Family Picnic in Support of Refugees A family friendly picnic is being held at the Batemans Bay Foreshore, Clyde Street from 12-2pm onSunday 8 October as part of a National Day of Action for Refugees, highlighting the dangers for refugees left stranded on Manus and Nauru. “The picnic is is a way we can share our concerns for people in detention and help to raise community awareness about the need to bring these refugees to safety. Even though a small number of refugees have now been accepted by the USA, hundreds will still be left behind on Manus and Nauru” said local award winning musician Sarah Cowan, the organizer of the picnic. “ The Government is choosing to detain refugees on Manus Island and Nauru. Innocent people, including children have been locked up for over four years been harassed, abused, assaulted, and even murdered. There are still 169 children on Nauru. And the health and lives of men on Manus are in great danger.” said Ms Cowan. “We are inviting others to pack a picnic lunch and a hat and to join us – to show their support for getting kids and people out of detention. We are gathering to remind our politicians that they need to get on the right track to a fair and efficient process, that treats others the way we all want to be treated.” said Ms Cowan. The Refugee Action Committee Eurobodalla is organizing the picnic. The timing of the event – and actions around the country comes as Manus Island detention centre is due to close on October 31 with DIBP bulldozing compounds, and shutting off power and water. “Meals are running out.” said Ms Cowan. “Even things we take for granted like drinking water have been cut off and denied for lengths of time in the tropical heat. The refugees have nowhere to go and receive no assistance integrating into the local community already struggling with poverty, and high rates of violence, including attacks on refugees. There have been numerous bush knife and machete attacks on refugees. There is a lack of adequate medical care. ” “We need to keep reminding our politicians that a majority of Australians already want the refugees brought off these prison islands and integrated into safety in our communities. It can be done. A fair way forward is possible.” WHAT: Family Picnic to Support Refugees in Detention WHEN: 12-2pm Sunday, 8 October 2017 WHERE: Batemans Bay Foreshore, Clyde Street The Refugee Action Collective Eurobodalla is a community group working with a broad range of individuals, employers, NGOs and local groups to educate & advocate on refugee issues. See us on Facebook at facebook.com/RACEurobodalla For more information visit Refugee Action Collective Eurobodalla
