WORDS and PHOTO Liz Lillis

The Refugee Sanctuary movement in Australia is continuing to grow, as Catholic parishes reach out to people in strife-torn countries across the globe.

Just over 18 months ago, Albert Ankipi and his family were in Uganda and their hope was fading. Their joy at passing the medical examinations and receiving a Special Humanitarian 202 Visa to Australia was tempered by the fact that they somehow had to raise enough money to travel to the country before that visa expired.

However, a loan from a group of Catholic parishioners in Perth saved the day.

‘I was so happy when I found out we could come to Australia. I had nearly given up all hope’, says Albert.

Albert, his wife Suzana, children Denis (20), Nereus (18), Emmanuel (17), Clementine (15) and Fortunato (13) arrived in Perth in April 2005 with help from the newly formed West Coast Refugee Sanctuary Group (WCRSG).

The group was first formed as a registered charity in February 2005, with donations from All Saints Parish in Greenwood, Perth, and from patrons Fred and Angela Chaney.

Inspired after reading stories of similar groups on the east coast of Australia in the Spring 2004 edition of Australian Catholics, the parishioners, encouraged by parish priest Vincent Conroy, decided they could also do something to assist refugees in coming to Australia.

The Australian government offers 7,000 Special Humanitarian Visas each year to people living outside their home country who have experienced substantial discrimination amounting to gross violation of human rights in their home country.

These are the lucky ones; however, even those who get a visa need to raise the fare to come to Australia. This fare is the responsibility of the visa proposer. ‘It’s like winning lotto and being unable to collect the prize for many whose proposer can’t get the funds’, says group member Jim Benson.

In Albert’s case, the proposer was extended family member Bakhita Sino. The no-interest loan they received was enough to help Bakhita ensure Albert and his family could take advantage of the visa.

It’s been a long journey for Albert and his family. Albert fled Sudan in 1994 to avoid being forced to join the rebel army and was reunited with his family in a refugee camp in Uganda. They stayed in the camp for seven months, before leaving for Uganda’s capital Kampala. That was to be their home for the next 10 years.

Adjusting to life in Australia has been challenging. Albert says he is proud of how his children are adapting. Denis is now employed part-time at a local hamburger restaurant and the others are doing well at school.

Suzana said she has made friends in Australia and is adjusting to running a household in a new country. She is taking advantage of the free English classes provided as part of visa conditions.

‘I thank God every day for the opportunity for a new life in Australia for my family,’ says Albert.

‘Food, accommodation and feeling safe… I’ve even gained some weight,’ he jokes.

Since Bakhita and WCRSG chairman Stan Kilpin welcomed the Ankipis at Perth Airport, a further 19 families have been assisted by the group.

‘We have now assisted over 100 people to come out to Australia,’ said group member Trevor Carleton.

Refugees assisted by the group are primarily from the African region. The group are a little surprised at the number of people they have helped in less than 18 months, by simply providing a no-interest loan. They have not set a target for the number of people to be assisted but hope further donations will help them continue.

Trevor said the loan recipients are keen to repay, being aware the funds will then assist others with 202 Visa status to come to Australia.

Find out more about the West Coast Refugee Sanctuary Group at

http://www.sanctuarywa.com.au

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