Sonia described the profile of people  who have recently migrated to Bendigo. Dr Mary Holland and Sara Tarquinio were instrumental in bringing the first group of Karen people to Bendigo. Since then there has been migration from South Sudan and Afghanistan. Many of these people suffered persecution in their own country. The “Luv A Duck” project at Nhill and the positive outcomes which have resulted from the contribution of the Filipino community at Pyramid Hill are positive models for other places.

 

It is important to understand that LCMC supports both refugees and migrants as well as First Nations peoples. In this there is a distinction between recent arrivals to Australia and the traditional owners. Support with life skills and the transition to employment are important for new arrivals in Bendigo. The recent cuts in funding have limited the support that LCMC is able to offer. 

 

Sonia suggested that Rotary may  be able to support the annual Zinda Multicultural Festival. We thank Sonia for her very engaging presentation and we look forward to maintaining further contact with her.

 

As an aside Sonia raised some interesting issues about the affordability of Rotary. This has left us all with a lot  to think about.

 

- Jim Rolfe