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Local Lens: Refugees in Regional Australia

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In this panel discussion at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, we’ll consider a global issue through a local lens.

Mass human displacement is one of the most complex ethical and legal global challenges of our time. Australia’s response to asylum seeker arrivals has attracted controversy over the years, including criticism from the United Nations. Last year, the federal government commissioned a report into integration, employment, and settlement outcomes for refugees and humanitarian entrants. We’re still awaiting the results of this report.

On a global and national scale, our humanitarian performance is under constant scrutiny. But how are we performing on a local level? Are asylum seekers who come to Australia getting adequate support and a real chance to thrive in their new communities? 

Ballarat is Victoria’s fastest growing regional city and a designated Refugee Welcome Zone. The city has a diverse and active migrant and refugee community, and a strong support from local leadership.

For this conversation, join human rights lawyer Julian Burnside, Ballarat refugee community mentor Deruka Dekuek, health worker Akua Ed Nignpense and ABC Ballarat and Southwest Victoria chief of staff Prue Bentley. We’ll ask: How does the tenor of debate in Canberra – and the nature of all policies affecting humanitarian immigrants – affect the daily lives of refugees in places like Ballarat? And how does it impact the capacity for local communities to provide the support refugees need?

Presented in partnership with Ballaarat Mechanics Institute.

Featuring

Julian Burnside

Julian Burnside is a Melbourne barrister. He joined the Bar in 1976 and took silk in 1989. He specialises in commercial litigation, and has acted in many very contentious cases – the MUA Waterfront dispute; the Cash-for-Comment enquiry; cases for Alan Bond and Rose Porteous – but has be... Read more

Deruka Dekuek

Deruka Dekuek works within the local community of Ballarat, supporting the diverse refugee and migrant communities there. She embraces the different social and cultural experiences and diversity of her life in Australia and has been excited to work regionally. She currently works with the Ballarat ... Read more

Akua Ed Nignpense

Akua Ed Nignpense was born and raised in Ghana. She’s a nurse/midwife with over 30 years of experience working in hospitals and with various levels of communities. She later travelled to the UK, where she gained a Masters degree in Public Health. Akua migrated to Australia with her family and... Read more

Prue Bentley

Prue is the Editor for ABC Ballarat and Southwest Victoria, overseeing the development of broadcast and digital content for two regional Victorian bureaus. As a content maker for over 15 years, Prue has produced and presented local radio programs across Australia and news programs syndicated to the ... Read more

Location

Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute

117-119 Sturt St Ballarat, VIC 3350

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