Light the Dark – Candlelight for Refugees

Taking up the Welcome to Refugees and #LightTheDark events in Capital Cities and Regional Cities around Australia earlier this month, Shepparton hosted LightTheDark Shepparton at Victoria Park Lake on the evening of Friday, 18 September 2015 at 6PM.

Shepparton Interfaith Network secretary, Rev. Chris Parnell, MC for the evening, said that “two weeks ago, the world became aware of a very sad humanitarian crisis which is currently ongoing in Europe. The Shenken Zone of the Eurpoean Union was to be without borders. Today, borders are being constructed and Croatia accepted another 10,000 refugees and asked its Army to protect its borders. We have all seen the images of water cannon being used at borders, all for people simply seeking a better life.

Rev. Parnell went on to say that “Your voices, Your Hearts, Your candles combine to say in thought, word and action, Refugees Welcome Here. You express the great Australian values of A Fair Go for All, Compassion, Helping the needy and hope for those seeking a better life”.

Speakers on the evening included Shepparton Mayor Cr. Denis Patterson, Neil Morris of the Yorta Yorta Nation, Mustapha Mahommedi (who has only arrived in Shepparton in April), Dawood Baqiri of the Afghan Community – who told that he was aware of refugees who arrived in 2011 and are still in detention – and Haroun Kafi. Mayor Denis Patterson closed the evening with an invitation for all to bring their candles to the sand pit at the front.

This event was supported by organisations directly working with the ethnic communities who are helping to build their new lives in the Goulburn Valley.

Supporters of this event are –
Greater Shepparton City Council
Shepparton Interfaith Network
Alkasem Youth Organization
Goulburn Valley Afghan Association کمیونتی افغانهای شپرتن
Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District
HD Audio Visual Productions
Sirius College
Shepparton English Language Centre
Primary Care Connect
Kildonan UnitingCare
GV Amnesty-Group
Punjabi Youth Club
Stronger Youth
Photography by Jamile
Lingy Photography

Welcome To Country by Neil Morris – Light the Dark Shepparton

Neil Morris of the Yorta Yorta Nation conducts a Welcome to Country

Mayor Dennis Patterson – Light the Dark Shepparton

Mayor of the City of Greater Shepparton, Cr Dennis Patterson gives the Opening Address

Mustafa Mohammedi – Light the Dark Shepparton

Shepparton High School and Refugee Mustafa Mohammedi speaks at Light the Dark Shepparton

Dawood Baqiri – Light the Dark Shepparton

Afghani Community Leader Dawood Baqiri speaks at Light the Dark Shepparton

Haroun Kafi – Light the Dark Shepparton

Community Worker Haroun Kafi speaks at Light the Dark Shepparton

Liz Arcus – Light the Dark Shepparton

Local community member Liz Arcus speaks at Light the Dark, Shepparton

Closing by Mayor Dennis Patterson – Light the Dark Shepparton

 
Mayor Dennis Patterson gives the closing address at Light the Dark, Shepparton