BY KYLE CARROLL

Newcastle City Council has passed a motion in support of expanding and improving the Australian Government’s current refuge community sponsorship program.

The sponsorship model allows ordinary members of the community to sponsor refugees who wish to begin the process of rebuilding their lives, in Australia.

Kevin Sweeny from Newcastle Amnesty, says by joining the program it will give groups in Newcastle a greater opportunity to show support towards refugees.

“Our churches and sporting clubs will have the ability to play a greater role in providing safe passage for people in need who we would love to welcome to this city as our new neighbours”, he said.

The motion, proposed jointly by eight councillors and overwhelmingly supported by Council, calls on the Federal Government to improve the current program and increase the annual intake.

Newcastle City Council is one of almost 150 local councils across the country to that have declared themselves Refugee Welcome Zones.

Canada has successfully used the community sponsorship model for almost 40 years, welcoming over 280,000 refugees through the program.
“Canada has been very successful with this program and it has been very popular having to increase the intake each year to meet the demand of willing sponsors”.
Mr Sweeny, says this is an important step in the right direction to achieve positive results.
“An expanded and improved community sponsorship program in Australia would allow more people seeking safety to set up home here, rebuild their lives and contribute to our community”.
Image: Newcastle City Council