by Sue Cram
The Federal government has signalled that it is about to cut the Centrelink living allowances of many refugees in our local community who are still searching for asylum. At the same time, depending on what type of visa they hold, many asylum seekers have not been granted work rights. Local support group Hobsons Bay Refugee Network (HBRN) is currently raising funds to help alleviate the hardship this will cause many families. Their next event will be a film fundraiser at The Sun theatre in Yarraville.
Based on Agatha Christie’s 1947 murder mystery novel, Crooked House, the film is set in a sumptuous mansion on a large estate. All of the characters (except for the detectives!) are suspects in the murder of a wealthy octogenarian.
President of Hobsons Bay Refugee Network, Ann Morrow, says many people on temporary protection visas have already been found to be genuine refugees, but they have been waiting a long time, some as many as 5 years, for their long-term visas.
“The people who have reached our shores are the responsibility of the Australian Government”, Ms Morrow said. “As the U.N. has constantly reminded us, they are not ‘illegal’. But it looks as though the government is outsourcing the care of these increasingly desperate people to community groups of volunteers, like us”.
All of the proceeds raised from ticket sales and a raffle at the screening will go directly to assisting those seeking asylum, and will be shared with West Welcome Wagon, which delivers donated furniture, clothing and white goods to households in need across the western suburbs.
Details of the screening are:
Venue: Sun Theatre, Yarraville
Date: Sunday May 13th
Time: Arrive 6.15-6.30 pm for a 7pm screening.
Complimentary snacks will be served and drinks are available at bar prices.
Tickets: $25 through www.trybooking.com/374246
