By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
A ‘hot potato’ awareness campaign visiting Dandenong went a little cold after an unexpected mechanical hitch last Tuesday.
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre food van touring during the federal election had planned to open its mobile kitchen in Dandenong with ambassador and model Imogen Bailey serving hot potatoes and debunking ‘myths’ about asylum seekers.
However the van was “clipped” on the road earlier in the day damaging a gas pipeline. Instead of parking in Dandenong, it was repaired in a garage ready for its 10-day sojourn in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
In a change of plan on Tuesday, Ms Bailey dined in Afghan Delicious restaurant with former asylum seeker Reza Andesha – a trained engineer who set up his own driving school in Dandenong.
Mr Andesha donates every cent made from Kabul Driving School to fellow Hazara asylum seekers in need of food, medical treatment and shelter.
Many of the asylum seekers are on bridging visas, forbidden to work and living on a sub-dole allowance as they await assessment on their refugee status.
Mr Andesha was a “shining example” of asylum seekers wanting to be a part of the community, Ms Bailey said.
“It’s an amazing thing to meet someone who has been in their same situation and fighting for a better life for them.
“It’s exciting that so many of the asylum seekers we meet talk about working in government, politics, the police. They want to contribute in the community in a positive way.
“Even though we treat them badly, they still come and and love this country as much as any Australian.”
The first of the ