By Kath Gannaway
Refugee advocate groups in the Yarra Valley added their voices on Saturday to thousands of people protesting at the treatment of refugees on Manus Island.
Members of Warburton and Healesville groups of Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) attended the rally bearing banners calling for the Federal Government to “bring them here”.
More than 600 men are refusing to leave the Australian-funded regional processing centre on Manus Island, saying they fear for their safety outside.
Both groups, in an email last week to supporters, called on them to phone and email politicians on both sides of Federal Government, voicing their disgust.
“This is not confrontational or seeking to make others feel guilty – it is your own expression of disgust at what is happening,” the email stated.
Warburton RAR spokesperson Kerry Nicholas said the group would hold one-hour information sessions on the steps of the Warburton post office on Saturday mornings 11, 18 and 25 November and 2 December and are asking people to wear a black armband to show their concern.
She said members would share stories of the men on Manus.
An evening candle vigil will be held with a date to be announced.
In a letter to the Mail (page 6), Ms Nicholas said while politicians are talking, 440 men acknowledged as refugees and around 140 asylum seekers are “still being batted between a bullying Australia and a resolute PNG”.
Healesville RAR chair Jeanette McRae said government members needed to be accountable.
“It is absolutely shameful that we have these 600 plus men being used for political purposes with food, electricity, water all basic life needs being cut off to try to force them to move to alternative accommodation where they don’t necessarily feel safe in the environment.”
For information about Warburton and District RAR and Healesville RAR email rar.australia@gmail.com .
