MASSG Meeting 19/2/2018. MINUTES

Acknowledgement of traditional ownersLyn- Variation of the words was discussed including the acknowledgement of ‘emerging’ Elders.

Welcome to new members: Gail, Janet

Also present: Lyn (chair), Gillian (minutes secretary), Lesley (treasurer), Pam, Eve, Maria, Margaret, Philomena, Jenny

Apologies: Rex, Barb Matthews, Glenise, Jocelyn, Barbara Jackson

Minutes of last meeting: Approval

- Moved by Lesley, seconded by Maria and carried unanimously.

Matters arising: o Consultation with mailing list recipients for separate Meetings and News Lists

- Lyn sent out the message for this meeting to all those who’d attended last 3 meetings 2017 as a number of those hadn’t responded.

o Fund in memory of Lesly for educational needs of an asylum seeker child - After several months of negotiations, the school that Lyn had approached said they couldn’t identify a single child. - A child has now been identified through V – a Rohingyan child in Prep, who with his mother is on a bridging visa, and was also known to Rex and Lesly.- It was agreed to get the money to the child via EFT ASAP as well as deliver a short note explaining what it is for and who it is from.- It was also agreed try and arrange a meeting with Rex later where he can pass on a fuller version of Lesly’s story.- Lesly's story was distributed by Pam who noted the significance of Lesly’s contribution over many years to the support of people seeking asylum.- It was agreed that Lesly’s story would be attached to these minutes, (see below) and put on the agenda at the next meeting to enable Rex to speak to it.

o The Draft MASSG Service Offer was tabled by Pam for comment, edits and endorsement. It details the support that we’ve given to people seeking asylum and will be posted on our website.

o An article about the ASRC Right Track community engagement project will be prepared for the MASSG newsletter and presented at next meeting by Pam. It will include a brief comment by Philomena and Maria in response to the community engagement discussions they’ve attended. A brief overview of the project and the underlying research on which it is based was provided by Gillian, for the benefit of new members.

o The amended Terms of Reference document developed by Lyn, Maria, Lesley, and Gillian was tabled. Lyn explained that this includes a clear process for decision making at and between meetings. Margaret suggested that the quorum for decision making should include three office bearers to avoid the possibility of stacking. The Terms of Reference, with a further amendment to reflect Margaret’s suggestion were accepted – moved by Lesley, seconded by Jenny and carried unanimously.

o Certificates of Appreciation for sponsors have mostly been distributed by. The remaining certificates to be distributed by Lyn at the next Hurstbridge Farmers Market.

Money Matters Treasurer’s Report

- Presented by Lesley, moved by Lyn, seconded by Gillian and carried unanimously- Lesley will thank Rex for the additional money donated by Rex from Lesly’s estate.- It was suggested that as our finances are now healthy that we look at more ways that we can support individual people seeking asylum. To be addressed at the next meeting.

Current MASSG issues Endorsement of Palm Sunday Rally to be 25 March at the State Library, 14:00–17:00

- MASSG had offered to provide a statement to be displayed at the Rally and shared on social media to promote the Rally.

- It was decided that Lyn would submit two statements as follows, as combining them as one would entail too many words:1. People seeking asylum are just like us: they want somewhere safe to live and they want to contribute to our community. 2. If you care, speak up and connect with others. Like us. We do care.

Jenny reported that the St Marg’s Do Justice group are marching under their own banner for the first time this year.

Two vacancies on the Banyule Multicultural Advisory Committee until the end of year – Expressions of Interest have been called for- Maria is happy to submit an EOI and this was endorsed unanimously by the group- A suggestion was made that, informed by Maria’s involvement in this group, we may be able to lobby Nillumbik Shire to form a similar committee in the light of Nillumbik Shire being declared a Refugee Welcome Zone.

Rural Australians for Refugees National Conference in Albury - April 6-8. - Members may be interested in attending as there are good speakers.

Reports: QWere St Festival stall

- Pam reported on the stall. A few people had conversations and took our literature. Zoe Holman talk

- 75 people attended including several people from our group. Funds were raised for ASRC, MASSG and a project to support people seeking asylum in Greece. Philomena will send a link for further information.

White Night - Lyn reported on being intensely moved by the projection of excerpts from They Cannot Take the Sky on the front wall of the NGV International.

