Refugee advocates have called on Macedon Ranges residents to open their hearts, and possibly homes, to people affected by conflict in Syria.
With the federal government confirming a special intake of 12,000 Syrian refugees, members of the local Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) group also urged authorities to consider the former Australian Emergency Management Institute (AEMI) at Mount Macedon as a transitional resettlement facility.
As reported by Star Weekly, the government is looking to sell the site, which trained public servants and members of the CFA and SES, after moving to an online model from July 1.
Macedon Ranges RAR members said the great advantage of the AEMI was that it was ‘‘ready to go’’ and could easily accommodate upwards of 30 people.
Group spokeswoman Jenny Zimmerman said most local people were extremely supportive of refugees, making the area an ideal location to support the intake.
‘‘The population around here is probably more open to it than some other areas,’’ she said.
‘‘Even conservative people are often asking us what they can do to help.’’
Ms Zimmerman said she had put several people, wanting to offer space in their own home, in touch with the Australian Homestay Network.
‘‘Since the photo of that little boy on the beach was published they’ve been getting close to one inquiry every minute Australia wide,’’ she said.
Federal Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters praised the RAR group’s efforts to welcome refugees.
She said there was a lot of support in central Victoria, as evidenced by a candlelight vigil in Kyneton last week.
Many RAR members also regularly invite refugees who are living in Melbourne to their house for meals.
‘‘There’s a lot of heart and action in the Macedon Ranges,’’ Ms Chesters said.
State Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said there were many great examples of refugees successfully settling in regional Victoria.
Details: www.homestaynetwork.org
