A Refugee Welcome Zone is a Local Government area which has made a commitment in spirit to welcoming refugees into the community, upholding the human rights of refugees, demonstrating compassion for refugees and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community.

Georges River Council is proud to be a Refugee Welcome Zone. During 2017 Refugee Week celebrations Georges River Council launched its inclusion on the Welcome Scroll, which toured the country thanks to the Refugee Council of Australia. The intention of the Scroll’s journey is to confirm Local Government’s commitment to welcoming refugees into our communities.

To be considered a Refugee Welcome Zone, Councils have to demonstrate their commitment to engage and support the local refugee community by developing programs in consultation with the community. These programs aim to welcome refugees, raise awareness, promote the positive contributions of refugees in our community and build a sense of belonging to the Georges River region.

Some of the initiatives to date include:

• Short films screening, a cruise around the Georges River, art workshops, information stalls, public speakers, exhibitions about the experiences of refugees, sport competitions to engage young people and creative writing competitions.
• Schools Refugee Forum - Awareness Advocacy Action: a High school forum bringing schools from across Sutherland Shire, Georges River and Bayside Local Government areas together to increase awareness and plan actions to create more welcoming schools for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Council also partners with local services working directly with refugees and people seeking asylum to further develop community support networks and initiatives.