More than 50 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burma, Bhutan and Nepal were welcomed to Townsville at a picnic on October 30th, 2011.

This event was organised to continue the vital work of SI Townsville in providing support and friendship to refugee women and their families, for which they won a 2010 – 2011 Best Practice Award.

The welcome picnic was organised in memory of SI Townsville member, Beth Bennett, who died from Cystic Fibrosis in June 2011. Beth was the oldest surviving
sufferer in Australia and her positive attitude was an inspiration to all. The picnic was held in the SI Townsville beachfront park – Soroptimist Park – established in 1985. SI Townsville members managed the construction of the park in partnership with the Australian
Government as a Federally funded employment programme for long-term unemployed.

This public park remains
an important vehicle for publicity and recognition for Soroptimist International
in Townsville. 

Townsville Soroptimist International president Rosaline Miller said initial fears of a language barrier being a problem were quickly dismissed at "Beth’s Picnic in the Park" event at Soroptimist Park, Rowes Bay.

 "We thought it would be challenging as we had families from different parts of the worldand some families have only been here two weeks, but it wasn’t," she said. "There was a great sense of community at the picnic."

There were children as young as 10 months old who grew up in refugee camps and others who saw the ocean for the first time at Rowes Bay.

 "They were quite amazed by the water and we were concerned they wouldn’t know what it was but the kids figured it out for themselves," Ms Miller said. "Everyone is happy to be out of the camps and be somewhere with food, electricity and water."

SI Townsville worked with the local Girl Guides who took hula hoops, skipping ropes and kites for the children to play with. A treasure hunt was also organised during the afternoon activities.

Soroptimist International clubs in Townsville will now help the refugees settle into life in Townsville. They will help enrol the children at school and show the adults simple tasks like where and how to do the grocery shopping, as well as helping them learn English and providing a crucial network of support and friendship as they settle into the community of Townsville.

SI Townsville won a Best Practice Award 2010 – 2011 for their work with migrant women. Click here to find out more about their work.

November 2011