may 20 - 26 | 2015
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Supporting refugees By KYLIE WILSON
ACTIVE:
Geoff Galbraith and Helen McGowan are part of the ever growing Beechworth Refugee/ Asylum Seeker Support Group (BRASS). PHOTO: Wendy Stephens
GARDENING WITH
BETTY
RSPCA
FILM
ERIC
SPY
WITH
‘I know WAW go the extra mile for their customers.’
WINE TALK WITH
ANITA
A WISH to improve the lives of their fellow man is uniting members of the Beechworth Refugee/Asylum Seeker Support Group (BRASS). The group has gained momentum over the past year, since last year’s candlelight vigil marking the anniversary of the death of Iranian refugee Reza Berati, while in detention on Manus Island. “As a lawyer, my interest is in justice,” said group member Helen McGowan, from Indigo Valley. “My desire is to be active, rather than passive.” Helen said a recent picnic in Beechworth which saw a range of refugee families in attendance received a huge response from the community, and was a great day of connection for all involved. “There were games, shared food and lots of conversation,” she said. “People just want to connect with each other.” Fellow group member Jacquie Coupe is a regular visitor to refugees in detention centres in Melbourne. She said she felt galvanised to action by the plight of refugees in detention. “It’s not illegal to seek asylum,” Ms Coupe, of Londrigan, said. “These people are just like us, ordinary people fleeing very, very desperate situations.” continued page |
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