New Branch of Grandmothers for Refugees launched in Fremantle

A new purple-clad force to be reckoned with comes to Fremantle

The national movement of Grandmothers for Refugees has formed a new Branch in Fremantle and is keen to ensure their voice is heard loud and clear.

Inaugural branch committee member, Sue Slavin, said she was excited to join an organisation whose members work tirelessly in advocating for the compassionate welcome and safe settlement of all people seeking asylum in Australia, with a primary focus on children.

“After our initial callout to Fremantle grandmothers, the Fremantle Branch already has 17 members,” she said.

“Just six months ago there were no branches of Grandmothers for Refugees in Western Australia, now Fremantle is the third to form, following Curtin and Greater Perth, bringing the current WA membership to 50. But we extend a welcome across Fremantle for all those who are interested to join us.

“You don’t even need to be a grandmother to be part of the group! Friends of Grandmothers – affectionately known as FROGS – are warmly encouraged to come along too.”

The now 2000 member national group grew out of a community movement founded in Victoria in 2014. Membership to Grandmothers for Refugees is free. Its main activities are to write letters and meet with politicians and influencers, speak at community events, and distribute information to raise awareness on refugee matters.

Currently the immediate focus of the Grandmother group is to advocate for immediate release from detention of people seeking asylum; stop mandatory detention both onshore and offshore; and to end all forms of temporary protection visas to enable asylum seekers to apply for permanent protection.

Sue invites those who would like to join the Fremantle Branch or who wish to come and observe to come to the next meeting at 1.30pm Monday 24 October at St Paul’s Anglican Church hall, 162 Hampton Road, Fremantle.

This meeting will have a special address from long-time advocate for refugees, Betty McGeever, who will describe the plight of boat asylum seekers past and present. She will speak to the difficulties that people seeking asylum must endure in their effort to find safety and welcome in Australia.

Subsequent meetings will be held every fourth Monday of the month at 2 pm except for December at the same location.

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