Here's the results of my tireless searching on your behalf:

RAC - Vigil to Welcome Refugees

Tampa, SIEV X … Never again

Vigil to Welcome Refugees

Demand a fair deal for asylum seekers

Process the asylum seekers’ claims and offer them safety in Australia

Monday 26 October

5.30pm

Federation Square

Bring your own messages of support for the refugees, placards and banners etc.

Organised by Refugee Action Collective. Supported by the Tamil Community.

For information: phone Marie 0409 252673 or Sue 0413-377-978

BTW want quick background and a link on sievx? here

oh and if your keen to celebrate the recent changes because of dedicated advocacy and campaigning …

Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project and the Uniting Church Justice and International Mission Unit invite you to an evening exploring the recent Government policy changes around asylum seekers.?Wed Nov 4 - @CTM- 1 Morrison Cl Parkville- ?6:30-830pm
More details here
RSVP by Friday 30th of October to Sam at sam.asp@hothammission.org.au or on 9326 8343

SievX Memorial Project - ready to roll

The SievX was a small boat which sank with the loss of 146 children and 142 mothers in October 2001, at the height of the federal election campaign.

They were refugees, boat people, and the sinking was the biggest maritime disaster in our region since World War Two. Yet hardly anyone knows about it. A group of Christians from around Australia are building a memorial, on the lakeshore in Canberra, with a design by a 14 year old school student. It consists of a haunting procession of poles each representing one parent or child. We are asking church groups, schools, andcommunities, to consider contributing a decorated pole saying - we remember, and we care.

Life is sacred.

It’s easy to get involved and there is a resource manual to help your group through the painting process. It would be great to bring your decorated pole to Canberra in October for the ceremony when the poles are put in position.

Go to www.sievxmemorial.com/ to learn more, or email info@sievxmemorial.com to get involved.