the Mary McKillop Plaza adjacent St Francis Xavier Cathedral. Coinciding with International Human Rights Day. About 100 members of the public contributed to this first installation, each decorating a boat to symbolise their chosen message. The motif of a boat was chosen as a
- [Safe Harbor pop-up installation in Whitmore Square](https://cofa.org.au/2019/01/09/safe-harbor-pop-installation-in-whitmore-square/) - The Safe Habor project held a pop-up installation in Whitmore Square on Saturday. It was a busy day for the organisers with public engagement from the moment they set up. It was heartening to meet people who had came from Goolwa, Port Willunga and the Hills as well as from suburbs all around Adelaide. People
- [Safe Harbour InfoBites](https://cofa.org.au/2019/01/28/safe-harbour-infobites/) - With all the secrecy surrounding the plight of refugees and asylum seekers detained on Manus Island and Nauru it is difficult to know what is happening. So its great to have a resource like The Safe Harbour InfoBites to refer to. It provides snapshots of information regarding people seeking asylum, refugees and offshore processing of
- [Ride the Wave](https://cofa.org.au/2017/08/15/ride-the-wave/) - This is absolutely great news that Circle 111 has received, that in response their request to Surf Life Saving SA, a grant has been made by the State Government to SLSSA to provide water safety education to 150 refugee and asylum seeker individuals and families.
- [Creating a home with the help of a community](https://cofa.org.au/2019/07/29/creating-a-home-with-the-help-of-a-community/) - Zach was filled with hope on being granted a visa that allowed him to stay in Australia and to rebuild his life in safety. Then he found himself facing another life-threatening challenge of cancer. Surgery and post-operative treatments took their toll, so when an affordable unit came up he was in no shape to find
- [“Paul*” – An Update](https://cofa.org.au/2019/07/23/paul-an-update/) - A few moths ago we posted an appeal to support an Asylum Seeker who was without income (read full appeal here). As promised here is and update on his situation. There’s good news and not so good news. The initial decision was that Paul did have grounds to Appeal his rejection for a Protection Visa.
- [Appeal: Help Paul* remain in his home](https://cofa.org.au/2019/05/12/appeal-help-paul-remain-in-his-home/) - The Rapid Response for Refugees Circle (Circle 110) receives a number of referrals from specialised Refugee Support Agencies including STTARS (Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service), Australian Refugee Association (ARA) and the Red Cross for immediate practical assistance and comfort to people who are very vulnerable and in desperate need. We are
- [Urgent Appeal: Afghani Girls Volleyball is in need of funds to play](https://cofa.org.au/2019/04/29/urgent-appeal-afghani-girls-volleyball-is-in-need-of-funds-to-play/) - In order to participate in competition this year, the Afghani Girls Volleyball teams need your support. They have been up and running for some time, thanks to their dedicated coach, Rasoul Ahmady sourcing most of the necessary funds. However, this year, membership fees are still needed. We need to raise $2680 to enable 3 teams
- [A Short Burst of Joy](https://cofa.org.au/2019/04/27/a-short-burst-of-joy/) - Fifteen months ago this young women was sent to outer Adelaide from Nauru to give birth. She was sent without her husband and knew no one in Adelaide. A number of people from Circles of Friends, other support groups and their friends, have worked hard to ease this women’s journey into motherhood and settling into
- [Buy A Ribbon For Refugees Appeal](https://cofa.org.au/2020/06/26/buy-a-ribbon-for-refugees-appeal/) - June 24 to July 8 There are 2162 men, women and children Asylum Seekers in South Australia who are not eligible for any income support. Many of them have lost their jobs or had their income reduced as result of COVID -19 and are in a desperate situation. You can help by making a donation
