Quest Speaker Mar with President Elect Don
Photo by Editor
World has many reasons why there are refugees. The UN definition is:
Refugees are defined and protected in international law. The
1951 Refugee Convention is a key legal document and defines a refugee as:
“someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.”
Of the 25.9 refugees over half are under 18 years of age. That is one person every 3 seconds. The top three countries where refugees come from are: Syria, Afghanistan, and South Sudan. Countries hosting the largest number of refugees are: Turkey (3.68 million), Pakistan (1.40 million), Uganda (1.17 million), Sudan (1.08 million) and Germany (1.07 million). Discounting Germany the reason these countries are hosting refugees is because they don’t go far from their culture.
1% of refugees are in the official UNHCA program and that take a person 10 years.
Australia with a population of 25.9 million takes in 17,000 people which is 0.06%. Australia has obligations under the refugee convention.
A refugee arriving by plane receives bridging visa status but not so for a refugee who arrives by boat. A person who is 10 years in detention or refugee camps is never in community. Hopelessness and despair arise in their lives. The people in the detention centres are surprised that they are treated inhumanely.
It is not illegal to seek asylum, and here the media has conveyed misinformation to the people of Australia.
To be in community a person needs a visa. The bridging visa is constantly being changed by the government, affecting work opportunity, medical care, education access and so on.
The Red Cross and CARAD are the two principal support agencies for refugees. CARAD is the Agency of last resort for these refugees.
CARAD undertakes advocacy like enabling refugees to have concession rates for public transport. Education for access for their children. Currently seeking Medicare access for them.
CARAD conveys a sense of welcome to the refugees. Provides: emergency relief, case work, accommodation, food, and medicine prescription, also conversation English classes, Homework tuition program.
CARAD has launched its Social enterprise Fare Go Food truck. Employment for residents for first job.
Community support is essential for: Foodbank donations, gift cards for supermarkets, instant coffee, unisex deodorant, shampoo and conditioner.
Help by having informed conversations with people.
Quest Speaker Mar being thanked by President Elect Don for the informative presentation.
Photo by Editor
The Rotary Australian Bushfire Appeal has been launched and is able to take individual donations.
Dear Perth Rotarians,
I am writing to you to update you on how we as Rotarians can help those in the East as they battle the fires and resulting devastation.
As a person who grew up in rural Western Australia (like many of you) I remember only to well the fear and resulting trauma of an out of control fire. Being a kid and watching your Dad and brothers go off to fight fires, making sandwiches and a thermos of tea to send out, sheltering in the middle room of the house during Cyclone Alby as winds and fires raged all around - these experiences are nothing compared to what those in the East are now experiencing and yet they left a lasting impression on me.
Below is a link currently being shared on facebook (which some of you may not have access to). This is a fabulous way of Rotary supporting the fire victims and a guaranteed way of knowing your money donated will be put to good use. If you have time and some spare cash, it would be fantastic to see Perth Rotary Members donating.
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and look forward to catching up with you all post summer holidays at President Vangelis's Cocktail Party, Friday 31 Jan, The Westin Hotel.
Best wishes,
Jill.
President Elect 2020/21
Outbound Rotary International Student Lauren Wolters
Lauren had her birthday on January 1. Happy birthday Lauren from everyone at the Club.
Student Arrival and Departure
Lauren arrives at Perth International Airport 5.20 pm Saturday 18 January on Emerits flight 420. 10.20 pm James leaves, please be there before 8.30pm.
General Catch Up
Tony brought a banner from his Rotary Club of Tarporley.
Brass on the Grass donated the net profit of $552.29 to St Barts.
Give a Feed has so far done 2,871 hampers 70,000 more than target of 2,500.
Australia Day Sausage Sizzle has already enough staff for the 9am to 4pm, the staff for 4pm to 10pm requires 8 people and 5 nominated at the meeting, if you would like to help please let Don know.
Duck derby has a discounted car which is yellow in colour.
Calvin and Hobbes