From its formal beginnings our Commission has always strived to promote diversity and offer the gift of hospitality to those who have come to our Diocese seeking a new life. We were a part of the founding group which established Toowoomba Refugee and Migrant Support (TRAMS) in 2004. TRAMS is a place of welcome which assists newly arrived people settle into the Toowoomba community. Hundreds of people are welcomed to TRAMS each month. A warm and caring group of volunteers run a range of programmes designed to ensure that people can finally call Toowoomba home. Our Commission has a long record of advocating for human rights for all people claiming asylum in Australia. We combine research with advocacy and action. In 2005 our Commission was a part of a group which created a snapshot of Toowoomba's Sudanese community - "Finding a Home on the Range". This report is available for download below. In 2009 working with other agencies we are hoping to update this snapshot to gain a greater understanding of the newly emerging refugee background community in Toowoomba.
Of all the people who come to this country, just 3% are boat people. Of these, 90% are found to be genuine refugees (fleeing war or persecution). They represent only 1% of our population growth, and if we processed them onshore, their cost to the Australian taxpayer would be reduced by 75%. (http://www.getup.org.au/)
To hear some of Akol's story click here
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Refugee_and_Migrant_Background.pdf
The Catholic Church celebrates Migrant and Refugee Week between the 24th and 30th August. To find out more about who lives in our region download this document
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Refugees and Australia's Response can be purchased thorugh our Commission or the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council
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