Refugee Action Collective Eurobodalla (RACE) met with other groups at a Red Cross meeting in Moruya last Wednesday to discuss ways to help those fleeing the crisis in Syria. 

The group will formally ask council to declare the shire a refugee welcome zone, like Bega Valley and Palerang, at a council community forum.

“It is not a financial commitment, it is just saying that council will assist refugees as best it can,” RACE spokeswoman Bernie Richards said.

NSW Premier Mike Baird has indicated that NSW will welcome up to 4000 of Australia’s intake of 12,000 refugees.

Under the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa scheme, asylum seekers can apply to live in NSW for five years, if they live and work in a country area.

“As Australia’s economic powerhouse, NSW has an obligation to open its arms to those who are genuine refugees,” Mr Baird said.

“This is good news for regional NSW as it will help provide labour in our regions while providing longer term security for these asylum seekers,” Baird said.

Ms Richards has been a refugee advocate for 20 years and was instrumental in forming RACE.

She is a recent arrival in the Eurobodalla, having worked for the Australian Federal Police and Department of Immigration.

She is heartened by the community’s response to the fledgling group.

“We had 21 at our first meeting on September 18 and 41 at last Wednesday’s meeting,” she said.

“People have offered rooms in their houses and quite a few businesses have offered to help find people jobs.

Ms Richards thanked the Red Cross for holding the meeting.

“It is reassuring seeing the Red Cross take on such an important role,” she said.

Four million Syrian refugees have fled the war-torn country.