Baw Baw Shire Declared a Refugee Welcome Zone

Published on 22 March 2019

Baw Baw Shire Council has joined other local governments around Australia in extending a warm welcome to refugees.

Mayor Cr Mikaela Power, joined by Cr Jessica O’Donnell, affirmed the Shire as a Welcome Zone for refugees yesterday signing an official Declaration at Warragul Community House.

Many community members attended in support of the Declaration signing including representatives from GLaWAC, Latrobe Community Health, Warragul Community House, Warragul Business Group, Gippsland Multicultural Services, Anglican Church Drouin, Department Human Services, Rotary Club of Warragul, Warragul Uniting Church and Community College Gippsland.

A Refugee Welcome Zone is a Local Government Area which has made a commitment in spirit to welcoming refugees into the community, upholding the human rights of refugees, demonstrating compassion for refugees and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community.

The Declaration is also an acknowledgment of the tremendous contribution refugee and migrant communities have made to all facets of Australian society - from medicine, science and engineering to sport, education and the arts.

The decision to become a Refugee Welcome Zone was endorsed at the 14 November 2018 Council Meeting.

Baw Baw Shire Council joins more than 160 Local Governments Areas around the country in becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone.

Developed by the Refugee Council of Australia, the initiative began in June 2002 as part of Refugee Week celebrations.

“In Baw Baw, the desire to declare our Shire a Refugee Welcome Zone comes directly from our community. I think that speaks volumes for the inclusive and welcoming nature of our region."

“As a Council, we want lead by example by nurturing and promoting a welcoming and supportive community spirit. We want all newcomers to Baw Baw, wherever they’ve arrived from, to experience that feeling of belonging.”

“As Mayor, I’m proud to be representing Council in endorsing and supporting the intention and commitments of this Declaration.”

“By making this Declaration, we pledge our continuing efforts to support the men, women and children who make the difficult journey to Australia to seek our protection and opportunities for a safer life.”

Image: Latrobe Community Health representative Farhat Firdous, Anne Jones, Rural Australians for Refugees member Kathy Paterson, Peter Kirkbribe, Hedy Kirkbribe, Cr Jessica O’Donnell and Mayor Cr Mikaela Power.

Image: A community united at the Declaration signing. 

Image: The signed Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration.