Strategic Community Assistance to Refugee Families (SCARF), The Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (MCCI), Illawarra Multicultural Service (IMS) and the Illawarra division of the Australian Red Cross Humanitarian Settlement Program (Red Cross HSP), come together to express our deep sympathy to the victims and families of the recent terror attack by a right-wing extremist in Christchurch. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community and continue to respect cultural diversity here in the Illawarra and around the world during Harmony week.
IMS CEO Raquel Aldunate said:
“IMS sends its heartfelt
condolences to the families and friends of those killed and to those injured in
the attack. We also condemn the racist and divisive rhetoric expressed by
certain politicians and media in Australia both before and after this attack.
It serves no purpose other than to instil the fear and hatred which can lead to
such attacks.”
SCARF CEO Pippa Rendel urges connection:
“When tragic events occur, it can feel hard to know what
to do to support to each other. You may want to reach out to Muslim friends,
neighbours and fellow community members who may be feeling distressed or
unsafe. We encourage people to make these connections. If you have Muslim
neighbours or friends, you may wish to check in with them at this time. A smile
or friendly greeting to people you are less acquainted with and those you pass
in the street can go a long way to foster a sense of belonging and reinforce
community ties. Community gatherings are also a wonderful way for us all to
recognise our shared humanity and the strength of the connections between us.”
The Illawarra’s multicultural and
settlement support organisations have played an important role in effectively
settling refugees and those seeking humanitarian assistance regardless of faith
or cultural background. They will continue to work closely with the Muslim
community as well as those from other backgrounds. These services will continue
to work in collaboration with each other and the wider community to promote the
benefits of diversity and support people of all faiths and backgrounds as they
build lives in the Illawarra and add to the rich fabric of our community.
Australian Red Cross, HPS Regional Manager Pia Angelucci
said:
“The thoughts and hearts of Red
Cross are with Muslim communities in New Zealand and everywhere else. People
killed as they gathered to pray is a horrifying act against all humanity. To
all those affected and all those fearing for their safety and questioning the
world around them, we stand with you, always.”
We applaud the response of
New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern and her inclusive stance against
divisive politics. There is no place for anti-immigration, anti-refugee,
anti-Muslim beliefs in Australia. This is the time to show support for our
diverse communities through programs such as Harmony Week.
MCCI CEO Chris Lacy said:
“Harmony
Week commenced on Sunday 17 March and now, as much
as ever, it is important for the whole community to come together to show our
support for inclusion, diversity and respect and, by doing so, make a statement
that we unequivocally reject the extremist views that fuel hate and division in
our community.
“I am confident that the
people of the Illawarra will come together in this time of need to support our
local
Muslim community and stand up for the values of inclusion and respect that make
us who we are
as
Australians today. We in the Illawarra have a strong history of welcoming and
supporting refugees
and
migrants from all over the world and, as community, we will continue to do so.”
Wollongong has been recognised
as a Refugee Welcome Zone since 2005. During that time the region has accepted
thousands of refugees including women, children and families from 14 countries
of origin including Burma, African nations, middle east and south America and
from various cultural backgrounds, languages and faiths.
The following support services are
available to those in the community who might be struggling:
