Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group was founded in 2001, twenty years ago. We are a group of ordinary Australians who remain united by the vision of a compassionate Australia where people seeking refuge and asylum are treated with justice and compassion. We are all volunteers. BMRSG has no particular religious or political affiliation except a commitment to common decency.
We offer friendship and practical support for refugees and those seeking asylum.
We enable refugees to thrive, not just survive as they develop their skills, activities and businesses.
We provide community education on refugee issues and advocate for government policies which reflect the spirit of the 1951 Refugee Convention
Christmas presents to refugee children
Spent on rental assistance
Students got back to school payments
These achievements are only possible due to our wonderful volunteers. Visitors who stay in contact with those seeking asylum in the community and in detention, those who organise and support our Cars for Refuges program, the mentoring and English conversation volunteers, employment assistance team and fundraisers are just some who bring hope to so many.,
Every Palm Sunday at Lawson people gather from faith groups, unions, community groups to demonstrate with placards along the highway with messages in support of Peace and Justice for All, especially Refugees.
Some very positive news for refugees and asylum seekers with the Government’s announcement that they will provide a pathway to permanency for TPV/SHEV holders.
The new visa will be called a Resolution of Status visa (subclass 851) RoS.
Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) have provided fact sheets with information about the new visa and the process to apply for it:
Due to COVID many refugees have lost their casual jobs. In 2021 we spent $209 000 on refugee support mostly on rent relief and food assistance.
We offer friendship and practical support for refugees and people seeking asylum to enable refugees to thrive, not just survive as they develop their own skills activities and businesses
Click for information on Student Video and Poster Competition 2022
First Prize winner; Ruby Tomka of Smiths Hill HS, Wollongong.
Second Prize winners; William Brett, William Soukhavong and Adytia Kumaresan of Smiths Hill HS
Equal Third Prize winners; William Newman and Felix Cohen of Smiths Hill HS.
Equal Third Prize Winners: Eliza Harvey, Saffron Butler and Charlotte Palmisano of Smiths Hill HS
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