Refugee Alternatives Conference hosted by the Refugee Council of Australia- Gillian reported on this conference.- Reports from the conference will appear over time on the website: https://refugeealternatives.org.au/and-now/ so watch this space.- Key points noted by Gillian were:* A very moving Welcome to Country, which included the speaker’s own story, made the connection between the experiences of our Indigenous people and people seeking asylum* A report on the development of Global Compacts on Refugees and Migration – part of the commitment of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants (see attached) and the Zero Draft http://www.unhcr.org/Zero-Draft.pdf* 40% of the speakers at the inaugural Refugee Alternative Conference, last year in Sydney, were people with lived experience of seeking asylum – this increased to 58%, at this year’s conference in Melbourne, with many of those people in roles where they are supporting newer arrivals and/or influencing policy* A speaker from Germany reported that since the influx of refugees into Germany, unemployment rates have gone down and whilst causality has not been established, it’s thought that the a factor has been the creation by refugees of businesses that employ others and the statistics do provide an argument against those who express of fear of refugees taking the jobs of existing populations in the countries they settle in* People with lived experience of seeking asylum spoke of the support they had received from Swinburne University both financially and in navigating the system. It is encouraging that other universities are now following suit* The distinction between the actions of the Government and the Australian people both individually and in terms of the support organisations that have sprung up to assist refugees and people seeking asylum was repeatedly reinforced* There were positive reports from Councils on the support structures they have put in place for newly arrived refugees and people seeking asylum* David Manne reported encouragingly on how private law forms came on board to assist Refugee Legal and other organise to provide the necessary legal support when this was withdrawn by our Government along with the imposition of near impossible deadlines* A presenter from CRAG (Combined Refugee Action Group) spoke of the success of a particular pamphlet that personalises refugees (attached). She is happy for this to be rebadged and used by other groups. She also spoke of the success of a board game (also attached) that they have developed, reflective of the experience of people seeking asylum – at their suggestion in consultation with them. It has been used successfully in schools and shopping centres and other places where people gather. Again she is happy for other groups to use it* The extent of the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar was detailed and explained and the suggestion was made was that responding to the many thousands affected by this should be the key concern of our Government, as this is in our region, rather trying to deter the much smaller numbers of people from other countries

* A number of motions were carried at the conference including a suggestion to be put to our Government that they allocate an additional 20,000 places on top of our existing humanitarian intake for Rohingyan refugees (as with the 12,000 places previously created for Syrians and Iraqis)* A photo was taken at the end of the conference of delegates with crossed arms in sympathy with those peacefully protesting on Manus and Nauru – it was suggested that this be adopted as a symbol of the refugee movement. The photo will be sent to Government. * Overall, the conference provided a much-needed energy boost as it can become very disheartening to those who are beavering away in this space when the situation for those seeking asylum appears to be getting worse rather than improving.

The following is a summary put out by RCoA (note: there were concurrent sessions at the conference so Gillian didn’t attend all – the following summary overlaps somewhat but includes info from sessions that Gillian didn’t attend): Refugee self-representation was a key theme as the conference ‘walked the talk’ with 58%

of the speakers having a refugee background. The importance of education for refugees emerged throughout the conference, in support of

self-representation. The importance of connections between international, regional and domestic was

emphasised, with specific attention paid to the power of involving the local government in the refugee movement.

The role that the civil community and independent volunteers have in facilitating a robust movement with or without strong government initiative.

The conference itself depended on an army of volunteers invested in building the refugee campaign - showing the power of volunteer commitment.

Australia’s role in the region was another important topic of discussion leading to a collective conclusion that Australia must be a positive role model in the Asia-Pacific region; encouraging states within our region to seek durable solution for refugees.

Some attention was directed to Canada, as Amir - a 4-year detainee of Manus Island shared his experience with the Canadian sponsorship program, turning Australia’s shame into Canada’s gain.

The outcome of the conference was developing a Program of Action, a shared vision for global refugee protection, showcasing the vital importance of partnership.

Campaign Group Pam reported that the group hasn’t met yet this year but intend to soon after this meeting. Their main objective is to promote the Palm Sunday Rally. Pam will collect pamphlets for distribution.

