We might not have Syrian refugees pouring into SA, but we do have plenty of people previously released from Inverbrackie in December 2014 on 12-month bridging visas, who’s visas have expired and are now in limbo land. Some (like the one mentioned below) are now finding that without a valid visa, they have no valid immi card, and hence cannot renew their rental accommodation or find new accommodation. These are what I call ‘the forgotten people’. They are the asylum seekers we no longer hear about. Everyone thinks that because they are out of detention everything is ok, but far from it. Many can’t find work, they are not able to study, English is still a barrier (not able to access government-funded English classes as they are not allocated), they don’t have medicare and are still on the equivalent of 89% of Newstart allowance and some are now finding themselves homeless. Many services have now moved on from them as they no longer fit into the temporary emergency care category and case workers are saying they can’t help them. These are the people who need our assistance if we can provide it. They are also the people waiting for TPV’s because under current policy they will never be allowed to settle in Australia.

A request for a family who needs to live locally in the Blackwood area because their 8 year old attends the Bellevue Heights Primary School.

If you know of anyone who is able to provide accommodation for a family of four asylum seekers please get in touch with me. They are very pleasant, quiet, lovely people. They have the ability to pay rent but not the rate of a regular residential in the Blackwood area.