June 2016 Bulletin
CATHOLIC ALLIANCE FOR PEOPLE SEEKING ASYLUM
MAY 2016 BULLETIN
We believe that together we CAN make a difference, starting with small acts of kindness and hospitality and becoming a collective voice demanding more compassionate asylum seeker policies.
Refugee Week 19 – 25 June
Refugee week is an annual week-long celebration of the positive
contributions of refugees to Australian society. Hundreds of events are
held up and down the country, including concerts, fundraisers, film
screenings and more.
You can find a full list of events on the official website. Join us at one of the capital city events around the country:
Melbourne – Refugee Week Launch – 19 June 3pm, Fed Square.
Sydney – NSW Launch – 17 June 10am, Inner West Refugee Welcome Centre.
Brisbane – Bring Them Here: Sounds of Change – 26 June 2pm, The Foundry.
You can read how CAPSA is finding hope this Refugee Week among the negative rhetoric and election campaigning. We will be publishing stories of community, friendship and cooperation throughout the week, like the story of Belise who currently works at National Australia Bank.
Watch our website and social media for more.
Nothing About Us, Without Us
In response to Peter Dutton’s inflammatory remarks about people seeking asylum, RISE (Refugee, Survivors & Ex-detainees) produced a video stating ‘We Will Not Be Silenced’. RISE is the first refugee and asylum seeker organisation in Australia to be run and governed entirely by refugees, asylum seekers and ex-detainees.
You can learn more about RISE here, and you can donate to their important work here.
Federal Election 2016
This time next month, we will have a new parliament and potentially a new government. With all the media stunts and rhetoric, we’ve compiled an assessment of the three major parties positions relating to people seeking asylum. You can find it on our website.
We encourage you to read this piece by Fr Frank Brennan on the moral conundrum of who to vote for on July 2.
Standing in Solidarity – Help us Call Schools!
CAPSA is working across the country to coordinate a National Day of Prayer & Action in Catholic schools to call for a more just and humane welcome of people seeking asylum. If you work or study at a Catholic school, make a pledge to take action in September here.
We are looking for a dynamic team of volunteers to help us call and support schools in this great action. We will provide training and all materials. The role is based at our office in Richmond (Melbourne). Please email Samuel if you are interested samuel.dariol@jss.org.au
Stories from the community
School teacher Michael Eccleston to run length of Hunter Valley raising awareness of refugees – All Saints Catholic College St Joseph’s Campus at Lochinvar
CAPSA helps students meet the candidates – Santa Maria College (Northcote) and Parade College (Preston & Bundoora)
Her Story – Video about abuse on Nauru – Victorian Women’s Trust
Silent Protest – Solidarity action – Catholic Ladies College, Eltham
Events happening in your local area? Let us know: info@capsa.org.au
Some recommended reading & viewing
Australia Using Refugees As ‘Human Shields’, Says Former Labor Minister Carmen Lawrence – Max Chalmers – New Matilda
Cruelty to asylum seekers dressed up as compassion is the scandal that bedevils Australia – Anthony Loewenstein – The Guardian
Asylum seekers top youth election priority – AAP – SBS
Pope Francis: Refugees not dangerous, but in danger – Al Jazeera
Refugee Children Act Out Their Stories And Dreams In These Beautiful Photos – Alexandra Ma – Huffington Post
What happened to the 12 Syrian refugees rescued by the pope? – Paula Cocozza – The Guardian
Seven in 10 Australians think the government should do more to help refugees – Ben Doherty – The Guardian