BRIGIDINE ASYLUM SEEKERS PROJECT INFORMATION & DISCUSSION SESSIONS
Port Phillip mayor, Darren Ray, is urging local residents to take
advantage of the four information and discussions sessions being offered
by the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project in Albert Park from October 7 -10.
Topics scheduled for discussion include detention centre, mandatory
detention, the political realities at work, some of the myths
surrounding the issue and the 'Pacific Solution'. The motto for the
project is the biblical quotation, "I was a stranger and you made me
welcome."
Cr Ray congratulated the Brigidine sisters on their amazing work with
refugees.
"The Brigidine sisters offer shelter to asylum seekers. They visit
asylum seekers in the Maribyrnong detention centre and organise others
who want to do likewise. Through campaigns and information sessions,
they fight for the rights of asylum seekers.
"The City of Port Phillip shares their concerns which is one reason why,
in June, we joined with other local governments in declaring this
municipality a 'refugee welcome zone'. The initiative is being promoted
by the Refugee Council of Australia. We have also adopted a policy on
asylum seekers.
"There has been a long and proud history of refugee settlement in Port
Phillip, especially since World War 11. Thousands of refugees from
war-torn Europe landed at Station Pier and settled locally. This was
part of the impetus behind the Tampa Tribute in May. In the Middle East,
Jews and Muslims are at loggerheads but here in Australia, and most
especially this community, the Jewish community has been most vociferous
in speaking up for the rights of refugees, many of whom are Muslim. They
know what it is like to be a stranger in a strange land, or in a strange
sea.
"At the moment, unlike our counterparts in Moreland, Darebin and
Dandenong, the City of Port Phillip is not directly involved in settling
people on temporary protection visas. Some have joined our community
thanks to amazing efforts of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Projects and
four currently live in a house on Beaconsfield Parade. Other refugees
live in Office of Housing accommodation in places like Park Towers in
South Melbourne," he said.
The information and discussion sessions are at 52 Beaconsfield Parade,
Albert Park (enter from Foote Street):
* 1-3pm, Monday October 7
* 7.30 - 9.30pm, Monday October 7
* 7.30 - 9.30pm, Wednesday October 9
* 1-3pm, Monday October 10
Book by ringing 9696 2107 or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Enquiries: After hours
Carmel Shute Darren Ray
Council Media Officer Mayor
Tel: 9209 6163 Fax: 9525 4640 Tel: 9527 5364 (h)
Mobile: 0412 569 356 Mobile: 0413 334 523
Council webpage: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au
Carmel Shute
Council Media Officer
City of Port Phillip
Ph: 03 9209 6163
Fax: 03 9525 4640
Mob: 0412 569 356
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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