Changing Hearts and Minds
We aim to widen public understanding of refugee and asylum seeker issues through:
- Advocating for fair treatment of those seeking asylum through social media and main stream media,
- Writing submissions and engaging with politicians,
- Involving our schools and young people in a range of activities such as speakers, theatrical events and the Christmas ‘Welcome Shoesbox Project’.
Writing Letters
TAKE ACTION Write to your politician
From time we are asked to write to politicians. We offer guidelines and addresses to Senators and Members of the House of Representatives.
Writing Letters Read more
Help with Events
We are always looking for people who can help organise events. When an event is scheduled we often ask for help with selling tickets, serving tea and coffee, manning a stall, selling raffle tickets, etc. If you would like to help with events please email events@bmrsg.org.au
Fundraising
BMRSG supports about 50 families in Western Sydney. Many of these families have now been cut off from the SRSS program leaving many people with no support at all. Last year we also helped children from disadvantaged schools attend theatrical performances at The Joan in Penrith to see stories of those who had come to Australia as refugees and seeking asylum. This summer we funded two groups of 14 children to take part in a Learn to Swim Campaign in Blacktown.
If you are interested in fundraising either in the organsing, or implementation such as selling raffle and door tickets, providing afternoon tea etc contact George by email funds@bmrsg.org.au
Donations of Goods
From time to time we call for donations of specific items such as non-perishable food, furniture, bedding or bicycles. Storage is limited so we choose carefully what we accept. When we identify items that are required we will post a request in the fortnighly Newsletter and on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BlueMountainsRefugeeSupportGroup
Transport of Goods
Picking up and delivering donated goods is an important activity. We always look for drivers with utilities or trailers or even biggish 4WDs. Pick ups are anywhere in the mountains. Deliveries are either to our Springwood store or to asylum seekers in Western Sydney. If you can help contact furniture@bmrsg.org.au with details of availability and type and size of vehicle.
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Employ an Asylum Seeker
Asylum seekers, in their bid for protection and resettlement want what ordinary Australians desire – a fair go. They don’t want special treatment, they want an opportunity to make their own way and not be dependent on charity or government. If you can employ someone directly, or refer someone who may be able to offer employment please contact refugee_employment on refugee_employment@bmrsg.org.au.
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Become a Visitor
Visiting can be challenging. It demands a regular commitment and a high level of interpersonal skills and sensitivity. You will need to be a financial member of BMRSG, complete a Confidentiality Agreement and a Working with Children Check. There is a selection and induction process.
Community Visitors
Community visiting can be both rewarding and confronting. Visitors see refugees and asylum seekers who live in the community, usually in Western Sydney. Each household is different, so needs and support vary widely. At times this might mean simply befriending a family or an individual. At other times this might involve supplying basic food and household supplies, vouchers, lifts to medical appointments or organising furniture and bikes. The people we support often face hurdles with bureaucracy and need help tackling forms. Communicating with real estate agents/property owners and school, or organising repairs and appointments are things where we are frequently asked to help. Liaising with caseworkers and signposting people to other agencies who can provide support, is also a feature of the work.
A few visitors also volunteer to home tutor in English or other subjects.
If you are prepared to travel to Western Sydney and can respond flexibly to a wide range of ever changing needs, community visiting may suit you. There is a small contribution to travel expenses and arrangements for re-imbursement of costs, within agreed guidelines
DOWNLOAD: Community Visitor Guidelines
If you are interested please contact communityvisitors@bmrsg.org.au for an informal discussion about the role.
Villawood Visitors
BMRSG Teams visit Villawood Detention Centre regularly. Like visiting in the community the role requires a sustained commitment in order to build trust. Visitors provide a friendly face, food, conversation and links to the outside world. At times you will need to be prepared to listen to some distressing experiences so a high level of self-care is also necessary. You will also be confronted with the high security demands of the prison-like environment.
For more information email villawood_visitors@bmrsg.org.au
