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
Smart phones & laptops provided
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 Refugees 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.
Our Palm Sunday rally was cancelled this year due to weather. Now on Sunday 25 June 2pm in Refugee Week. GWH/Somers St, Lawson All welcome
SUBMISSION: Migration Amendment (Evacuation to Safety) Bill 2023.
The Bill would require the Australian Government to offer people who are trapped in offshore detention the chance to be transferred to Australia, to receive the support and care they need.
Many of the refugee households supported by BMRSG are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on their table.In July 2022, $4,504.48 was given to refugee families for food support. This increased to $6,200 for January, 2023 – just under $1,700 more.
The most significant increase, however, has been in rental assistance. This has risen from $10,320 in July 2022, to $16,300 in January, 2023.
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
Ruby Tomka of Smiths Hill HS, Wollongong.
See more Videos on the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group YouTube channel.
Equal 2nd New Beginning. Hannah Brown NCAPAHS
See more Posters on the Student Video and Poster page
This year winning is even better. The 1st drawn can take their pick of all the prizes, the 2nd the second pick and so forth till all 7 are gone.
Despite the happy news that 19,000 refugees can apply for permanent visas thousands of equally deserving people are still in limbo unable to study, work or contribute and become part of society. BMRSG volunteers help with navigating this new world.
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: https://www.racs.org.au/tpv-shev-processing
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