A welcome barbecue held recently at the Woodend Children’s Park brought together refugee families and local supporters, marking the start of the year for Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees.
Despite cool and blustery weather, about 30 refugees and asylum seekers travelled from Melbourne to attend the event. Coordinated with support from the Melbourne-based Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project, the gathering aimed to welcome new arrivals and introduce local residents to people MRRAR has supported for more than 20 years.
Visitors came from countries including Ethiopia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Syria. Children enjoyed the playground and informal games of soccer, with one participant having previously worked as a soccer coach in his home country.
Event organiser Karen Pierce said the afternoon highlighted the importance of building connections within the community.
“When people get to know each other, barriers are broken down,” she said.
“We’re reminded that asylum-seekers are no different to ourselves and, but for an accident of fate, they could be in our position, and we in theirs.”
MRRAR is now turning its focus to planning for the year ahead. A public meeting for members, supporters and interested community members will be held at the Norma Richardson Hall, 15 Buckland Street, Woodend, on Saturday, February 14, from 1.30pm to 4pm. Attendance can be registered by emailing mrrar.refugees@gmail.com.
The meeting will be chaired by Gisborne resident, Deborah Rhodes, who has a background in international aid and has written extensively on facilitating change in diverse cultural contexts. She said she was looking forward to helping guide the group’s work in 2026.
