An advocate group for refugees will be holding a rally at Lennox Head on 25 March to highlight the growing concern about the Australian government’s treatment of asylum seekers and refugees.
Ballina Region for Refugees is organising the rally, which will also be attended by members of the Lismore Amnesty group.
Organisers said the rally would also be an opportunity to learn more about the positive activities many groups in the region were involved to support refugees and asylum seekers, such as homestay programs, support programs and friendship groups.
The Ballina group is a member of Rural Australians for Refugees, a network of around 90 groups across Australia.
The rally on Sunday will start with guest speakers Ms Prudence Melom, a refugee from Chad, who is Toowoomba’s Young Citizen of the Year 2018.
Others attending include Ballina MP Tamara Smith, mayor David Wright, Cr Nathan Willis, Sister Jane Keogh, a lawyer working with refugees and refugee advocates, and Sister Anne Shay.
The rally will begin at 11am on the beach foreshore in Lennox Head, opposite the shops in Ballina Street.
Following the formal addresses people attending the rally will have an opportunities to talk to the speakers to learn more of their experiences and their insights into the refugee crisis.
‘The membership of Ballina Region for Refugee invites all interested people to partner with them in promoting understanding, compassion and justice for asylum seekers and refugees,’ a spokesman said.
Palm fronds may be carried at the rally as symbols of welcome and friendship.
All donations will be gratefully received for Sr Jane Keogh’s work.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
