DO YOU STAND FOR A HUMANE REFUGEE POLICY?
THEN WE NEED YOUR HELP MORE THAN EVER.
Dear Friend,
I’m just writing a short reminder to encourage you, if you are able, to support the Refugee Council of Australia in the lead up to the end of the financial year.
You will have received our note recently that explained the impact of the government cutting our funding and emphasising our resolve to keep the voices of refugees and asylum seekers and the principles of humanity, dignity and compassion in this debate
Last week was Refugee Week and, I must say, the hundreds of events being held around Australia, in every state and territory, provide a stark contrast to the toxic nature of our politics. The Refugee Council has promoted Australia’s celebration of Refugee Week since 1986. Today, positive illustrations of how our Australian community welcomes and supports refugees is needed more than ever.
There are simulated refugee camps, art exhibitions, music nights, welcome dinners, even entire festivals have been organised to show that, despite what our politicians may say, Australians are compassionate and caring about refugees and asylum seekers.
Crucially, refugees and asylum seekers are actively involved in so many of these events. The Refugee Council of Australia has an important role to play in bringing the voice of refugee and asylum seekers forward. Just two weeks ago in Melbourne, we organised the Refugee Community Action Network Conference, bringing together refugees and asylum seekers from around the state to share their stories, hear of their struggles and bring them in front of decision makers to make the case for change. It was one of the most exciting and inspiring events in my nine years here. It showed me that change is possible and that refugees and asylum seekers, if given the tools, can be the architects of that change.
It’s just the first meeting in one state but we want to do this in each and every state to form a national network of engaged and empowered refugees to change the terrible state we find ourselves in.
We, of course, need your help to do this and to strengthen the great policy and analysis we already do. Of course, we also need to keep the government to account and shine a light on bad policy outcomes.
If you are able, please support us with a tax-deductible donation. At the moment it really does make a very important difference.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Power
Chief Executive Officer
The most effective way you can support us is to become a monthly supporter, helping us to replace the regular income the Government has stripped away.
In doing so, you are raising the Australian voice of compassion and justice in the face of brutality. Every cent of your tax deductible donation will help us to continue to raise a voice for refugees.
Suite 4A6, 410 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Phone: +61 (02) 9211 9333. Mobile: 0431 147 366 Fax: (02) 9211 9288
An independent national network of more than 200 organisational members and thousands of individual supporters, the Refugee Council of Australia promotes fair treatment of people fleeing persecution and celebrates the contributions of Australians who have been refugees. Our work is funded by people who share our vision. To support us, visit http://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/get-involved/make-a-donation/
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