Radio National
The former gold mining town of Castlemaine, just over one hour's drive from Melbourne, hasn't seen an influx of immigrants since the Chinese 150 years ago. This industrial and historically attractive arts-based town is now the home of around 80 Sudanese and Burundi refugees.I don't blame African refugees for taking advantage of the door opened to them. But, as for those organisations that assist them coming here, well they're off my Christmas card list. And that includes the founding chairman of New Hope Foundation Frank Crean (former Whitlam minister). Labor politicians are attacking Australia's social cohesion and peaceful lifestyle even after they have long left office.
On the outskirts of town is KR Castlemaine, one of the major industries in the Mount Alexander Shire. The East African newcomers were encouraged to move to Castlemaine because of employment with the smallgoods meat company.
They've been gradually settling here since September 2006 with the assistance of the New Hope Foundation and the Bendigo Regional Ethnic Communities Council.
The Sudanese and Burundi elders have formed the East Africa Community of Castlemaine. This group deals with problems within its community. It's also a mechanism for the long-term residents of Castlemaine to have formal access to this new community and vice versa.
The program gives an insight into developing relationships between a broad range of people who are determined to make this resettlement a success. We also hear some extraordinary stories of courage and survival.
Further Information
Sudanese Lost Boys Association of Australia
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment