Five things you can do for asylum seekers

With politics in Australia at the moment - it is very tempting to despair - especially when it comes to vulnerable groups of people such as asylum seekers.  But in Toowoomba right now there is not time to despair.  On Friday Bishop McGuckin spoke at a local Multi-Faith Peace conference.  He powerfully outlined the need for all of us to be involved in pastoral care for refugees and migrants.  In doing this he emphasised the basic human right to move from country to country and to seek asylum.  For more than a decade many of us have been speaking out about the lack of humanity involved when we imprison and denigrate people fleeing persecution.

So..... right here and now we have an opportunity to demonstrate that there is a better way.  To put our money where our mouth is.  Literally.   For the last month a number of people in the Toowoomba area have been offering practical support to asylum seekers living in our community.  Even if you don't live in Toowoomba there are ways in which you can be involved.


1.  Give your time  

Whether you want to share conversation, teach English, play boardgames, create a garden,  learn to cook, share a meal, play indoor cricket, play football (soccer).  All of these are possibilities.  The key ingredient is time.    You might not have enough time - but some local asylum seekers have way too much.  They are not allowed to work and relish any opportunity to interact with the wider community.


2.  Share your food

A number of local asylum seekers are currently living below the poverty line.  Without work rights they are forced to live on just over $200 a week.  Try paying for your rent, food, clothes, phone calls etc. on that.  Something that people living in Toowoomba can easily do is throw a few extra items in your grocery trolley the next time you go shopping.  Examples of food that would help the budget go a little further include:  fruit and vegies, rice, lentils, chick peas, chicken, cans of crushed tomatoes.  Other possible items include coffee, tea, sugar,  long life milk, tomato paste,  soap, shampoo, toothpaste, canned fish, jam, honey, laundry powder etc.

3.  Be a voice

We want to get this advertisement on the Toowoomba Chronicle website.  It recognizes two facts.  Firstly, that it is a basic human right to seek asylum and also that part of this right is the right to work.  It emphasizes the human side to the asylum seeker debate.  We can get 25000 page imprints for $440 and 50000 page imprints for $880.  At the moment I have $270.  So let me know if you want to be a part of this important promotion.  See below for account details to make a direct deposit


4.  Spread the message

Our hard-working researcher Elle has put together this great Myths and Facts sheet about Asylum seekers.  Take the time to get the right information about the issue and share it with your friends, acquaintances and workmates.

5.  Share your resources.  

When people seeking asylum can live in the community it is better for everybody.  It means vulnerable people do not have to endure harsh detention conditions and our common humanity is not diminished.  At the moment there are many small and not so small  items needed to share the gift of hospitality.  These include basic food, clothes, sanitary items, spices, bicycles for transport etc.  If you wish to donate please contact the Social Justice Commission Office or you can make a direct deposit to:

Corporation of the RC Diocese of Toowoomba  BSB: 084-961  Account Number - 653097284  Reference SJ - Refugee Support.