On Thursday 22^nd February, the Year 10 cohort had the opportunity to hear first hand stories from several people regarding their experiences and work with refugees and asylum seekers.

Year 10A were visited by Anne Hilton and John and Linda Brady, all of whom have had significant and life changing experiences in working with refugees and asylum seekers both in Australia and across the world.

Anne described her experiences working with refugees in detention centres in Darwin, sharing with the students the profound impact this had on her at the time and today.  Linda and John described their incredible experiences working with refugees in Uganda and the unforgettable mark it left on their lives, leading them to return 23 times.

Year 10B were able to hear the stories of 3 staff from TRAMS (Toowoomba Refugee and Migrant Support) detailing not only their personal stories, but the work they continue to do with refugees and migrants arriving in Toowoomba, integrating them into the community, schools and the workforce.

The students were deeply and profoundly moved by these individuals and we thank them for their time in sharing their experiences with us.

“Be grateful for what you have, because you don’t know when it will be taken away”.

“Take a stand for what you think is right”.

“If the door is closed, it’s not your door to go through.  It it opens, take that door”.

“Pray for refugees and remember, every time you open your laptop, read a book etc, think of the less fortunate”.