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]]>Today I addressed the 2016 United Western Sydney Youth Summit, organised by Auburn Diversity Services and Dooleys, and met some incredible people who came to Australia as refugees. One in particular is Arash.
Arash and his family fled the dangers in Iran and spent the next five years in Malaysia. As they waited for approval to come to Australia, Arash learnt English, studied his HSC online, and volunteered as a translator for the UNHCR to help other refugees arriving in Malaysia. Arash arrived in Australia in mid-2015 and within a year he began his engineering degree at university and is preparing to represent Australia at the Global Refugee Youth Consultations held by UNHCR in Geneva, Switzerland in June 2016.
As the Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, I am determined to endorse the incredible stories of refugees and how their stories do not end once they arrive in Australia but, on the contrary, begin a great new chapter. Arash, your drive and passion for social justice in Australia, similar to many others like you, should get the attention it rightfully deserves.
Australia’s Multicultural success is founded on fairness. Arash never asked for or expected special treatment. He came to Australia for a fair go. What he has achieved in such a short time is an example to us all of how our spirit of fairness produces outstanding new Australians.
Watch this space, Australia – I will continue to tell the real, firsthand stories of refugees and demonstrate the positive, powerful and collective impacts they have within Australian society.
Refugees are an asset to Australia and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Link to Facebook post (Includes Slideshow of Images from the Youth Summit) /a24a5be7a6076556c8c2f16e5065bd40/CraigLaundyMP/videos/1070646679623433/
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]]>The post Dooleys and Navitas working together appeared first on CraigLaundy.
]]>As one of my grassroots initiatives I have been determined to assist people within our community to find, and keep, sustainable employment. I’ve found that this can be as simple as connecting the right people together.
Navitas English provide government supported English language programmes for new Australians and DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club is one of the largest local employers in our community. We booked in a meeting, introduced the two, and they formed a new partnership on the spot.
As a starting point, Dooley’s accepted a number of students from Navitas’ Adult Migrant English Programme for work experience placements. Their progress and suitability for the roles was monitored and ultimately Dooleys’ have offered interviews and jobs. This working partnership is set to continue.
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]]>The post Opening of a brand new Woolworths at Lidcombe Shopping Centre appeared first on CraigLaundy.
]]>Store manager, Ryan (left), gave us the grand tour of the store which has provided employment to just under 130 new staff with plans for more to come.
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]]>The post Craig visits the NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters at Lidcombe appeared first on CraigLaundy.
]]>According to Fire & Safety NSW, there has been a spike in home fires this winter with 15 fatalities already. NSW Fire Fighters will be getting out and about over the next fortnight to help people learn how they can avoid becoming the next victim of a house fire. I’ve also recently downloaded the new free Emergency+ app and recommend you do the same.
Stay vigilant and stay safe.
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