Refugee Communities Association of Australia and its members are pleased to announce that we have launched South Australian Chapter. Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) aims is to empower refugee communities across Australia, enabling them to take active roles in Australia. With the motto led for refugee, with refugee, by refugee and with the vision to provide a voice for refugees with the lived experience, RCAA prides itself in grassroot engagement and empowerment for refugee communities and their members to successfully settle and integration in Australia. In line with the grassroot vision, RCAA has established chapters in most Australian states and territories which determine and pursue local priorities for their communities which is fed back to inform the direction of the national body. On Friday 22 July 2022, RCAA launched the South Australian Chapter at the Parliament of South Australia hosted by Assistant Minister to the Premier, Hon Emily Bourke MLC, representing The Hon Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs in the South Australian Government. Attended by RCAA National Executive from across Australia, peak settlement service providers agencies, community organisations and representatives from refugee communities and their leaders, the special occasion also heard the settlement journey of refugees from Afghanistan and Bhutan. South Australia is a home to many refugee and migrant communities who have made immense contribution to the state socially and economically. Hon Bourke said, ‘RCAA is an anchor of hope for refugee and migrant communities in South Australia as their voices matter in the conversations”. Outgoing Chairperson, Mr Juma Piri Piri said, “the launch of South Australian Chapter cemented our vision of empowering grass root refugee communities to response and find solutions to their own issues”. RCAA believes that the pain and suffering of refugees can only be felt and responded to by those who have experienced those journeys themselves. It is those hands which are best equipped to heal the wounds” said, Ms Nasiba Akram, Deputy Chairperson. “There are always proudest movements for me as Australian but as a former refugee, this is the best movement for me because refugees led organisation in South Australia will not only empower their own but also advance the aspiration of all refugees and migrant communities” said Mr Kamal Dahal, RCAA South Australian Chapter Coordinator. RCAA and its members would like to thank the South Australian Government for the ongoing partnership and support that allows RCAA to engage and empower refugee’s community to feel a sense of belonging and settle successfully into their new country. To our members, let’s harvest what we have sowed as we continue to celebrate and embrace every opportunity Australia offers. For more information, please kindly contact RCAA spokesperson Elijah Buol OAM on 0423040875 or by email.

Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) welcomes the Albanese government decision to allow Murugappan family to return to Biloela on bridging visas. As a peak body for refugee communities, we thanked Australian government under Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese MP for choosing humanity over despair. Acting Interim Home Affairs Minister, Jim Chalmers MP said, “the family would reside lawfully in the community while they work to resolve their immigration status”. Refugee Communities Association Deputy Chairperson, Ms Nasiba Akram said, “this announcement is a true gift for humanity and act of true compassion”. Refugee Communities and their members also applauded the community of Biloela for exemplifying to all Australians that we are a welcoming people and a welcoming country. Biloela is a great Australian story of a welcoming community! Former Refugee and Queenslander Mr Elijah Buol OAM, said, “our migration is about bringing hope, not despair and I wholeheartedly thanked Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese for showing real leadership with compassion”. RCAA is a peak body and voice for all people of refugee backgrounds and their organisations in Australia. RCAA’s motto is to work for Refugees, with Refugees, by Refugees. For more information, please kindly contact RCAA spokesperson Parsu Sharma Luital JP on 0412 265 317 or by email: [email protected]

Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) and its members welcome the announcement made by Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke. RCAA applauds the Australian Government commitment for extending humanitarian arm to women, children and vulnerable people who have and are facing significant obstacles during this terrible time. Hon Alex Hawke said, Australian Government will provide at least 15,000 places for Afghan nationals, through our Humanitarian and Family Visa Program over four years. This includes 10,000 places for Afghan nationals within Australia’s existing Humanitarian Program and at least 5,000 visas within the Family stream. Former Refugee and Non-Executive Director Mr Elijah Buol OAM said “Australian immigration brings hope to those who have lost hopes and healings to those whom their spirit is wounded by trauma and experiences of wars or prosecutions and welcomes this decision as a greater gesture to humanity for all”. RCAA Deputy Chairperson and Leader in the Afghan Australian community, Nasiba Akram Haidary said, “this is a great news to me, my family and many Afghans in Australia. As a women and first political asylum seeker from Afghanistan to Australia, I walk in their shoes and believe that this announcement and commitment brings hope and healing to many members of Afghan Community in Australia,” said Mrs Haidary. “We are pleased that the government has listened to refugee communities calls to grant more visas to Afghans and those in Afghanistan who supported our veterans during the Coalition missions” said Mr Juma Piri Piri, RCAA Chairperson. Mr Juma added, “this announcement is an example of responsive government to the needs of vulnerable people across the world who need our humanitarian support the most. Refugee Communities Association of Australia Inc (RCAA) is a peak body that is led for refugee, with refugee, by refugee, with the vision to provide a national voice for all people of refugee background with lived experience and the organisations representing them in Australia. For more information, please kindly contact RCAA spokesperson Parsu Sharma Luital JP on 0412 265 317 or by email.