MOUNT Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee signed a six metre scroll to welcome refugees in the Blue Lake city last week.
The Rural Australians for Refugees and Refugee Council of Australia Refugee Welcome Scroll has toured Australia for the past 12 months to confirm local government commitment to welcoming refugees into local communities.
In 2015, Mount Gambier City Council resolved to sign the Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration, joining 113 other councils across Australia.
The declaration is a commitment in spirit to welcoming refugees into the community, upholding the human rights of refugees, demonstrating compassion for refugees and enhancing cultural and
religious diversity in the community.
The aim of the Refugee Council’s refugee welcome zones will promote the adoption of flexible, humane and constructive policies toward refugees and people seeking asylum by local governments and their communities.
Last week’s signing coincided with Refugee Week.