Future events Annual Lunch

- the date of 7th Sept has been confirmed- Gillian Triggs has been confirmed as the speaker - Bridges has been booked however it was agreed that we should explore the possibility of using a larger venue and a catering service run by people who are seeking asylum, because of the large crowd expected, as we know the speaker will be very popular- Lesley will ring around re venues- Pam knows of an Iranian family catering business and will follow this up- it was also suggested that we contact TAFE students and/or Eltham College re support for catering serving etc.

- Margaret raised concerns about the level of work required if we organise ourselves rather than using Bridges- It was suggested that this would be minimised if finger foods rather than a sit down lunch was provided- The suggestion was also made that we increase the cost of the lunch- Decisions will be made at the next meeting after those investigating report back

Fundraising in 2018- It was decided that theatre nights are more successful than cinema nights. Theatre nights are more popular. Pam will coordinate a Heidelberg Theatre Company Night to see ‘Private Lives’ (July) and if successful, ‘Blue Stockings’ (September).- Lyn mentioned that the bulb drive was quite successful but feedback from supporters suggested we need a rest from asking our contacts to purchase things- Behrouz Boochani has written a book and a launch is confirmed for Meera from Eltham Book Shop (in late June). It was decided that if Lyn is approached by Meera for MASSG support for launch on any relevant book she can agree to it without taking it to the meeting as timelines are often short.

Other groups ASRC food bank

- Lyn reported that although canned and packaged food is often asked for, fresh food is very welcome.

Asylum Seeker Friends - V&S are moving to Geelong.- N is living in Geelong and will be in the near future – hoping to do part time work and study. - S has been living in Monty for the last few months and has been working in a kitchen installation business and now he has learnt the trade he is starting his own business with a friend, in rental premises, and will appreciate any new business that anyone can offer (Qualton 8315 1026).- J is interested in doing gardening and can be contacted through Pam.- R loves her job in residential aged care and has enrolled in her next certificate.

Chat and a Cuppa Next MASSG meeting 19th March

Summary of Agenda Items for next meeting1. Rex to speak to Lesly’s story 2. MASSG to explore additional ways that we can support people seeking

asylum3. Decisions to be made about luncheon on Sept 7:

- venue- catering- finger foods vs sit-down- cost

Summary of Actions

1. Transfer funds to child identified in memory of Lesly via EFT ASAP Lesley

2. Arrange a meeting between Rex and the child’s mother so he can pass on Lesly’s story

Lyn/Lesley

3. Add Lesly’s story to agenda of next meeting so that Rex can speak to it Lyn

4. Prepare article on ASRC Right Track for presentation at the next meeting

Pam

5. Send brief comments about the community engagement sessions that they have attended as guests

Philomena

Maria

6. Deliver remaining Certificates of Appreciation to sponsors at next Hurstbridge Farmers Market

Lyn

7. Thank Rex for the additional money donated from Lesly’s estate Lesley

8. Submit two statements as detailed in minutes to be included at Palm Sunday Rally

Lyn

9. Submit EOI re vacancy on Banyule Multicultural Advisory Committee Maria

10. Send a link to further information relating to her daughter’s talk Philomena

11. Collect pamphlets for distribution Pam

12. Explore alternatives venues for annual luncheon Lesley, and any other members

13. Contact Iranian family business re catering for luncheon Pam

Lesly’s storyRex Rouse writes of his wife Lesly’s pioneering campaigning activities and her long years of support for people seeking asylum.

What I have written down refers to both of us, as we did most things together

How we got involvedWe read about:Australian Government refused permission for the MV Tampa August 25th 2001 to land people on Christmas Island. Most were transported to Nauru. This was part of the “Pacific Solution”.Children Overboard affair on October 8th 2001 People were falsely accused of throwing their children into the sea to get sympathy.Siev X (Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel no 10 ). October 19th 2001. Worst Australian non-war-time maritime tragedy. 146 children, 142 women and 65 men drowned. There were suspicious circumstances regarding the Australian Government 's involvement.For reading, refer to:Dark Victory – David Marr and Marian WilkinsonA certain Maritime Incident – Tony KevinWe were so upset over these incidents, we had to support refugees and especially “boat people”.

