Keynote speeches by Ernest Bukasa and Professor William Maley highlighted a positive gathering at Club Sapphire for Saturday’s forum about refugees.
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About 80 people listened to speeches and a Q&A session related to refugees and asylum seekers.
Mr Bukasa, who fled war in the Democratic Republic of Congo and now lives in Merimbula, spoke about ‘who is and what is a refugee?’
“I didn’t chose the life of a refugee, nor did I want to be a refugee,” he said.
He told the audience how his life had been overshadowed by war as he searched for a sense of belonging but that now he had found a new and better home, one to which he belonged.
“Being an Australian is my nationality, but I am still grounded to my roots,” Mr Bukasa said.
His poem, I am Ernest, received warm applause from the audience.
The forum, organised by Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast, was a chance for members of the community to learn more about refugees and how they can help.
It also featured Professor Maley from the Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy at ANU, director of Multicultural Services in South East NSW John Gunn, immigration lawyer Rebecca Wallace and Joe Thilaken of the Red Cross In Search of Safety program.
Ian Campbell, of About Regional, moderated the question and answer session.
Pastor Pam Skelton of the Eden Uniting Church said she was encouraged by the forum and the number of people who signed up to be part of future initiatives.
She said that Professor Maley’s address was “amazing in its breath and called for greater sensitivity of the humanitarian situation on our doorstep”.
Pastor Skelton said it was a great opportunity to have people’s questions answers such as, what happened to the refugee places that Australia offered to Syrians; what was the latest situation in Afghanistan; what the future holds for people on Temporary Protection Visas, and more.
She said it was particularly interesting to hear from someone who has first hand experience at what it is like to come to Australia as a refugee.
Mayor of Bega Valley Shire Kristy McBain sent a letter of support to the forum and the volunteers involved and added that council was proud of its status as a refugee welcome zone.
Mrs Skelton said the forum aimed to link with other like-minded organisations and continue its community education role. To
