Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees
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The nun in the cage
A recent program screened on ABC TV showed an 87-year-old Melbourne nun, confined in a cage. She was protesting the detention of refugees by Australian authorities. It was all in a day’s work for Sister Brigid Arthur – one more example of her determination to stand up on questions of social justice. For nearly seven…
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A complicated tale of joy and despair
Like most people in his profession, Mark Chew is more comfortable behind the lens than in front of it. Photos show a quiet, reflective individual, with, just occasionally, a hint of sadness. It’s hardly surprising. He’s seen things. For more than 30 years, Mark has carved out a career as a highly successful commercial photographer.…
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Refugee advocates active in April
April is proving a busy month for volunteers at Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees. It began with their highly anticipated afternoon with writer and political insider Don Watson. The author read several excerpts from his latest work, Watsonia, and reminisced about his travels through the US and rural Australia. His recollections of life in the…
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Watsonia in Woodend
Watsonia: A Writing Life, is the 13th and latest offering by author Don Watson. It is a collection of essays on subjects as diverse as Travel and Terrorism, Language and Leadership, Football and Faith and, most intriguingly, the question of Australia: Who are we? Where are we? And where do we go from here? Watson…
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Stories of courage
Dignity in a Teacup – True Stories of Courage and Sacrifice on Christmas Island is an account of author Christine Cummins’ five years as a torture and trauma counsellor to asylum-seekers confined in off-shore detention. Christine will be appearing in Woodend next week, as a special guest of Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees, to recall…
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No Djoke for refugees
The recent controversy embroiling Novak Djokovic has shone an international spotlight on Australia’s detention of refugees. Supporters of the Serb champion were outraged by his detention in substandard accommodation. But Djokovic was not alone. The Park Hotel in Carlton, where the Serb was detained, has been used as a detention centre for refugees since December…
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Plant sale fundraiser a success
A wet weekend did not deter Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees volunteers. On Saturday, their outdoor plant stall went ahead as planned, despite inclement weather. With about 1500 plants for sale, as well as a sausage sizzle, CWA cake stall and live musical entertainment, Woodenders refused to let the elements spoil the fun. A…
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Don Watson in conversation in Woodend
Advisor and speechwriter to Premier and Prime Minister, screenwriter, satirist and traveller, Don Watson is the author of 13 books. His latest offering, Watsonia: A Writing Life, features musings on subjects as diverse as Travel and Terrorism, Language and Leadership, Football and Faith and, most intriguingly, the question of Australia: Who are we? Where are we?…
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Refugee stories should be heard
Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees want to open up conversations in the community about people who have come by boat seeking safety in Australia. The refugee support group has arranged a special community information session later this month to be addressed by Christine Cummins who for five years was a trauma counsellor at the…