Write to Asylum Seekers

There are currently over 400 asylum seekers on Christmas Island. The majority of these people have left war-torn Afghanistan and Sri-Lanka. Most asylum seekers on the island are detained in the maximum-security detention prison where no opportunities for excursions outside the centre exist.

Over the years, letter writing to detainees has been an integral part of assisting asylum seekers held in remote locations where the likelihood of receiving visitors is minimal.

If you would like to write to someone in detention on Christmas Island please email me and I will forward you the name of someone to write to. Alternatively, you could forward this email on to friends, students and colleagues who may be keen to write.

Regards,
Michelle

Michelle Dimasi
Institute for Social Research
Swinburne University of Technology
Ph: 03 9214 5042
Fax: 03 9819 5349
Email: michelle@asylumseekerschristmasisland.com

Give time

Become a volunteer worker - The Romero Centre has vacancies for English tutors, social support persons, drivers...

Befriend a refugee living near you

Donate Money - Fund raise!

The Centre relies on donations for its operating costs. All donations are tax deductible.

Donate material goods

Donations of some household goods and utensils, non-perishable food, bedding and small items of furniture are always useful. Check with us first if you've got something you think might be useful.

Winter is here and many of the refugees we work with feel the cold and/or find using heaters too expensive on their tight budgets. If you have any good blankets, we could find a family that would appreciate the extra warmth!

Keep yourself informed

There are refugee networks on the internet which inform and discuss asylum and refugee issues in Australia and our region:

• www.refugeecouncil.org.au/
• www.immi.gov.au/
• www.refugees.org.au/
• www.safecom.org.au/refugees.htm
• www.barc.org.au/cms
• www.ajustaustralia.com
• www.asrc.org.au
• www.rac-qld.org
• www.ruralaustraliansforrefugees.org.au
• http://www.aph.gov.au/library
  This site contains a chronology of events relating to refugees in Australia from 1901 to 2002.

Know what is happening in your community

Speak up

Find the courage to voice your concern in support of refugees' rights to kindness, consideration, acceptance and dignity. It becomes easier!

Participate in our democracy

Phone your local MP and the ten senators for Queensland. Write to newspapers. Call radio talkback programs.

Oscar Romero