A group of Sudanese, Ethiopian, Iraqi and Afghanistan refugees, and people from Melbourne church organisations, social justice groups and community support agencies recently went bush to talk about the plight of people seeking asylum in Australia and the struggle for many when they arrive here.
Called Journey on the Wind it was organised by the National Council of Churches in Australia and Hotham Uniting Church Mission, and in co-operation with St Alban’s Anglican Church Temporary Protection Visa Settlement Program, Footscray Anglican Church, and the Good Shepherd Catholic Social Justice Network.
Thousands of people in northwest Victoria participated in the Journey, which involved visits in schools, dinners and story-telling evenings, shopping centre information displays, advocacy workshops and participation in church services.
Coordinator, Caz Coleman, said the Journey brought to life the experiences of people arriving in Australia and the reality of their lives in a new country. It was also a way of advocating for a more just and compassionate reception for asylum seekers who come to Australia.
Journey on the Wind began in Ballarat and people then travelled to Ararat, Stawell, Nhill, Kerang, Echuca, Bendigo, Hamilton, Horsham, Mildura and Swan Hill before winding up in Melbourne.
Sister Stancea Vichie, project worker with the Asylum Seeker Project of the Uniting Church’s Hotham Mission, said the Journey was also a way of supporting the wonderful movement of people in many rural areas who were committed to the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
“Australians from rural areas, along with people from urban areas, often join together in different initiatives to support those who come to Australia seeking protection. Journey on the Wind was an opportunity for all - refugees, asylum seekers, and people from rural and urban areas - to learn from one another and to discover more deeply, our common humanity."
As part of the Journey, well-known Melbourne folk singer-songwriter Suzette Herft performed her heartfelt songs about the world, including a song, Journey on the Wind, especially composed for the Journey.
Journey on the Wind offered participants opportunity for wide-ranging reflection in preparation for Refugee Sunday on 31 August. A special Refugee Sunday kit is available from Christian World Service – www.ncca.org.au
June 2003
Further information :
Colleen Hodge, Christian World Service, The National Council of Churches in Australia, 379 Kent Street, Sydney 2000
Telephones 02 9299 2215/0419 6852 48, Facsimile 02 9262 4514, Website www.ncca.org.au
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