Media Centre

A Sanctuary opened

Publish Date: 28/05/2008
Author: Marketing and Communications Dept.

After months of hard work, Sanctuary was opened on Monday the 19^th of May. Over eighty people came along to celebrate the opening of a facility that will provide care and safety to male asylum seekers who have nowhere else to go.

A marquee was set up in front of the facility, decorated with colourful balloons, and a pleasant ambience was created by the band ‘One Africa’, which played beautiful African music.

Inspiring and emotional speeches were given by representatives of Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project, the Brunswick Baptist Church and the federal member for Wills, Kelvin Thompson. Mr Thompson spoke about the importance of facilities for asylum seekers, and said that, as a Member for Wills, he was proud to have a facility like Sanctuary within his council.

Reverend Jason Kioa, Moderator of the Uniting Church, Synod Uniting Church, said:

"This partnership between Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project, Baptcare and the Brunswick Baptist Church is a light in the darkness of destitution for asylum seekers living in the community with no form of income. In working together, this unique facility, the first of its kind in Australia, will reveal that justice and compassion for people seeking sanctuary in this country is not beyond our reach, but rather a choice we can make today,"

After the ribbon was cut, guests were invited to take a look inside the facility. People were amazed by the size and neatness of the building. All agreed that this would be a place of comfort and peace for its residents.

Baptcare, Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project and the Brunswick Baptist Church would like to thank all who came and celebrated the opening, as well as all who have given their support.