The local community has rallied to the cause of two Afghan men, including Zamin, who want to settle in
Bass Coast and bring their families.
By Harry Freeman
A few weeks ago, just after the Taliban had once again overrun Afghnistan, I reported on the situation of four Afghans who have built up a connection with this area through their participation in English language training classes at the Bass Coast Adult Learning Centre (BCAL) in Wonthaggi. (Our Afghan connection, Bass Coast Post, August 26, 2021).
So strong is this connection, in fact, that two of them, Zamin and Reza, want to move to live and work here themselves, as well as bring their families to join them from overseas.
As a result of that article and other publicity there was a heartwarming response from the local community; over $10 000 was quickly raised by two groups supporting the Afghan students.
A few weeks ago, just after the Taliban had once again overrun Afghnistan, I reported on the situation of four Afghans who have built up a connection with this area through their participation in English language training classes at the Bass Coast Adult Learning Centre (BCAL) in Wonthaggi. (Our Afghan connection, Bass Coast Post, August 26, 2021).
So strong is this connection, in fact, that two of them, Zamin and Reza, want to move to live and work here themselves, as well as bring their families to join them from overseas.
As a result of that article and other publicity there was a heartwarming response from the local community; over $10 000 was quickly raised by two groups supporting the Afghan students.
Already much of this money has been distributed to the Afghans and put to good use having been sent overseas to assist family members living in often very straitened circumstances.
The rest of the funds that were raised have been kept in reserve in readiness to start funding the process of applying for Zamin’s and Reza’s families to be accepted to join their husbands and fathers in this country.This is a long, involved – and expensive – exercise, made all the more difficult by the huge demand and chaotic state of services in Afghanistan and in Quetta, in Pakistan, where Zamin’s family and many other Afghans are fleeing.
The next steps for Zamin, Reza and their families
Zamin and Reza
An important step is to find work and accommodation for the two men who want to move into this area. Both Reza and Zamin have Temporary Protection visas. Living and working in rural areas improves their chances of moving to more permanent visas. It will also be an advantage to their families as they apply for Humanitarian visas, if they can move directly to a rural area.
Bass Coast Adult Learning’s Coastal Connections program is assisting both men in searching for local employment: one will be starting a trial on a farm very soon while the other is looking for work in the construction industry, preferably to continue his plumbing apprenticeship.
They are also looking for accommodation to share in the area. As you might imagine, given the high demand for housing in the area, this is proving to be difficult.
The families overseas
An important step is for the families to be granted refugee status through the UN. After that is the complex process of attaining visas from the Federal Government.
The Bass Coast Refugee Sponsorship Group is sponsoring Zamin’s family through the Government’s Community Support Program. While visa applications made through this program have a better chance of success, it comes at a cost. We estimate that the total expense will be around $60,000. Zamin has committed to find a portion of this but he is not able to find the whole amount (this process is likely to be lengthy, and in the meantime he has to support himself and also his family in Pakistan).
The goal of our group is to raise $40,000.
The rest of the funds that were raised have been kept in reserve in readiness to start funding the process of applying for Zamin’s and Reza’s families to be accepted to join their husbands and fathers in this country.This is a long, involved – and expensive – exercise, made all the more difficult by the huge demand and chaotic state of services in Afghanistan and in Quetta, in Pakistan, where Zamin’s family and many other Afghans are fleeing.
The next steps for Zamin, Reza and their families
Zamin and Reza
An important step is to find work and accommodation for the two men who want to move into this area. Both Reza and Zamin have Temporary Protection visas. Living and working in rural areas improves their chances of moving to more permanent visas. It will also be an advantage to their families as they apply for Humanitarian visas, if they can move directly to a rural area.
Bass Coast Adult Learning’s Coastal Connections program is assisting both men in searching for local employment: one will be starting a trial on a farm very soon while the other is looking for work in the construction industry, preferably to continue his plumbing apprenticeship.
They are also looking for accommodation to share in the area. As you might imagine, given the high demand for housing in the area, this is proving to be difficult.
The families overseas
An important step is for the families to be granted refugee status through the UN. After that is the complex process of attaining visas from the Federal Government.
The Bass Coast Refugee Sponsorship Group is sponsoring Zamin’s family through the Government’s Community Support Program. While visa applications made through this program have a better chance of success, it comes at a cost. We estimate that the total expense will be around $60,000. Zamin has committed to find a portion of this but he is not able to find the whole amount (this process is likely to be lengthy, and in the meantime he has to support himself and also his family in Pakistan).
The goal of our group is to raise $40,000.
Reza How you can help
Please let me know if you can help with either of these issues:
Any information can be forwarded to Bass Coast Adult Learning at [email protected]
Support our fund raising activities
The Bass Coast Refugee Support Group, which is supporting Zamin in his quest to bring his wife and children to Australia, has started a number of fund-raising ventures:
Become a Friend of the Sponsorship Group
Email [email protected] if you can help. or make a donation. or want to join the Bass Coast Refugee Sponsorship Group.
Crowdfunding
I am interested in setting up a crowdfunding venture. I have no experience in doing this and would welcome any advice. Please email [email protected] if you can help.
Harry Freeman is a member of the Bass Coast Refugee Sponsorship Group which is assisting the men and their families in their quest.
Please let me know if you can help with either of these issues:
- employment for Reza. He has experience in tiling and plumbing and other areas of construction but he is able and willing to turn his hand to other possibilities.
- Information about accommodation for the two men that is available now
Any information can be forwarded to Bass Coast Adult Learning at [email protected]
Support our fund raising activities
The Bass Coast Refugee Support Group, which is supporting Zamin in his quest to bring his wife and children to Australia, has started a number of fund-raising ventures:
- Garage sale, Saturday, October 30 8am-1pm at the Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House, 6 Murray St, Wonthaggi. Come along and pick up a bargain. If you would like to donate items please drop them off at Mitchell House the day before. If you have any problems with delivering your items please contact Iain, the centre manager, on 5672 3731.
- Raffle for one of three paintings generously donated by a local artist. Tickets will be available at the garage sale or from Mitchell House
- Fund-raising concert. This had to be postponed because of Covid restrictions but we are now aiming to run it next April. Watch this space for more details.
Become a Friend of the Sponsorship Group
Email [email protected] if you can help. or make a donation. or want to join the Bass Coast Refugee Sponsorship Group.
Crowdfunding
I am interested in setting up a crowdfunding venture. I have no experience in doing this and would welcome any advice. Please email [email protected] if you can help.
Harry Freeman is a member of the Bass Coast Refugee Sponsorship Group which is assisting the men and their families in their quest.