2022 | Issue 15 | SJC Newsletter

Jam for Refugees 2022

A ten-hour concert, to benefit refugees in our area.
Saturday 29 October, 11.00am to 9.00pm

St. Paul’s Church, Latrobe Terrace, Geelong.

“Jam for Refugees” has as its aim to raise both money and awareness to aid the plight of refugees, especially considering Australia’s record in the treatment of refugees, and the policies espoused by both major parties, although with the election of the Albanese government, the future for refugees looks a bit brighter. However recent events, especially Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have only added to the refugee problem and the enormous suffering being experienced by so many people.

As the number of refugees worldwide increases daily, the situation becomes almost overwhelming. We in Geelong cannot hope to solve the world refugee problem, but we can make our own contribution to the refugees in our area. All funds raised at our “Jam” will be donated to CRAG (the Combined Refugee Action group of Geelong) for their legal fund. Neither “Jam for Refugees” nor CRAG has any overheads, so every cent donated will go directly to assist refugees.

Our committee has been trying to run a Jam in Geelong for two years, but have had to cancel due to COVID, although last year we ran a “Radio Jam” which raised slightly over four thousand dollars. This year, however, we are confident that the Jam will go ahead as a live event. The “Jam” in Geelong will occur on Saturday 29 October from 11.00am to 9.00pm at St. Paul’s Church in La Trobe Terrace. It will consist of a series of 30-minute time slots featuring local musicians, groups, choirs and school groups.

About every 2 hours we will have a short talk (5-10 minutes) by a prominent person, or someone working with refugees, or a refugee. This will include a recorded talk by the eminent author Hugh Mackay, our patron. The Jam will be opened by well-known Geelong figure Keith Fagg and will be closed by another well-known figure Libby Coker. Another speaker will be a refugee who will relate some of his experiences.

Entrance is by donation, and people are encouraged to “come when you can, leave when you must.”

For at least part of the time there will be a barbecue in the church grounds, so people are encouraged to buy a sausage after they have heard some music. Once again all proceeds from the barbecue will be donated to CRAG.

If you cannot get to the Jam in person, you can still make a donation on line by going to the CRAG website and following the prompts.

Please come along to the “Jam” and help those most vulnerable members of our community. And please pass this message on to your friends and contacts.

Bad things happen when good people do nothing.

St Thomas is celebrating its 25th year and is inviting past families to come and celebrate with us on 27 October 2022.

We are Community  

Vinnies are holding a community initiative called We are Community. It will be an immersive event that shines an emotional light on how they support the Geelong community, and will ask you to open their ears, tap into your heart and ask yourselves “How can Vinnies help me be an advocate for change?”

Attendees can look forward to:

• Hearing an in-conversation chat with Vinnies leaders in the Geelong region
• Stories of the lived experience
• Taste the nutritional food offerings provided daily by Vinnies
• Activities demonstrating social justice and disadvantage
• A taste of what is in store for Geelong Community Sleepout 2023

Today, Vinnies has an active network of 1,070+ volunteers in the local Geelong area providing localised, practical support in the local community. They are looking forward in depth and meaningful conversations as well as introducing the community to more of the ‘Good Works’ that they do in Greater Geelong and how you can be part of it on the night!

This is a FREE event. 

Registration link: https://events.humanitix.com/we-are-community

Tuesday 18 October, 6.30-8.00pm

Geelong West Town Hall