Who Are We?

First of a series of posts on some of the wide range of people who make up Blue Mountains Support Group Inc.

Our promotion says “”Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group Inc is a diverse group of ordinary Australians from all sides of politics….We are all volunteers.”

Some of our most enthusiastic supporters are young people.

Cars for Refugees students

Since 2017 Automotive Studies students at Blaxland High School under the guidance of teacher Shaun Haldren, have given preloved cars a new lease of life and a new home with a refugee. Students get the practical experience while at the same time helping people.

Since the first car was donated students in Years 7, 9 and 11 have worked on 17 cars which have then been donated to a refugee to help their new life in Australia. One year 11 student said, “It was good to learn new things while at the same time being able to help people”. A year 9 student said that at the start she did not know what a spark plug was but now she can service a car by herself. This student said that now she plans to become a tank mechanic in the army. Her teacher Shaun Haldren, said that she is an example of why he switched from being an aircraft engineer to being a high school teacher.

Congratulations Shaun Haldren Automotive Teacher for the Highly Commended Award, Best Project:, Cars for Refugees at the 2019 NSW Humanitarian Awards.

The Cars for Refugees program is on the look out for more cars. Whether they are already roadworthy or repairable we always have refugees in need of a car.

Running for Refugees in the City to Surf

Sam and his dad Carl ready for the run.

Sam said “I am very lucky to be able to grow up in Australia where I feel safe and I have so many opportunities. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to flee your own country because of war and fear for your life and your families. I created this page because I want to make a difference for refugee kids and their families and help them feel safe again and have the same opportunities as me. I’m inspired by the work of Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group and wanted to support them by raising money as part of my participation in The 2018 Sun-Herald City2Surf”

Sam, aged 11, ran the City to Surf 2018 in 70 minutes, his personal best and raised more than $1100