St. Paul’s Jam for Refugees

THE Combined Refugee Action group of Geelong (CRAG) is hosting a ten-hour concert at St Paul’s Church later this month to raise money and awareness for the plight of refugees.

The committee has been trying to run the Jam for Refugees event for two years but each have been cancelled due to COVID, although CRAG did manage a Radio Jam last year that raised over $4,000.

“As the number of refugees worldwide increases daily, the situation becomes almost overwhelming,” Jam organiser Terry Norman said.

“We in Geelong cannot hop to solve the world refugee problem, but we can make our own contribution to the refugees in our area.

“Recent events, especially Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have only added to the refugee problem and the enormous suffering being experienced.”

Mr Norman has previously staged the event for a number of years in Canberra, but it will be the first time it’s been held in Geelong.

All funds raised on the day will be donated to CRAG’s legal fund that is used to assist refugees as they navigate Australia’s immigration system.

A barbecue on the Latrobe Terrace church grounds will also donate all its proceeds to the cause.

Acts on the day include well known musicians and choirs from around the Geelong region including the Sonos Ensemble, Geelong Choral, North Children’s Choir and Marie Goldsworthy and John Hughson.

Author and social researcher Hugh Mackay will deliver a recorded talk during the event that will be opened by former Geelong Mayor and well-known business figure Keith Fagg, and closed by federal MP for Corangamite Libby Coker.

Between acts there’ll also be talks from refugees and people that work with them in the region.

Entry to the Jam is by donation, and takes place on Saturday, October 29 at St. Paul’s Church in Geelong, between 11.00am and 9.00pm

For more information contact: [email protected] For Refugees organiser Terry Norman.