Grans for Refugees.

THE national movement Grandmothers for Refugees has formed a new Freo branch. 

Inaugural branch committee member Sue Slavin said she was excited to join an organisation whose members work tirelessly in advocating for the compassionate welcome and safe settlement of all people seeking asylum in Australia, with a primary focus on children. 

“After our initial callout to Fremantle grandmothers, the Fremantle branch already has 17 members,” she said. 

“Just six months ago there were no branches of Grandmothers for Refugees in Western Australia, now Fremantle is the third to form, following Curtin and Greater Perth, bringing the current WA membership to 50. But we extend a welcome across Fremantle for all those who are interested to join us. 

“You don’t even need to be a grandmother to be part of the group! Friends of Grandmothers – affectionately known as FROGS – are warmly encouraged to come along too.”

Members mainly write letters and meet with politicians and influencers, speak at community events, and distribute information to raise awareness on refugee matters.

Currently the immediate focus of the Grandmother group is to advocate for immediate release from detention of people seeking asylum; stop mandatory detention both onshore and offshore; and to end all forms of temporary protection visas to enable asylum seekers to apply for permanent protection. 

The Fremantle branch will meet every fourth Monday of the month (except December) at 2pm at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 162 Hampton Road.