Wednesday 3 March 2010
Our guest speaker was Virginia Walker a volunteer and Chairperson for the Bridge for Asylum Seekers Foundation. Virginia was introduced by PP Raymond McCluskie.
Virginia’s involvement with asylum seekers began in 2002 when Virginia started writing letters to refugees in detention. This was followed by going to Villawood Detention Centre to visit the refugees. She was initially reluctant to do this as she had worked for the Department of Corrective Services for many years and had seen enough of jails. Of course Virginia relented and thus began her close involvement with the refugees at a personal level.
The foundation was set up in 2003 by a number of churches, community groups and concerned individuals. The Uniting Church through its benevolent arm Uniting Care has been very supportive of the foundation.
The refugees assisted by the foundation are those that are not entitled to any government benefits such as Centrelink or Medicare and have no right to seek employment. The amount allocated by the foundation is $90-00 per person per week for individuals and $70-00 per person per week for family members. This covers essential expenses but does not cover medical expenses or rent. An additional payment may be considered for medical expenses. The foundation assists about seventy people per month. Since 2003 the foundation has given out about $2,000,000-00 helping about 450 people.
Refugees in detention centres are often despondent as they await determination of their fate by the courts and the minister. They are lonely and frightened. The impact of a friendly and supportive face coming to visit them in custody can be very significant in uplifting their spirits. Virginia also provides the refugees with some goodies such as juice, cake, hommos or dates paid for from her own superannuation income. Many of the refugees understandably come to call her “mum”. Virginia has also provided baby’s clothes for three women who were pregnant.
When released the refugees often call Virginia for advice on what they should do next. Virginia assists them with such matters as visas, Medicare cards, opening bank accounts, registering with Centrelink and contacting job networks.
Virginia stated her belief that these people should not be called “illegal immigrants” but rather “asylum seekers”. Virginia told us of one young refugee who showed her his scars and said “This is where I have been tortured for my beliefs”.
Virginia advised us that when released most refugees do really well. She encouraged us to not view the refugees as problems but to acknowledge their enthusiasm and their potential to contribute to our society in the future. Virginia was thanked by Paul White.
Virginia made available a handout