More than $20,000 worth of goods have been distributed to the Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC) in Newtown due to the generosity of people in the Southern Highlands.
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Food and toiletries were collected over three weeks by Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR), coordinated by Julia Weisz and a small group of volunteers.
“We have been overwhelmed by the local support, including from many young people. It is a strong indication how frustrated people are feeling about the Government’s treatment of asylum seekers and refugees,” Ms Weisz said.
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“Woolworths at Mittagong and Bowral allowed us to set up tables outside their stores and people took our food list, filled up bags and just handed them to us. It was amazing, “she said.
The effort was helped along by local businesses including Tankar Storage at Mittagong which came forward and donated the use of two storage units. Mittagong Veterinary Hospital, Bowral Uniting Church and Southlands Care Op-shop, Moss Vale provided drop-off points as well as Oxley College and Bowral High School.
ASC CEO Frances Rush said she was delighted by the generosity of the Southern Highlands community and gave her heartfelt thanks.
Shelves in the ASC foodbank have been temporarily well-stocked, however, direct donations are still welcomed and can be made to the ASC on their website www.asylumseekerscentre.org.au
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