WITH Australia set to receive 12,000 extra refugees following international outcry, the Leeton Multicultural Group has given the number its tick of approval.
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Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott committed to taking in the extra refugees last week after tensions in Europe were rising over the number of displaced refugees flooding the continent as a result of the Syrian civil war.
The move has been welcomed by the Leeton group, which has shared its ideas and thoughts on the intake and how it could positively affect the shire.
Leeton was officially recognised as a “Welcome Refugee Zone” last year and since then has become home to a multitude of refugees that have fled war torn communities.
Group chairman Susie Rowe was happy with the number of refugees being accepted, but hoped the government would accept more in the future.
“We have to be happy with what we are given,” she said.
“If we could bring more, that would be great.
“It looks like NSW will get 4000.
“It will be interesting to see if Syrian refugees would like to settle with other Syrian refugees or if they go to rural areas.
“Whatever happens, I’m sure Leeton will accommodate.”
Leeton Shire Council mayor Paul Maytom was in the process of making inquiries to see whether the town could assist in the process.
“We are a welcome refugee zone, so we should welcome refugees,” he said.
“We’ve been recognised as a community that recognises refugees and welcomes them.
“It’s important for rural communities to play their part.
“It’s important (we) show (our) friendship and support.
“At the moment I am learning the process of how it works.”
The Leeton Multicultural Group has been working together with the community and refugees for some time.
One of its aims is to ensure inclusion and to assist with any needs refugees may have.
Council community services officer Nateaka Blake said there were many benefits of having refugees living in the community.
“They (refugees) can bring so much to our culture,” she said.
“They can enrich our lives with their stories.”
Afghani refugee and now Leeton resident Mustafa Mohsini said when he heard 12,000 refugees would be coming to Australia he was happy.
“I love Australian people,” he said.
“It’s good to help other people.
“The Australian people should be proud they are helping other people.”
An estimated nine million Syrians have been displaced as a result of the civil war that broke out in March, 2011.
