An Incredibly Tough Family – BMRSG Helps
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.
BMRSG volunteers meet Kristina Keneally and Andrew Giles in Springwood
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.
Tibetan Flag is flying outside of the BMCC Chamber
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.
Life in the community after 10 years in detention – BMRSG Helps
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.