The Phillip Island RAR group meet every Friday morning to ring bells at the front of Berninneit "to remind passersby that the issue of refugees has not gone away". They are calling on the community to mark International Refugee Day on June 20.
The Phillip Island Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) group is calling on the community to observe International Refugee Day on June 20.
An RAR spokesperson said the day was a way to acknowledge the overwhelming number of refugees in the world - 37.9 million according to figures compiled in 2024.
"There continues to be refugees seeking safety and security from persecution, conflict, threat of death and climate catastrophes.
"In Refugee Week we also acknowledge the economic, social and cultural contribution of people who have been accepted to resettle in countries like Australia," the spokesperson said.
"Refugees are great contributors to their communities and our country."
RAR said there are many groups in the area working to assist refugees.
"Groups like the Bass Coast Refugee Sponsorship Group, have already been responsible for three families from Syria resettling in Gippsland.
"Closer to home, our RAR group is supporting refugees living in Australia with food donations, fundraising and advocacy," they said.
"We have also fund raised to support the education of women and girls in Afghanistan. Since the takeover of the Taliban women and girls have faced life changing discrimination that forces them to cover up, cease education at the age of six, no talking, laughing or singing in public among many other restrictions.
"In other words, erasing them from public life."
If you'd like to be part of the initiatives to help refugees, the Phillip Island RAR group meet every Friday morning to ring bells at the front of Berninneit "to remind passersby that the issue of refugees have not gone away".
"Then we go for coffee and lively discussion. Come join us."
Enquiries: Lesley 0432 163 694.