- [Ongoing Struggle to Meet Basic Needs](https://cofa.org.au/2020/06/22/ongoing-struggle-to-meet-basic-needs/) - CIRCLE 110 update on activities in May 2020 During May, Circle 110 (Rapid Response for Refugees) has continued to focus on people in crisis referred by Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support Agencies. The latter have been inundated with calls from individuals and families facing homelessness, hunger and cold, who have no income or Government Benefits,
- [One family's story](https://cofa.org.au/2020/04/29/one-familys-story/) - Bill and Cara have 3 children, 2 born in Australia. The moved to Adelaide a few months ago on the promise of full-time work and a house. The reality was the work was initially part-time and now with COVID-19 even this has gone. They pay full market rent for the worst house in the street,
- [COVID-19 situation has left many Asylum Seekers and Refugees without any income or access to healthcare](https://cofa.org.au/2020/04/20/covid-19-situation-has-left-many-asylum-seekers-and-refugees-without-any-income-or-access-to-healthcare/) - With COVID 19, many asylum seekers on Bridging visas, like a lot of other people, have lost their jobs. Bridging visa holders are asylum seekers residing in Australia and waiting for the Government to process their claim for asylum. They are not eligible for either Centrelink or Medicare. Some have been here since 2012, which
- [Hunger During COVID-19](https://cofa.org.au/2020/04/22/hunger-during-covid-19/) - Last week the Rapid Response for Refugees Circle (Circle 110) was again reminded of the difficulties for refugees and asylum seekers with no income as a result of job losses and their ineligibility for Centrelink support. At 4.15pm on Thursday, as the sun’s light began to fade, we suddenly wondered what the family of four
- [If Everyone Helps Someone…..](https://cofa.org.au/2020/04/15/if-everyone-helps-someone/) - Rapid Response for Refugees Circle (Circle 110) Update, Easter 2020 It’s Been Busy! A massive thank you to everyone who has donated to Rapid Response for Refugees Circle (Circle 110), especially over the past few months. Regular or one-off donations and other Circles have kept our Circle afloat. A recent Bequest was perfectly timed as
- [Parenting SA Parent Easy Guide available in Dari and Uyghur](https://cofa.org.au/2020/04/09/parenting-sa-parent-easy-guide-available-in-dari-and-uyghur/) - Parenting SA has now released Dari and Uyghur translations of the new multicultural Parent Easy Guides. The Guides help orientate newly arrived families to parenting in Australia and provide information about support services in the community. They will also benefit families who have been here longer. You can now order as many copies as you
- [Great results from support for Afghani girls Volleyball team](https://cofa.org.au/2020/01/21/great-results-from-support-for-afghani-girls-volleyball-team/) - In April 2019, the Rapid Response for Refugees Circle (# 110) received an urgent appeal from the Central Ghan Volleyball Club. This club trains around 60 Afghani girls and boys to participate in the South Australian Volleyball League. They were asking for assistance to provide participation fees and uniform costs for the girls teams, without
- [Looking back on 2019 for the Rapid Response for Refugees Circle](https://cofa.org.au/2019/12/15/looking-back-on-2019-for-the-rapid-response-for-refugees-circle/) - Feedback at last for all of you who so generously support refugees and asylum-seekers, primarily in Adelaide and surrounds, through the Rapid Response Circle (110). Some good news "Paul’s” health continues to improve and he is able to stay in Australia for the short term at least (see here for our initial story on "Paul".
- [A Moment of Joy (continued)](https://cofa.org.au/2019/12/09/a-moment-of-joy-continued/) - (see here for previous installment of Mother and Daughter who spent a year in Australia, while the little girl's Father remained in offshore detention) As of the 9th of December 2019 this little girl continues to wait for her Father to come and fill those “Daddy shoes” by the door. She visits him weekly in
- [A moment of joy](https://cofa.org.au/2019/10/11/a-moment-of-joy/) - Big birthdays, like turning one, bring changes. We shared previously how the Rapid Response Circle (Circle 110) had organised a first birthday party for a baby, born to a refugee mother in outer Adelaide. For this child, the biggest change was meeting her Dad for the first time ever, after his arrival in Adelaide from
- [#toNZ Stage 3](https://cofa.org.au/2019/10/10/to-nz-stage-3/) - October 5 – October 21 Continue actions listed in previous post. ACTION 1 – Andrew Wilkie Legislation: REFUGEE PROTECTION BILL Andrew Wilkie is introducing his Refugee Protection Bill on Monday morning October 21. There is a copy of the Bill is on the Rural Australian's for Refugees (RAR) website. If you can be in the
- [#ToNZ – the next steps](https://cofa.org.au/2019/09/30/tonz-the-next-steps/) - By Monica O'Wheel - COFA Committee Chairperson Last night I attended Cathy McGowan's meeting on her national tour, asking us to support the campaign, with Rural Australians for Refugees, to get a resolution for the men who have been detained on Manus Island. It is about taking one campaign at a time. Like getting the
- [Successful Appeal: Help a widow attend her husband’s funeral](https://cofa.org.au/2019/04/02/appeal-help-a-widow-attend-her-husbands-funeral/) - With help from Hazara community members and other Donors, this appeal has been funded. Thank you all who contributed. In 2017 at the age of 43 an Hazara man from Afghanistan, living in rural South Australia, was diagnosed with late stage colorectal cancer which proved unresponsive to treatment. Early in 2018 clinicians were able to
- [From Bad to Dire](https://cofa.org.au/2019/03/13/from-bad-to-dire/) - At this moment, particularly in Adelaide metropolitan areas, many refugees and asylum-seekers in living in South Australia have no income and are unable to meet the basic costs of living – rent, power, water and even food. Several are families with young children transferred to Adelaide from Nauru in the past 6 months and
- [Many, many Thanks](https://cofa.org.au/2018/03/23/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
- [New Circles](https://cofa.org.au/2018/08/15/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
- [A Feast of Three Cultures](https://cofa.org.au/2016/05/10/a-feast-of-three-cultures/) - In February, Circle 7 at Blackwood, held a “Feast of Three Cultures” at the hall of Blackwood Uniting Church. The 110 people who attended were treated to scrumptious food from the Persian, Sri Lankan Tamil, and Eastern Mediterranean traditions, being countries and regions from which many of our refugees have come. Our primary objective was
- [The Law of Ten Fold Return](https://cofa.org.au/2017/07/15/the-law-of-ten-fold-return/) - There are ancient writings in many cultures about giving. One suggests that if you cast your bread on the waters it will return to you many days later. Another suggests that whatever you give in love will come back to you ten times over. Some years ago, people from far western areas of what is
- [Tutoring assistance for refugee students](https://cofa.org.au/2017/10/01/tutoring-assistance-for-refugee-students/) - If you know of any refugee students who could be helped with tutoring in their studies, do contact COFA by phone (0407 532 116) or email and register for this assistance. All the teaching students are undertaking studies in a major field, whether, Science, Maths, Arts, Music, or Physical Education, etc so they can be
- [Scholarships aimed at supporting tertiary education leads to Centrelink Student Allowances being stopped](https://cofa.org.au/2017/10/05/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
- [Collaboration with Adelaide University](https://cofa.org.au/2018/06/23/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

## Pages

- [Home](https://cofa.org.au/) - Supporting asylum seekers and refugees in the community and in detention. • Creating a welcoming community that responds in compassion and generosity to all who seek safety and a new life amongst us.
- [Our Circles](https://cofa.org.au/circles/) - Circle of Friends consists of a number of circles that work in various ways to support people seeking asylum and refugees.
- [Emergency Response Circle](https://cofa.org.au/circles/circle-110/) - The Emergency Response Circle (110) (formerly Rapid Response Circle) is essentially a Circle “of last resort” to help with emergency living expenses and settlement needs. Most referrals come from agencies which have exhausted all other options including Red Cross, Australian Refugee Association (ARA), Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service (STTARS) and Settlement
- [MCCSA Jobs Cafe](https://cofa.org.au/circles/mccsa-jobs-cafe/) - MCCSA Jobs Café (Circle 92) supports the job seeker’s own efforts to identify possible roles, and then uses their own networks to add possible opportunities.
