A Community Network Of Support for refugee claimants is working in our local area. Communify Qld has auspiced this group since it formed in 2002 to provide a humanitarian response to the needs of asylum seekers in Brisbane.
The members of the Network undertake fundraising, and provide financial and social support for six individuals on bridging visas. Individuals supported by our group are referred by the Refugee Claimant Support Centre, based in Windsor.
Community volunteers can be involved in the Network of Support in a number ways. For example, you can attend the monthly meetings, participate in fundraising and social activities organised by the group, or make a financial contribution to the living costs of an individual requiring support.
Who are refugee claimants?
Refugees are people who have been forced to leave their country of origin due to fear of persecution because of their race, religious or political beliefs, nationality or membership of a particular social group. They are unable to return home unless the conditions that forced them to leave are changed for the better.
Asylum Seekers/Refugee Claimants are people who apply for asylum once they are in Australia. A bridging visa allows them to remain in Australia legally while their application for refugee status is assessed. However, if this application is not made within 45 days of arrival in Australia (even if they had a current visa), they are denied access to a work permit.
This means they have:
- no Medicare
- no government support through Centrelink
- no access to language classes or
- resettlement assistance
- no income whatsoever for an average of 18 months while they await a decision
Asylum Seeker Support
families and individuals who are seeking asylum may live in our community with little or no support for basic necessities such as food,
accommodation, clothing, health care and transport assistance. Many are obliged to rely on charity to survive. The Communify Refugee Support Group started in response to the need for community support for refugee claimants in Brisbane. We offer assistance with food, transport, medical care and other living expenses as a humanitarian response.
You can help partner refugee claimants. A donation or pledge of ongoing support will make a real difference to the lives of refugees living in our community, by assisting them with their daily living requirements.
You can join the Communify Refugee Support Group, which meets monthly to share information, raise awareness in the community around the needs of refugees and plan regular fundraising activities.
How can you support Communify?
We value the support of community and local businesses.
You can offer support to Communify by:
- becoming a member
- becoming a volunteer
- making a financial contribution
- supporting us with our fundraising ventures giving your time and expertise in organisational or project support
- making a bequest as part of your will
