Mercy Community’s Romero Centre and Logix Engineering have partnered to provide refugees and asylum seekers in Brisbane with much-needed experience through a series of successful work placements.
In March 2021, Logix Engineering, the wholly Australian-owned Brisbane firm which manufactures electrical and communications cabinets for road and rail infrastructure, was struggling to find suitable workers.
It was referred to the Romero Centre, which helps rebuild the lives of people who are seeking safety and asylum. Since then, a fruitful partnership has developed with the firm recognising the untapped potential and unique perspectives brought by refugees and creating opportunities for skills development, professional growth and community integration.
Romero Centre Manager Mengistu Hailu said people seeking asylum faced complicated challenges and uncertain futures and the work placement program provided an important path to unlocking future potential and success.
“In addition to our work placement program, we also provide and connect asylum seekers living in Brisbane with practical support (like food and shelter), legal connections, English classes, medical care, trauma counselling, community events and more,” he said.
Tony Hamilton, Managing Director of Logix Engineering, said: “In the past two years we have been working closely with the Romero Centre at Dutton Park to find suitable staff for our factories.
“The Romero Centre is a pleasure to work with. They have a great and committed staff who have supported us to provide employment opportunities to refugees and asylum-seekers.”
The Romero Centre, which is funded through community support and donations, was established in 2000 in response to the needs of people arriving in Australia seeking safety and human rights. It is named after a passionate human rights campaigner, Archbishop Oscar Romero from El Salvador.
The Romero Centre will hold its annual Welcome Walk in Brisbane to raise vital funds for its programs on June 18.
FULL STORY
From Struggle to Success: Refugees make a fresh start at Brisbane engineering firm (Mercy Community)
