Refugee solidarity bus tour planned

BY ALEX MILNE & JO BROWN

MELBOURNE — More then 60 participants are confirmed for the "Free the refugees" solidarity bus trip organised by the Melbourne Refugee Action Collective (RAC). The trip will leave Melbourne on September 21 to arrive at the Woomera Detention Centre in South Australia the following day. The tour will also include a public meeting in Adelaide before returning to Melbourne on September 23.

Woomera, Australia's largest detention centre, is the site of some of the worst of the numerous human rights violations which have occurred in detention centres around Australia.

RAC activist Rachel Evans told Green Left Weekly "The bus trip is a symbolic action to show that we will not allow the plight of refugees to be hidden in remote locations."

In order to subsidise the cost of the trip, RAC Melbourne is organising a series of fundraising activities. A quiz night held on August 17 attracted 150 people and raised over $1000. A number of trade unions including the CFMEU have also agreed to sponsor members taking part in the bus trip.

Supporters of the campaign who are not able to participate in the bus trip are also planning a range of solidarity activities over the weekend of the tour, including a send-off for the buses at Trades Hall on September 21 at 4pm.

From GLW issue 462