Hannah Felsbourg
19 September 2024
A Geelong church is turning to the airwaves to raise awareness and funds for refugees navigating the complexities of the Australian legal system.
St Paul’s Geelong and the Combined Refugee Action Group will present a three-hour radio jam featuring musical performances and interviews with advocates for refugees.
Funds raised will go towards the CRAG Geelong Legal Fund, which provides asylum seekers with vital legal aid.
St Paul’s musical director and program organiser Terence Norman said Christians had a duty to help vulnerable refugees.
He said it aligned with Christ’s instruction to love one’s neighbours.
“Somebody once pointed out to me, he didn’t say, ‘Look, it would be quite nice if you loved other people.’ He commanded us.”
Dr Norman said many refugees were stuck in legal limbo, unable to work or secure permanent residency without assistance.
Read more: ‘One day longer, one day stronger’: Refugee freedom push draws Anglican support
The CRAG Geelong Legal Fund would help them navigate complex immigration processes required move forward with their lives.
The broadcast will feature a range of musical performances, including choirs, orchestras, and school groups, offering a mix of classical, modern, and jazz music.
There will also be interviews with refugee advocates, including author Hugh Mackay, discussing the importance of supporting refugees.
2024 marks the fourth Jam for Refugees at St Paul’s, which has typically been held in person at the church.
However, due to unexpected building damage, the event has shifted to a radio broadcast, as it did during the COVID pandemic.
Dr Norman hoped the radio format would help reach an even larger audience than usual.
The Radio Jam for Refugees will be broadcast on 94.7 The Pulse on Sunday 27 October from 2 to 5pm. Donations can be made through the event’s GoFundMe page.
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