Supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the Greater Brisbane ...

Supporting refugees and asylum seekersin the Greater Brisbane regionWalkingTogether

Supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the Greater Brisbane regionIntroductionAustralia is an amazingly culturally diverse country. Since World War II over 7 million people have migratedhere, with 775,000 of those being refugees and other humanitarian entrants from all over the world. The2011 Census showed that here in Queensland:sss26.3 % of Queenslanders were born overseas.12.2% had one parent born overseas and 26.3% had parents who were both born overseas.11.9% of Queenslanders live in homes where two or more languages are spoken.When people first arrive in Australia they need to learn a range of new information and skills related toliving in this country. They also have to develop new relationships and connections. This is particularly sofor refugees and asylum seekers - who have been forced to flee their homelands to avoid persecution - andneed support to successfully establish a new life in our community.Whether as a neighbour, friend or volunteer (or all three!) you can play a significant role in welcomingand helping refugees and asylum seekers with their settlement in this country, simply by providingcompanionship, assistance and support.This resource is meant to provide a starting point for people who wish to become more involved or may bealready involved in some local activity and wish to know what else might be out there they could link into.Australia in the global picturesssBy the end of 2011, the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide stood at 42.5 million. Of these,15.2 million were refugees. The overall figure also included 895,000 asylum-seekers and 26.4 millioninternally displaced persons (IDPs).Between 2007 and 2011, Australia received just 2% of asylum seekers across 44 industrialized countries(including the EU, US and Canada). This ranked Australia at 19th in terms of numbers per population,and 16th in terms of GDP per capita. As a proportion of the latter measure - France, US, Germany,Turkey, UK, Sweden and Canada received between at three and six times as many applications forasylum.Of the 35.4 million total population of concern in 2011 (refugees, asylum seekers, IDPs and statelesspeople) just 28,676 were seeking protection in Australia, including 5,242 asylum seekers that had casespending.Walking TogetherPage 3

Supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the Greater Brisbane regionGetting involvedDo you, your organisation, family, school or Church community want to engage more deeply withwelcoming refugees and asylum seekers in your community but are not sure where to begin? There are avariety of opportunities listed in the following pages for individuals and groups looking for opportunities tovolunteer or provide support to an existing structured program or agency.These include a range of roles such as offering social support and friendship to families; assisting withEnglish literacy and numeracy or tutoring; visiting people being detained in the Brisbane ImmigrationTransit Accommodation (BITA); helping to run recreational activities; becoming involved in advocacy oreven hosting a party to say “Welcome to Australia.”If you are a part of an existing group or organisation you can also consider creating other opportunitiesor ways that you could “walk together” with refugees and asylum seekers in your community. You coulddo this through approaching a cultural community group, talking to a local settlement service provider orconnecting with your church or faith based agency to find out what the needs might be in your community.Start an English conversation coffee group, invite people to join in your sporting or recreational events,arrange pooled transport to free family activities, or offer your facilities for community use - thepossibilities are endless.Host an asylum seeker in yourhomeThe Community Placement Network(CPN) is an initiative of the AustralianHomestay Network (which accommodatesinternational students). Anyone in thecommunity can now apply to becomehosts and offer short-term homestayaccommodation to eligible asylum seekersleaving immigration detention on abridging visa. Hosts receive training,support services and cost reimbursementthrough the guest paying board.The CPN is a terrific development in anarea of great need. The program has beenan enormous success since its launchin May 2012. If you are interested inbecoming a host, or for more informationsee: www.homestaynetwork.org/cpnPage 4Walking Together

Supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the Greater Brisbane region“We just had a wonderful first weekend with our two guests from Burma. Already I think we have learned just asmuch from them as they have from us. We've enjoyed shared meal times, a trip to the market and lots of englishpractice. This cold rainy weather has meant lots of time at home indoors, but it's been a great chance for us to get toknow them and them us. They are so polite and clean and show great respect for us and our home. It has already beenan extremely rewarding, as we feel our lives are richer for having them with us. The situation that some of their friendsand family are still facing in their home country is very saddening, so to be a part of their journey is very humbling.Their beautiful smiles have bought new light into our house, and I think its safe to say we are all happy to share thisopportunity together.” Happy days, Brisbane“...They are becoming more independent and proactively increasing their local knowledge every day. Home life isstill fun, interactive and engaging. We are almost always practicing english in one way or another. There are post itnotes up, bundles of flash cards, notebooks, newspapers, dictionaries and thesaurus' everywhere (all neatly stackedwhen not in use of course!). They cook their own meals everyday (the best curries you have ever eaten!!), do theirown laundry, and always clean up after themselves. I think we trust and respect each other and we have opened morethan just our homes to these guys, we've opened our hearts and minds and this is an experience that we'll alwaysremember...” Happy Days 2, BrisbaneLawyers and Barristers are urgently needed!Are you a lawyer or barrister? Do you know someone who is legally qualified? There is a great need in thegreater Brisbane region for pro-bono legal support for asylum seekers and refugees.In particular there are asylum seekers in the Brisbane region who are going through the process of claimingrefugee status and are being forced to look interstate for representation, or in some cases are puttingforward appeals or appearing in court unrepresented, making their chances of success very low.If you are able to offer some pro-bono support, please contact the Principal Legal Officer at RAILS.Alternatively you can contact QPILCH through your firm or the MAS on the Gold Coast.OrganisationRefugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS)Provides free legal assistance in immigration and refugeecases to people in need.Queensland Public Interest Legal Clearing House(QPILCH)Coordinates the provision of pro bono legal services forindividuals and community groups.St Vincent de Paul - Migration Advice Service (MAS)A free visa advice service is now offered to residents in theGold Coast and Logan areasContact detailsLevel 1, 170 Boundary Street, West EndE: admin@rails.org.auW: www.rails.org.auP: (07) 3846 6317W: www.qpilch.org.auSolicitors or Migration Agents on the Gold Coast can alsocontact St Vincent de Paul:W: www.vinnies.org.au/migration-advice-service-qldWalking TogetherPage 5

Supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the Greater Brisbane regionVolunteer and other opportunitiesOrganisation Contact details Description of volunteer opportunitiesMulticultural DevelopmentVolunteer Coordinator Volunteers extend the role of MDA staff byAssociation (MDA)E: vco@mdabne.org.au providing companionship, assistance andSettles newly arrived refugees, asylumsupport. The aim of the program is to offer aP: (07) 3337 5428seekers and migrants in Brisbane,warm welcome to refugees, asylum seekers andF: (07) 3337 5444Rockhampton and Toowoomba.migrants and help them settle into their homesW: www.mdainc.org.au and community. It includes:It is one of the leading settlementagencies in Queensland providings One off events and festivalssupport to refugees and migrants(eg lantern parade, community festival)through community development,s Activities, eg cricket, fishingadvocacy and a range of client services.s Walking with people – family matchprogramOur family match volunteers are the culturalbridge for refugees in understanding theirnew home. Volunteers meet with a family andsupport neighbourhood and home orientation,English tuition, and cultural understanding ofgeneral life in Australia. Volunteers must be ableto commit to an hour or two a week for a periodof six months and be willing to work within theMDA family match guidelinesVolunteering usually requires a one-daytraining program, a ‘working with childrencheck’ (Blue Card), the names and contactdetails of two referees, and being able tovolunteer a few hours per week or fortnight fora minimum of 6 months.Red Cross - QueenslandThe Migration Support Programs(MSP) provide effective andresponsive services to people who arevulnerable as a result of migration,such as those separated by war anddisaster, refugees, asylum seekers andimmigration detainees.Programs in MSP include, Tracing& Restoration of Family Links,Immigration Detention Program,Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme,Community Detention, CommunityAssistance Support, & Support forTrafficked People.Volunteer Coordinator for theMigration Support ProgramsE: qld_msp_volunteer@redcross.org.auP: (07) 3367 7200PD: www.redcross.org.au/migration-support-programvolunteer.aspxA: 49 Park Road, Milton, QLD4064W: www.redcross.org.auRed Cross are keen to hear from you if youare interested in volunteering on their manyprojects with a current focus on assisting CaseWorkers in the Community Detention Program.s Brisbane and surrounding areass Ongoing with a minimum of a 6 monthcommitment·s Available during business hours Mon -Fri,for one day per weeks Fluency in Arabic, Farsi or Tamil languagesis valuables People who are available for early morningtransfers at the airportApplicants who currently possess a currentBlue Card (Working with Children) check aredesirable.Page 6Walking Together

Supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the Greater Brisbane regionMercy Family ServicesCarries out a Multicultural Programthat provides settlement assistance,casework support and communitydevelopment initiatives for refugeesand migrant families in the Brisbane/Logan area. MFS MulticulturalProgram includes UnaccompaniedHumanitarian Minors (UHM) andCommunity Detention (Familiesand Minors) programs as well asSettlement Grants and Volunteerprograms based at the RomeroCentre.The Romero CentreWelcomes and supports asylumseekers and refugees, in particularformer detainees (“boat people”) andtheir families. The centre organisesactivities for refugees and asylumseekers, acts as an advocacy centrefor refugees, and aims to educatethe community about the refugeeexperience.Volunteer coordinator,Romero CentreE: volunteer@romerocentre.org.auP: (07) 3013 0100See the website forapplication forms.A: The Romero Centre, 20Dutton Street, Dutton ParkQLD 4102PO Box 6115, Buranda Q 4102W: www.romerocentre.org.auW: www.mercyfamilyservices.org.auVolunteers are at the core of Romero Centre.They work across our programs and activities,providing valuable practical and social supportin all areas of settlement and communitydevelopment.Volunteers work on a range of activitiesand projects including: English languageclasses; men’s and women’s social groups;child minding; community festivals andevent organisation; school holiday programs;migration advice support; filling forms; hometutoring; transport and appointment assistance;and visiting the Brisbane Immigration andTransit Accommodation (detention centre)at Pinkenba. There are also opportunitiesto become involved in MFS’ UHM andCommunity Detention Programs in the areasof casework and settlement support, hometutoring or mentoring for young people.Volunteering requirements include:s A current Working with Children Blue Card.s Fluency in Hazaragi, Persian or Tamil isdesirable.s Depending on positions available,volunteering can be carried out on a weekly,fortnightly, on-call, or one-off basis.Please contact the volunteer coordinator todiscuss current available roles.Uniting Care CommunityScattered People ChoirThis group of musicians has beenworking for many years with peoplenew to Australia, sharing enjoymentof music and songs from differentcultures. They regularly visit theBITA (Brisbane Immigration TransitAccommodation) detention centre.Brian Procopis, CommunityDevelopment ProgramsCoordinator (Scattered PeopleChoir)E: brian.procopis@uccommunity.org.auP: 07 33624 2403The Scattered People provides a “safe spaceusing music to allow humanities to intermingle,to soften traumas, to create solidarity and tonurture hopes”. It is comprised of asylumseekers, refugees and kindred spirited locals. Ifyou are open-hearted, have a sense of justice,can sing or play an instrument and want to bea part of this, please call Brian. The ScatteredPeople take their music to the BITA DetentionCentre each week.Walking TogetherPage 7CSC1141

Supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the Greater Brisbane regionSt Vincent de Paul Society -QueenslandOffers a number of services formigrants and refugees throughoutQueensland, including:s Advocacy, migration advices Conference assistances Family reunifications Emergency housings Employment trainings English tutoring through VoRTCSVoRTCS Program CoordinatorE: tutoring.vortcs@svdpqld.org.auE: info.vortcs@svdpqld.org.auP: 07 3010 1083W: www.refugeetutoring.orgGeneral queriesW: www.vinnies.org.au/home-qldOne of the key ways to support St Vincentswork with refugees is to support the VolunteerRefugee Tutoring and community Support(VoRTCS) program.Volunteer Refugee Tutoring andCommunity SupportBuilding Learning CommunitiesVoRTCS have also been involved inthis new initiative to create a networkof homework clubs and learningsupport resources.The VoRTCS program aims to assist refugeefamilies take up the opportunities that exist inAustralian society. A major part of the VoRTCSProgram is the Refugee Tutoring program,which provides free in-home English languageand community support. VoRTCS sends pairsof volunteer tutors out to the homes of refugeefamilies. VoRTCS is based in South Brisbane andoperates over a large area of SE Qld, includingBrisbane, Logan & Ipswich.Building Learning Communities has establishedan extensive list of existing homework clubs,information about best practice and how toget involved. For further information contactVoRTCS.Page 8Walking Together

Supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the Greater Brisbane regionAccess Community Services IncACCESS Services provides settlementservices to newly arrived migrants andrefugees to Australia.Access operates in the South EastQueensland Region.P: 07 3412 8222A: 92 Wembley Rd, LoganCentre, QLDW: www.accesscommunity.com.auAccess has an active volunteer program. Formore information contact Access.Community Placement Network(CPN)An initiative of the AustralianHomestay Network (AHN)CPN offers short-term, homestayaccommodation to eligible asylumseekers leaving immigration detention.Alongside CPN, the Australian RedCross provides complex case worksupport, a basic living allowance,support in accessing accommodationoptions, access to general healthcareand referrals to services such as socialsupport and education.W: www.homestaynetwork.org/cpnP: 1300 “MY STAY”( 1300 697 829 or+61 2 8905 0321)Opportunities exist for friendly individuals orfamilies to volunteer as Community PlacementNetwork hosts for asylum seekers, in asupported, paid boarding arrangement, for upto six weeks. CPN supports hosts with a rangeof services:s Full trainings 24/7 CPN homestay support phone line (forhost and guests)s Online information and communicationportals Secure administration support (paymentsand receipting)s Reimbursement to hosts to help contributeto anticipated expensess Appropriate and compulsory insurancecover (for hosts and guests)s Assistance with guest management.It is an interesting and rewarding experiencewhere hosts can help asylum seekers learnsome basic living skills in Australian society andsettle into the community.Amnesty International –Qld / Nthn NSWThe Refugee and Asylum Networkaims at raising awareness about, andencouraging advocacy, for asylumseekers and refugees' rights in ourcommunity.Qld & Nthn NSW AmnestyInternationalE: qldrefugeenetwork@amnesty.org.auP: 07 3136 6404A: Level 1, 354 BrunswickStreet, Fortitude Valley,BrisbaneW: www.amnesty.org.au/qldAmnesty undertakes advocacy and campaignbased work. It has an established Refugee andAsylum Network, runs events and training.Change the conversation training helps you tounderstand the facts about asylum seekersin Australia, learn how to handle people'sobjections and feel comfortable and confidentto discuss this issue with friends, family andcolleagues. Join the network, sign up for emailsor attend an event or training session.Walking TogetherPage 9

Supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the Greater Brisbane regionRefugee Action CollectiveRAC in Brisbane is a broad group ofconcerned people from all walks of lifededicated to fighting for the rights ofrefugees and asylum seekers, and forthe reform of Australia’’s immigrationpolicies.Paul McKinnonE: paul@rac-qld.orgA: PO Box 5829, West End,Qld 4101P: 07 3392 3843W: www.rac-qld.orgThe RAC in Brisbane engages in a variety ofactivities as a part of it's campaigning, such asholding stalls, writing media articles, organisingpublic meetings and film nights, trade unionlobbying, community liaison, and many otheractivities. RAC activists and volunteers choosewhich activities they would like to be involvedin, in light of their particular skills, availabilityand interests.Brisbane Actionweb for RefugeeCollaboration (BARC)BARC is a community web siteregularly updated by a team ofvolunteers. It brings people together bysharing information to help refugees inBrisbane. It helps you promote events,seek help, share resources, learn moreand volunteer and much more!E: info@barc.org.auW: www.barc.org.auAs a volunteer, you would be part of an activeteam receiving information from individualsand community groups and updating theinformation to the web site. This can be donefrom home if you have your own computer.There is no need to have advanced computerskills. If you send emails, you can be a BARCvolunteer. There are also plenty of ways to beinvolved in updating and improving BARC, soif you have more advanced computer skills, youcan also be involved.Welcome to AustraliaEngages everyday Australians in thetask of cultivating a culture of welcomein our nation. The Australia we love isknown for its diversity, compassion,generosity and commitment to givingall people a fair go.E: welcome@welcometoaustralia.org.auResources and further infoonline:W: www.welcometoaustralia.org.auW2A would like to help you say a big ‘Welcometo Australia’ to asylum seekers, refugees, newarrivals and other migrants. One way you cando this is to host a ‘Welcome Party’ in yourhome, street, office, sporting club or othercommunity group to very publicly celebratethe beauty and depth that diversity adds to ournation. There’s also many other ways you canpersonally get involved in offering practical actsof welcome to new Australians.*We note that the list above is not be exhaustive and invite people and agencies to supply information or ideas for any futureeditions of this publication or updates onlineOther agenciesLife Without BarriersLife Without Barrier's provides physical and emotional support tounaccompanied minors, aged 12-18 years old, whose application for anAustralian visa is being processed and to those who have been grantedresidency.They operate predominantly on the South side of Brisbane.UnitingCare CommunityRefugee Claimants SupportRefugee Claimants Support provides services including a drop incentre, English tuition, emotional support, information and referral,some limited material support, computer skills, and assistance withaccommodation, food, employment and health care.Support for Refugees and Asylum SeekersProgramA: Unit 4/9 Station Road, Logan CentralP: 07 3208 1311E: sras.qld.admin@lwb.org.auE: yukari.inoue@uccommunity.org.auW: www.uccommunity.org.auPage 10Walking Together

Supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the Greater Brisbane regionImportant terms to understandA migrant is... someone who chooses to leave their country to seek a better life. They choose where theymigrate to and they are able to return whenever they like.A refugee is... any person who owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race,religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is forced outside theircountry of nationality and is unable to seek its protection.An asylum seeker is... a person who is seeking protection as a refugee and is still waiting to have his/herclaim assessed. Between 70–90% of asylum seekers who have reached Australia by boat are typically foundto be genuine refugees.An illegal migrant is someone who is residing in a country without legal permission. In Australia, mostillegal immigrants have entered the country legally (usually by plane) but have then overstayed theirvisas. The majority of these are from Western countries.Asylum seekers are not illegal migrants, nor are they breaking any laws. Under Australian law a personis entitled to apply for asylum in our country if they are escaping persecution. This right is protected byinternational law as set out in Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:“Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution”.Further resources:Refugee Council of Australia:www.refugeecouncil.org.auUN High Commissionerfor Refugees:www.unhcr.org.au/unhcrDepartment of Immigration andCitizenship:www.immi.gov.au/ContactThis publication is an initiative of the Brisbane Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support (BRASS) network, anewly formed network looking to collaborate and share information across the sector. All are welcome tojoin or become involved.For more information on BRASS, this publication or for a contact within your local church:Peter ArndtExecutive Officer Catholic Justice &Peace Commission of Brisbanearndtp@bne.catholic.net.auSocial Justice teamAnglicare Southern Queenslandsocialjustice@anglicaresq.org.auResearch Officer,Uniting CommunicationsUniting Church in Australia(Queensland Synod)research.officer@ucaqld.com.auWalking TogetherPage 11