Joined Refugee Action CollectiveThere did not appear to be many refugee organisations in 2001, and we were fortunate to find R.A.C. We attended weekly meetings at Trades Hall in Carlton.Our first protest rally was in Canberra at the opening of Parliament, when John Howard got back in, due in part to his harsh refugee stand. We found the federal police aggressive and abusive.We went on many protest marches, handed out pamphlets in the city, often moved on by the police.We sat on the tram tracks in the middle of Flinders and Swanston Streets in support of refugees. We blocked the entrance doors of airline offices (who agreed to deport refugees ).We went to the Baxter Detention Centre in 2005 ( about 15 klms from Port Augusta SA ) and met with detainees and became their friends. We told them that we cared for them, and were sorry for what we were doing to them.

Visits to MITA(Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation ). Broadmeadows Detention Centre.When we came back from Baxter, we decided that we wanted to continue visiting detainees.We got the opportunity through Sister Brigid Arthur to visit MITA, and so started about 7 years of weekly visits. At first there were only boys there (18 and under). We made many friends and Lesly started playing table tennis with them. We laughed and cried with them, and even gave them birthday parties. When the boys started leaving and the single men started arriving, Lesly again started playing table tennis with them and quickly became known as the table tennis lady.Again we made many friends, and also visited them in hospital when they had breakdowns.

MASSG- Montmorency Asylum Seekers Support Group.We were invited to join MASSG by Phyllis Sommerville.At that time they were mainly collecting non-perishable food to be given to the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre. We were taken aside, and requested to not get too political, as it might upset some of the members. How times have changed!

SOCIAL JUSTICE GROUPWe, with others from our church started this group at the Living Faith Church in Greensborough over ten years ago.Things the group did in support of asylum seekers were:Wrote letters to members of Parliament. We got good support from Petro Georgio MP Senator Judith Troeth, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Nicola Roxan MP. Never got any replies from Philip Ruddock or Amanda Vanstone.Started a petition to abolish the detention debt imposed on people who had been detained in Australia's detention centres and got Get Up to be involved. Invited Sister Brigid and Pamela Curr to talk to the congregation.Set up a group to visit MITA and also to visit those released on bridging visasArranged concerts to support people seeking asylum and collected food for the ASRCThe Social Justice Group no longer operates since Lesly died in January 2017.

Varathan Raja NagappanLesly and I had been visiting MITA for quite a while. Lesly played table tennis with the boys and later with the men, whilst I talked with them and listened to their stories.We met Varathan (Raja) there, and started seeing him on a weekly basisWe found him to be a special person, friendly, considerate, and always happy to see you.He loves cricket, he organised a competition amongst the boys (Pakistan V Sri Lanka) and the men even had a team in the local indoor cricket competition.He missed his Father and Mother and family very much, and would love to see them again.He had had many friends visiting him on a regular basis, and was popular with staff.During his time at MITA he occupied himself by doing various courses- including food preparation and gardening. He talked management into giving him an unused store room, so he could set it up as a prayer room for everyone to use.I was given permission to go into the compound to see it. There was a long table with a white cloth over it, on one end there was a bible, on the other the Koran, in the middle were little Buddha statues and on the back wall were posters of Hindu gods. There was only one rule. You must take your shoes off, on entering. He also got management to give him the leftover food and with two staff at his side, distributed the food to the poor of Broadmeadows on a daily basis at the local community centre.

Two short stories.I was visiting Raja at a time when only men and boys were at MITA.I noticed he had a pendant around his neck. What is that Raja? It is my bachelor God.What does it do? He keeps me safe from women. Well it looks like it's working.Some time later, I noticed, it was no longer there. I have my suspicions, that Sara has something to do with its disappearance. And when I visited Varathan, I always asked this question. How old are you today?We have been fortunate to know him, and are pleased to be called his Aussie Mum and Dad.We are so happy that he is out.He and his wife, Sara have been living with us for two years now. Lesly and I were privileged to represent his parents at their wedding. Varathan has made a lovely memorial garden for Lesly in our back garden.

Rex Rouse, 2017

Information from the CRAG conference:New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants extracts

..\..\..\..\..\Downloads\The Global Compacts on Refugees and Migration.pdf

Successful pamphlet that personalises refugees (attached).

..\..\..\..\..\Downloads\Refugees - they could be you flyers.pdf

Application for a protection visa – have you actually seen this form?

..\..\..\..\..\Downloads\866 form for printing.pdf

Game of Life and Death - Board game

..\..\..\..\..\Downloads\Game of Life and Death Pages and graphics.pdf

..\..\..\..\..\Downloads\Game of Life and Death plan .pdf