By Aaron Cordy
IN the rise of divisive politics, where leaders use people’s differences to chase votes instead of embracing one of the oldest truisms: when people and cultures come together, the collision of ideas and experiences creates growth that build better communities and societies.
Embracing that growth, Greater Shepparton City Council, in partnership with the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Inc., and with the support of Refugee Legal, hosted In Conversation with David Manne – Refugee Week Forum.
David, the CEO and Principal Solicitor of Refugee Legal, shared insights from over 25 years of experience as a human rights lawyer working with refugees, asylum seekers and disadvantaged migrants, as well as his engagement in national and international policy settings.
Built on immigration, Australia had the honour of granting its one millionth refugee visa since the end of the Second World War late last year. Each one of these visa’s brings with it its own unique story and experience.
“It’s one of what I consider to be one of the golden threads of modern Australian history. As a nation, we are immeasurably richer, more vibrant, and ultimately stronger because of our refugee resettlement program,” said David.
“It’s central to who we are, who we will be, and not just in social and cultural terms, but also economically. In truth, it is fundamental to the life and the fabric of our nation. Not extraneous, not optional, it’s actually integral to our history. A million refugees behind these numbers lie one million unique stories, and so many others that come from that. People with a heartbeat, with hopes, and people who have been central to building our nation.”
Australia was the first country outside of Europe, 6th overall, to sign up to the Refugee Convention, which activated the convention. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention, at a time when refugees around the world are under attack because of the circumstances inflicted upon them.
Australia is filled with stories of people settling here and building something better, not only for themselves, but also for their children and the larger community. Whether it is a family of Afghani’s who open a restaurant or a child born of African refugees kicking a goal for the Socceroos, migrants have been integral in building the country.
“I think there is something particularly important about Shepparton, that is, as an exemplar of inclusion of multicultural inclusion and welcome. Of the community coming together to create a sense of home and belonging, no matter who you are or where you’re from, no matter from all walks of life and from all corners of the globe,” said David.
