How faith communities can better welcome seasonal workers will be the focus of a national conference in July. Source: ACBC.
The Seventh Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) National Conference will be staged at the Australian Catholic University campus in Melbourne, on July 18-19.
ACMRO national director Fr Khalid Marogi said the theme of the conference is “Welcoming seasonal workers in Australia: Gift and Responsibility”.
“The conference will address issues faced by seasonal and migrant workers in Australia, emphasising their contributions to Australian society beyond their labour,” Fr Khalid said.
“Seasonal workers come from overseas, specifically from nine Pacific islands and Timor-Leste, and travel and work temporarily in Australia.
“Not only do they come to Australia to support their families – they also bring rich cultural experiences, traditions, language, and faith.
“The conference will explore how faith communities in Australia and Australian society can welcome and learn from these gifts, fostering positive change.”
This event is a collaboration between the ACMRO, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace and Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH).
Fr Khalid said Gospel values and Catholic social teaching emphasised the moral responsibility to ensure that seasonal workers are treated justly and with respect while working in Australia.
“The conference will provide formation on these teachings and encourage people across the country to actively support seasonal and migrant workers, particularly those from the Pacific islands and Timor-Leste,” he said.
Details: Seventh Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office National Conference.
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