Charity Haynes

VDSA’s work with refugees continues as usual in 2022-23 despite a reduced number of volunteers due to ill health.

Nevertheless, a lot of good work has been done with the following individuals/families:

  • VDSA helped a Pakistani woman, who receives counselling from the Salvation Army’s Modern Slavery group; she has a working visa but she can’t read or write in English and is too traumatised to be able to keep a job at present;
  • VDSA helped a Somali single mum who is in community detention and can’t work or study;
  • VDSA helped a Tamil single mother who, having suddenly lost her young husband to heart failure, is still unable to work;
  • VDSA helped a Tamil single mother still traumaised by the killing of her husband in Sri Lanka, followed by subsequent violence to herself and her son. She is unable to work; 
  • VDSA helped a family of persecuted Kurds still unable to obtain a temporary visa;
  • VDSA helped a Tamil family whose landlord has increased the rent enormously. They can’t afford it and they presently cannot find cheaper accommodation;
  • VDSA helped a Malay stay at home mother of two very young children whose husband cannot presently find work; 
  • VDSA helped a Tamil family of three. The husband is working very hard as a panel beater to make a living but it is still difficult for them to make ends meet; 

During the year VDSA volunteers organised several successful picnics with refugee families, around Coogee. Kids swam and delicious food was prepared and enjoyed.

The End of The Year Picnic in Bronte was attended by many refugees and volunteers. It is a VDSA tradition to hold the picnic in December before Christmas on the little hill behind the playbround in Bronte Park. People now know the special place, bring family and friends, there is always good food and it is a pleasure to catch up. It is a great way to make refugees feel welcome and for volunteers to feel at home with people from a different culture and background.

Since February 2023, some of the people we visit obtained their permanent visa. Others are still waiting. Others still, know that they are not going to get it. We have been focussing our material help towards the last group of refugees, knowing that psychologically and practically it is a real challenge for them. 

Lastly, we initiated a competition at Central Sydney High School with refugee youth which was successful and we intend to replicate it in the same school and in other schools including with Aboriginal students. It brings together Valerio, his writing, young refugees or Indigenous Youth, VDSA and its purpose as an Association.

Overall VDSA has really contributed to “the relief of poverty, sickness, distress or helplessness of refugees and asylum seekers”, as our Constitution sets out.