With the Macedon Ranges shaking off its winter blues, local refugee support group, Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees, has decided to welcome the new season with their ‘Gather For Good’ celebratory fundraising luncheon.
In recent years, MRRAR has thrown its support behind the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project. Established in Melbourne in 2001, BASP was formed partly in response to misinformation surrounding the infamous ‘children overboard’ incident. Since then, the organisation has worked tirelessly to provide material and moral support to asylum-seekers in Australia.
Largely volunteer-driven, BASP provides emergency relief, housing assistance, help with employment, English-language assistance and connection to legal and community services.
Current CEO of BASP, Renee Mazloum, herself the daughter of refugees, said BASP received no form of government funding.
“We are entirely reliant upon private donations, philanthropic contributions and community fundraising,” she said, adding that she was delighted with the support received from the people of the Macedon Ranges.
In recognition of this valuable support, Renee will be guest speaker at the luncheon, where she will outline BASP’s role in the provision of assistance to asylum-seekers in Australia. The doors will open at Norma Richardson Hall, 15 Buckland Street, Woodend at 12.30pm for a 1pm start on Saturday September 12. Tickets are available at $25 per head and can be booked online at www.trybooking.com/DOVKR
For more information on the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project, including how to support their valuable work, visit: BASP.org.au