Refugee activist Betty Dixon died on June 15, aged 76. She made numerous trips to Woomera and Baxter detention centres to visit asylum seekers, and frequently visited the Villawood detention centre in Sydney, three hours' drive from her home in Goulburn.
Betty's activism began in 2001 with the demonisation of the Tampa refugees, which she said "really got me going". She set up a Goulburn group of Rural Australians for Refugees, getting her children involved as well.
Betty subscribed to Green Left Weekly for many years and arranged subscriptions for some of the asylum seekers she befriended in detention. She called these young men her "boys". Many of them called her "Mum".
One of these, a young Iraqi refugee, was released from Port Hedland detention centre after six years. He was welcomed into her home as a son.
She wrote to me in March 2005, saying, "Although he seems relaxed and confident and will not see a counsellor, the anger and hurt is still there. He spoils me rotten — cooks, cleans, shops and gardens. We will never really know the damage that we have done to these people."
While Betty drew inspiration from the young people involved in the refugee-rights movement, I think I speak for many of us who've been involved in the campaign in recent years when I say that Betty represented much of what is inspiring about this movement.
Refugee advocate Pamela Curr wrote: "Betty could have had a comfortable life with her many interests and friends but instead, like many in the refugee movement, she devoted her time to overcoming these cruel policies. She really was an inspiration. We all miss you already Betty. Vale dear friend."
Betty requested no flowers but donations to Green Left Weekly or Palliative Care Services would be appreciated.
Sarah Stephen
From Green Left Weekly, June 21 2006.
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