St Joseph’s College stands in solidarity with refugees

“Their presence is not an imposition but presents us with the opportunity to contribute with them to building a better world,” she said.

“Australia and the rest of the world have a great opportunity to hit the reset button on how we behave towards one another and draw upon shared hardship to heal wounds, to learn from each other and to move forward.

“Healing can occur through storytelling, through community and also through the realisation of our intrinsic interconnectedness as individuals.

“At St Joseph’s College we will spend the week informing students, staff and our community about refugees and celebrating the positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society, to help people understand the many challenges they face and to focus on how we as a community can provide a safe and welcoming environment for refugees.

“In doing so, we will be supporting The Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project, one of Kildare Education Ministries’ community works.”

BASP was co-founded in 2001 by Sister Brigid Arthur and St Joseph’s College past principal Sr Catherine Kelly.

Sr Brigid continues to work tirelessly with refugees and was recently recognised for her work by being made an officer of the Order of Australia in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

St Joseph’s College is this year collecting donations to purchase Myki cards and phone cards for BASP clients.

Locals who would like to support the BASP program are welcome to drop a donation in to St Joseph’s College, or visit basp.org.au/you-can-help