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“Australia is a successful multicultural country. “We have the infrastructure, the finances, and many Australians have the heart to welcome these people in search of safety.” That is the message eminent Australian, Sr Jane Keogh CSB will deliver when she addresses a special event hosted by the Great Lakes Rural Australians for Refugees on June 16 at Holy Name Primary School hall, Forster. The 74-year-old has been working with refugees for 12 years both in Australia and in off shore centres. In 2017 Sr was named as one of the Human Rights Awards finalists for the 2017 Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Community Individual Award. The award recognises impressive Australians for their dedication to human rights. Sr Jane joined the Brigidines in 1962, was a primary teacher and later a school principal for 26 years, and also worked in western Sydney with the unemployed and drug addicts. When the Baxter Detention Centre opened in Port Augusta, SA, Sr Jane visited to discover what was happening. “I was very distressed by the suffering I found, and took it upon myself to try to get legal help for those who had no way to have their stories told,” she said. “I researched many of their histories and provided this information to some migration agents who took on their cases.” She is in daily communication with several young men on Manus Island. She visited Manus in 2017 and she documents the fear and danger that the men face daily. “Our friends on Manus are living in great fear right now. “People like me who know and support them recognise their fear is well founded. “We cry for them. We cry for Australia’s lost humanity. Great Lakes Rural Australians for Refugees, established in 2002, has been continually active in presenting community events and promoting the importance of human rights, in line with the United Nations Charter. Through extensive community support $40 000 has been raised for much needed assistance for organisations who directly help asylum seekers and refugees in Australian Detention Centres. Everyone is welcome to this special free event. Refreshments will be served following the 2pm address. For more information or contact please phone Margaret Gardner on 0419 682 526.

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