The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) is currently conducting a research project into their Refugee Welcome Zone (RWZ) initiative. The aim is to encourage current councils involved, and potential new councils, to put their commitment in spirit to supporting refugees into practice.
Since 2002 when the RCOA launched this initiative, 73 councils across Australia have signed the declaration to become Refugee Welcome Zones.
The present research project is compiling information from the current RWZs about the policies, projects, activities or services that they provide in support of refugees. From this resources will be developed to assist existing and future RWZ councils to put their commitment in spirit into practice.
Currently the project has received positive feedback both from current RWZ councils as well as new councils looking to sign the declaration.
The research has revealed that many councils are actively engaging with refugee communities in their local area and promoting and supporting a range of programs, activities and events targeted towards refugees and migrants.
It has also shown that councils with smaller refugee settlement numbers have been just as active in implementing support and services for refugees as councils with larger settlement numbers.
While many of the types of projects and services share similarities, there are also many unique and creative ways councils have chosen to put their commitment towards refugees into practice.
These include for example the creation of an Afghan Tea Cycle to support the Afghan community and precinct in Victoria’s City of Greater Dandenong, and the implementation of a refugee soccer program that provides refugee youth with professional coaching in Port Adelaide Enfield, South Australia.
These examples amongst others will be compiled into an online resource to provide information and inspiration to other councils about the diversity of ways in which Local Government areas can welcome refugees to the community and provide practical support and services to assist their settlement.
This project is ongoing so please contact the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) if you want further information about becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone (RWZ) or if your Council is already a signatory, we are always interested in hearing about the projects, initiatives and events implemented in support of refugees in your local area.
For further information contact RCOA on (02) 9211 9333, email info@refugeecouncil.org.au or go to www.refugeecouncil.org.au
