Document Actions
Gosford City becomes a Refugee Welcome Zone
19-06-2009 12:00 AM
Mayor of Gosford City, Clr Chris Holstein, officially declared Gosford City a Refugee Welcome Zone last Tuesday 16 June at a morning tea held in celebration of Refugee Week 2009.
Freedom from Fear
is the theme for this year's Refugee Week which illustrates not just the fear that refugees feel to escape, but the relief of being welcomed into another country and given the opportunity to rebuild their lives.In his address to guests and refugees, Mayor Chris Holstein said that through its commitment to establishing a Refugee Welcome Zone, Council is saying that refugees are welcome here.
"Gosford City Council is delighted to be announcing that it has committed to being a Refugee Welcome Zone along with 72 other councils across Australia.
"There are approximately 40,000 migrants living on the Central Coast – with official figures indicating approximately 4% of our population originating from a non-English speaking background", added Clr Holstein.
In essence, the declaration is a commitment in spirit to welcoming refugees into the community. It upholds the human rights of refugees, demonstrates compassion for refugees and enhances cultural and religious diversity in the community.
In partnership with Northern Settlement Support Services, Gosford City Council will also host a travelling exhibition of photos and stories in September, to celebrate the contributions of refugees to our community.
Celebrated in Australia annually since the 1980's, Refugee Week runs from Sunday 14 to Saturday 20 June and is designed to encourage successful integration so refugees can live in safety and continue making valuable contributions to Australian communities.