More than 200 students from Year 10-12 formed a circle at Victoria Park and invited members of the public to stand in solidarity for refugees around the globe.
The action was led by the students who said prayers of support and created a video of their act of solidarity.
Chisholm house captain Bridget Byrne said the idea came about as part of a seminar students had attended earlier in the year
‘‘At the start of the year the 12 house captains went to a social justice seminar and learnt about the difference between charity and justice,’’ she said.
‘‘We thought we were doing well at charity but we knew we could do more for justice and we knew refugee week would be important for that.
‘‘We decided that focus would be good to get everyone together and stand — it wasn’t an act of raising money but an opportunity to voice our opinion that we don’t think what is going on is good enough.’’
Despite the frosty morning the students showed in droves to give their support to the cause.
Brigid house captain Senan McNulty said the message the students were communicating was one of support.
‘‘A lot of refugees don’t have a voice and can’t speak out, as young people in Australia, and more specifically in Echuca-Moama, we have the chance to create a powerful message and show that we don’t support the way people are being treated at the minute and show that something needs to change,’’ he said. ‘‘That message of solidarity is extremely important, if those who are struggling can see even just a glimpse of people around the world standing up for them, we hope that gives them a sense of hope and justice.’’
One of the community members in attendance was Echuca-Moama Rural Australians for Refugees co-chair Christine Sebire.
As a local representative for a broader movement that has existed in Australia fore more than 20 years she said it was important to show support in any way possible.
‘‘The Echuca-Moama group places a high priority on advocating for refugees and allowing the broader community insight into the international and local situation for refugees,’’ she said.
‘‘The event made me feel absolutely proud and really hopeful, I was standing there thinking ‘these are the future voices’ and these are the kids that are hearing things from a different perspective than the generation before them.
‘‘And the messages they are taking in will transform the messages that go to the wider community.
‘‘The message from Echuca-Moama is that we are a welcoming community and we do dream to support more families in the area.
‘‘These kids are a really great example for that and it gives me hope for the future.’’
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