Refugee advocacy awarded

DECADES of advocacy work from the Queenscliff Rural Australians for Refugees (QRAR) collective was recently recognised with the awarding of Volunteer Organisation of the Year Award by Ocean Grove Rotary.

Founded in 2003, QRAR has increasingly pushed for more humane and welcoming policies towards those who have fled persecution and discrimination through its focus on informing and educating the community about the impact of government policies.

A $750 cheque that accompanied the award will be used to continue the voluntary work of supporting refugees with their legal and welfare issues.

“We are so fortunate to live in a wonderful, caring community, and we are honoured to receive this Community Award from Ocean Grove Rotary,” said Cathie Bond, one of the founders and driving forces of QRAR.

“Through all the advocacy, fundraising, exhibitions and new friendships, we have walked with those who came to seek a place of safety and refuge.”

The group’s volunteers assist people in detention and the community who are trying to make their case for permanent residency and supports refugees as they revisit the trauma to again make the case that it is not safe to return to their homeland.

The QRAR has been particularly active recently, running a local campaign to push for permanent protection visas for tens of thousands of refugees in Australia that has culminated in the Borough of
Queenscliffe taking a motion on the issue to the upcoming national meeting of local governments.

Volunteers also letterboxed and manned pre-polling centres across the Bellarine during the federal election handing out refugee policy comparison information on parties and candidates.

“Over many years, Queenscliff RAR has offered a vital lifeline of friendship, advocacy and support to people seeking safe refuge from persecution,” said Sue Longmore, another founder of the group.

“Our thanks go to our wonderful volunteers and caring community as we work together to achieve fair refugee policy, with permanency and family reunion for those who have sought safety in our country.”