Rural Australians for Refugees Bendigo Branch reports that the two Hazara Afghani refugee families sponsored by their CRISP (Community Refugee Integration Support Pilot) Team are now busy settling into their new lives in Bendigo. Their CRISP Team is now preparing for a third family who is waiting in Iran, a Hazara widow and her two teenage sons who are expected to arrive in Australia in a month or so.
RAR Bendigo reports in its newsletter that “The whole team agreed this is exactly the type of vulnerable family we wished to help. The mother was hoping to find a home in a welcoming Australian town that also has a Hazara community. A great fit!”
However, with the tight rental market, finding a place for the Hazara widow and her sons to live has proven difficult. CRISP and RAR support the first four months of their sponsored families’ rent but, after that, they are expected to manage for themselves. So, although RAR acts as guarantor for the rent, it is still very difficult to secure a lease. RAR Bendigo would therefore greatly appreciate anyone with information or ideas about an appropriate rental.
Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
If you would like to assist the Hazara families in Bendigo, you can donate directly to the RAR CRISP Campaign.
Account name: Rural Australians for Refugees
BSB: 633-000
Account No: 117 607 580
Bank Reference: CRISP <Your name, optional>
TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND SEND A SIGNAL TO THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT:
When you join the Palm Sunday Gathering, or the other 'Show of Hands' activities, you're not only showing solidarity with refugees and advocating for a fairer deal, you're also showing your support for the many groups of Australians who work tirelessly to assist refugees in Australia practically and financially, and those who advocate for a fairer system.
There are people in Australia seeking political protection, who have no permit to work and very little welfare support who would be destitute if not for the many groups in Australia who assist them. Even those with refugee status who have a permit to work might not be able to find work, or find work which provides the financial means to sustain their families. Theses refugees have already suffered and their suffering continues in Australia, this in turn leads to stress for those assisting them. As stated by Catholic Social Services Victoria recently, "We know from the work of RAR members the incredible distress that is being held in our communities and valiant efforts, often by small groups, parishes, congregations, inpiduals and organisations, to assist. We stand in solidarity with those efforts — this is one of the reasons why we are actively promoting participation in the Palm Sunday Walk for Justice for Refugees."
Palm Sunday Gathering and Picnic.
To put your hand up to show support for a fairer go for refugees, join RAR and Bendigo Churches at the Palm Sunday Gathering and Picnic.
12.30 – 2.00 p.m. 2 April at the Bendigo Library Gardens.
Bishop Shane will be the guest speaker and there will be activities for children and please, many are bringing a picnic lunch, you might like to do so too.
You are welcome to join the walk to the gardens, leaving St Kilian’s Bendigo, or Sacred Heart Cathedral at 12.00 noon.
pdf Download the Poster. (264 KB)
Alternate "Hands Up"
If there isn’t a rally where you live, RAR has some great ideas for you, your parish, or your school to show support in a different way. Such creating a visual display of hands in your Church. You can also post your visual display on social media.
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Download the ‘Hands Up’ flyer
(168 KB)
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