We are a diverse group of ordinary Australians from all sides of politics, living just outside Sydney. The organisation has no specific religious affiliation. We are all volunteers.
To encourage positive attitudes to refugees in the community and at all levels of government.
To welcome, befriend and assist refugees facing uncertain futures, in detention and in the community.
Practical, emotional and financial assistance for refugees and to encourage positive attitudes to refugees in the community and at all levels of government
11 years is too long.
Despite more than 11 years in detention, and being recognised as a refugee, Alex (not his real name) has still not been granted his liberty. Now he fears he will be transferred back to Christmas Island as part of the government’s reshuffle of the detention network in response to COVID-19. ‘Christmas Island is where I was first held; I cannot return there 11 years later,’ A said.
Read why Sister Elizabeth Young started this peitition. Mercy Sister calls for release of Sri Lankan refugee
Blue Mountains Refugee Supporters joined the online Action for Refugees on Palm Sunday. Supporters from Blackheath to Sydney showed their support by posting a photo of themselves hold a sign. Some, who found taking a selfie while holding a sign too difficult, photographed their pets. Kathie Herbert, Deputy Chair of BMRSG, who started BMRSG support in Katoomba, said, “Social distancing protocols were strictly adhered to! “
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This is an amazingly tough family!
We first met them in 2013. They are still in the High Court appeal process so receive no Centrelink payments or Medicare.
When we first met. Aamaal* was 12 years old and was the person who liaised with us as she had the best English. There is a younger brother Chandra. Neither parent spoke any English.
Ms Keneally took the opportunity, with Andrew Giles, the shadow minister for multicultural affairs, to meet members of the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group, while in the area visiting Mt Tomah and Bilpin with the Labor shadow ministry in the wake of the bushfires.
“It was a perfect opportunity for Andrew Giles and I to come meet with this group, particularly to discuss the range of issues they are campaigning on and for me personally, it was a great morale boost to know that there are so many people in the community who want to ensure a just and fair outcome for asylum seekers and refugees,” Ms Keneally said.
March 10th is a day of great significance for all Tibetans around the world. It is the day on which they gather to mark the anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising in 1959 when, after 10 years of Chinese occupation of Tibet, Tibetans rose up in opposition.
10th March 2020 is the 61st Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day.
The Blue Mountains City Council has for some years hosted a Flag Raising Ceremony and the flying of the Tibetan Flag outside the Council Chambers in our Peace Park.
Mandeep* was in detention for nearly 10 years. During his time at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre, his mental health and the injuries he suffered fleeing civil war at home slowly worsened. BMRSG volunteers visited Mandeep during this time, campaigned for his release and are now supporting him in the community as he transitions from detention to living in and negotiating his way around Sydney. Find out how BMRSG supports those who come seeking safety.
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ERC Director Phil Glendenning delivered the 2019 Annual Tasmanian Peace Trust Lecture. The Trust established the Annual Peace Trust Lecture in 1991. Special guest lecturers speak on peace-related themes.
Watch Phil’s lecture, “From Uluru to Nauru: The Peace that Still Eludes Australia”
We acknowledge the Darug and Gundungarra people as the Traditional Custodians of the land in which we live and work and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal Land.
BMRSG supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart
