BMRSG at the opening of the Tamil Refugee Council’s new offices

by Mike Howorth

On 18 June Michael Howorth represented the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group speaking at the opening of the Tamil Refugee Council’s new office in Toongabbie.

The event was attended by over 120 guests, including from 15 organisations whom all support Tamil Refugees e.g. RACS and STARTTS. In addition, Greens NSW Senator David Shoebridge, former Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon and Cumberland City councillor Dr. Sabrin Farooqui also spoke.

Speaking at what was the beginning of Refugee Week, Michael addressed the audience on the theme for this year’s refugee week – finding freedom. He spoke specifically about the plight of the 54+ (mainly Tamil) asylum seekers who arrived in Australia in 2009 & 2010 and were given an adverse security assessment by Australia’s intelligence service, ASIO. Michael, along with other speakers talked about the need to continue to fight for freedom for this group of people.

It was such an encouraging event – seeing so many people and organisations coming together to collaborate to offer hope, opportunity and empowerment to so many people.

It was equally encouraging to hear such strong words of support from Senator David Shoebridge who pledged to do all he can to work alongside the Tamil Refugee Council and help bring change within our Government.

No doubt the new Tamil Refugee Council Office will be a great support, offering a range of services to Tamil refugees to help them navigate their way to establishing a life in Australia – a life of freedom. Special thanks were given to Kalyani Inpakumar and her daughter Renuga – along with the many other volunteers who have worked so hard at establishing this centre.