- [Forgotten Refugees Support Circle](https://cofa.org.au/circles/forgotten-refugees-support-circle/) - The Forgotten Refugees Support Circle (Circle 139) is a group of Brisbane volunteers (plus valued supporters from interstate) working to house, feed, and care for otherwise destitute refugees trapped in Indonesia. This cohort are without allowances, work rights, access to healthcare or timely long-term resettlement options. We also plan to resettle skilled work ready refugees
- [Resources](https://cofa.org.au/links/) - Refugee Support Booklet Compiled by Circle of Friends Australia, this booklet contains resources to support asylum seekers and refugees living in South Australia. Connect 4 Children Connecting refugee families. Share a cuppa while children play in safe space. Tuesdays 11-12:30pm at Hopes Cafe (corner Portrush Rd & Norwood Parade) For more information email Alex or
- [About Us](https://cofa.org.au/about-us/) - Circle of Friends Australia consists of local community groups which support asylum seekers and refugees living in the community, or visit those in detention.
- [Annual Reports](https://cofa.org.au/annual-reports/) - 2023-2024 Financial Year: Circles of Friends has been busy, as always, over this past year with four new circles set up and one reactivated.
- [Wayville](https://cofa.org.au/circles/circle-111/) - ​The Wayville Circle (Circle 111) had its origins in 2012 with the opening of the Inverbrackie Detention Centre. It was established by a number of members from Christchurch Uniting, Wayville who were visiting asylum seekers in the detention centre. Following the closure of Inverbrackie in 2014 other people, who had been involved in supporting those
- [Afghan Arrivals (Circle 127)](https://cofa.org.au/circles/afghan-emergency-circle-127/) - The Afghan Emergency Circle was formed in August 2021 following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul and subsequent resettlement of 3000 Afghanis in Australia.
- [Community Support Program - a how to guide](https://cofa.org.au/links/community-support-program-a-how-to-guide/) - As of 2026: Please note that the Federal Community Support Program is currenlty not taking any new applications. For more information see the Federal Site. By Mij Tanith (for Circle 108) At the beginning of 2023, a group of us took on the task of bringing an Afghan family to Australia. As the mother has
- [Empowerment Network (Circle 132)](https://cofa.org.au/circles/empowerment-network-circle-132/) - The Empowerment Network Circle (132) has been set up to support the education of girls in Afghanistan.
- [Policies](https://cofa.org.au/policies/) - Circle of Friends Australia (COFA) is committed to promoting and protecting the interests and safety of children and vulnerable people.
- [Pilgrim Circle of Friends](https://cofa.org.au/circles/pilgrim-circle-of-friends/) - Pilgrim Circle of Friends started in 2002 to support asylum seekers detained at Baxter Detention Centre. Members visited detainees regularly and gave support in a variety of ways. In the years since Baxter was closed we have assisted several families in Adelaide and members developed on-going friendships with a refugee family who needed support in
- [Family MF](https://cofa.org.au/circles/family-mf/) - The Family MF Circle (Circle 129) supports a refugee family, now permanent residents, who were reunited in November 2024. The father arrived at Christmas Island in 2012 and it has taken 12 years to bring his wife and 4 children to Adelaide thanks to pro bono legal work and to donors and assistance from other Circles.
- [Lesley's Circle](https://cofa.org.au/circles/lesleys-circle/) - Lesley's Circle (Circle 113) was originally called "Suzanne's Circle" thanks to donations from the Suzanne Elliott Charitable Trust from 2018 to 2020. For over 20 years Lesley has actively assisted asylum seekers and refugees living in South Australia, both as an independent advocate & friend. She is also a past member of Hills Circle of
- [Nathan's Circle](https://cofa.org.au/circles/nathans-circle/) - Nathan's Circle offers a variety of social programs and activities and coordinates fundraising events aimed at supporting refugees in South Australia.
- [Loui’s Circle of Friends](https://cofa.org.au/circles/louis-circle-of-friends/) - Providing long-term support to a Syrian family, homeless in Türkiye
- [Gaza Support](https://cofa.org.au/circles/gaza-support/) - The Gaza Support Circle (Circle 135) was created by Laila Sulaiman to help her family who have fled war in Gaza to seek safety and protection in Australia
- [Palestine at Magill](https://cofa.org.au/circles/palestine-at-magill/) - Palestine at Magill (Circle 133) was started by Mohammed Sulaiman to support the visa application process to bring his family members who are trapped in Gaza to safety in Australia.
- [Willunga](https://cofa.org.au/circles/willunga-circle-of-friends/) - The Willunga Circle of Friends (Circle 11) is a non political, non religious group of individuals, affiliated with Circle of Friends Australia. We support refugees and asylum seekers in our local community. We do this through: Establishing and maintaining friendships with refugees and people who have arrived in Australia seeking asylum Advocating : through attending
- [Donate](https://cofa.org.au/donate/) - Ways to Donate: Donate online via secure GiveNow Page To make a direct deposit into our bank account contact us for bank details. Download our donation form, fill in and return to us via post or email. Circle of Friends assists refugees and asylum seekers with their daily living expenses when hard times hit: like
- [Contact Us](https://cofa.org.au/contact-us/) - To get involved or if you want more information on what we do or how you can help, use the form below to contact us. We will get back to you as soon as possible
- [SOS for Asylum seekers](https://cofa.org.au/circles/circle-121/) - SOS for Asylum seekers (Circle 121) helps asylum seekers in SA living with no income due to being deemed ineligible by the Federal Department of Home Affairs for any form of social security and who have not been able to find work, or sufficient work to make ends meet, a situation exacerbated by Covid. Many
- [Refugee Owned Businesses](https://cofa.org.au/links/refugee-owned-businesses/) - Support Refugees through their businesses. Beautician Diamond of Nails and Beauty in Shop 28, Regent Arcade, 101 Rundle Mall, Adelaide. Open Mon-Sat. Offers manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions and waxing. Specials include: “Bundle and Save” offers of $25 acrylic nails full set for students and a Tuesday offer for Seniors of a manicure and pedicure for
- [St Ignatius Refugee Education Circle](https://cofa.org.au/circles/st-ignatius-refugee-education-circle/) - The St Ignatius Refugee Education Circle (Circle 106) was established in early 2002 and has operated continuously since then. The members focus on helping refugees and asylum seekers gain educational qualifications to enable them to lead dignified lives and to join the Australian workforce in jobs that allow them to support their families appropriately. The
- [Blackwood - Hills Circle](https://cofa.org.au/circles/blackwood-circle/) - Blackwood-Hills Circle of Friends (Circle 7) meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30 -9pm in a room at the back of Blackwood Uniting Church at the roundabout in Blackwood. Email Jenny Lewis for more information or see their facebook page.
- [Broadview](https://cofa.org.au/circles/broadview/) - Broadview Circle of Friends (Circle 122) was opened in 2020 by Rachel Lafain and her supporters in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This Circle originally coordinated a short term food and essentials distribution project for people on bridging and temporary visas who had lost work due to COVID-19. This work was supported by several University
- [Circle of Hope](https://cofa.org.au/circles/circle-of-hope/) - Circle of Hope (Circle 114) works closely with Hopes Café and other programmes at the Clayton Wesley Church on the Norwood Parade to provide a wide range of financial and social support to asylum seekers. Circle of Hope has funded a successful Federal Court appeal, paid rent for asylum seekers not eligible for income support and
- [Family Reunion](https://cofa.org.au/circles/circle-115/) - The Family Reunion Circle (Circle 115) raises funds to provide gifts or interest-free loans to asylum seekers and refugees who are struggling to pay the costs associated with Protection Visas and Family Reunion visas.These applications are often difficult processes that involve a number of expenses such as visa application fees, DNA tests, medical examinations and

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## Categories

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## Tags

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- [refugees](https://cofa.org.au/tag/refugees/)
- [family](https://cofa.org.au/tag/family/)
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