Community
18 December, 2023
Warrnambool declared refugee welcome zone
WARRNAMBOOL officially became a refugee welcome zone this week.
Monday’s official signing formalised an existing and long-running commitment to building a multicultural and inclusive society.
Thomas Lual arrived in Australia as a refugee in 2001 from South Sudan before moving to Warrnambool in 2003 as part of a council project to bring more refugees to the region.
“We were warmly welcomed by the local government in Warrnambool and also the local community,” he said.
“Warrnambool is a welcoming zone from 2003; it’s just a matter of signing the document to make it official.
“I’ve had a very positive experience being here and I’m very fortunate.”
Mr Lual said that his kids played for local football and basketball teams, with his son recently drafted to the Essendon Bombers in the AFL.
“Since we’ve been to Warrnambool we’ve become part of the family of Warrnambool, part of the community of Warrnambool,” he said.
Warrnambool mayor Cr Ben Blain said that signing the Refugee Welcome Zone declaration was a commitment to continue building a compassionate and inclusive Warrnambool.
“As we embrace our new status of a Refugee Welcome Zone, let us all celebrate the diversity that defines Warrnambool. Our city is a vibrant tapestry of cultures,” he said.
“Together let us continue to welcome and embrace those seeking refuge, ensuring that our community remains a place where dignity and the rights of every individual are upheld.”
He also recognised council’s role in bringing skilled migrants to the region via the Designated Area Migration Agreement with the Australian Government.
Council spearheaded a regional effort to secure just the second agreement of this nature for any region in Australia.
“I’m pleased to acknowledge the contributions of skilled migrants who have chosen Warrnambool as their new home, coming to us through programs like the Designated Area Migration Agreement,” Cr Blain said.
“These individuals with their specialised skills and talents are not only enriching our community but also playing a pivotal role in addressing staff shortages for local businesses.”
Manager of Refugee Council Australia Rebecca Langton congratulated Warrnambool on officially becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone.
“We’re delighted that Warrnambool has taken this important step,” she said.
“In doing so your council is making a public commitment to welcome refugees into the community, to uphold the rights of refugees, to demonstrate compassion and to enhance cultural and religious diversity in the community.
“It’s very important for all levels of government to be involved. Obviously national policy is set at the federal level, and many other policies are set at the state level, but at the local level, the level of government closest to the people, it’s actually crucial.
“Local government can show very significant leadership when it comes to promoting social inclusion and the acceptance of newcomers in the community.”
As well as becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone, council is an established member of the Welcoming Cities Network – a network dedicated to the advancement of Australia as a welcoming, prosperous and cohesive nation.
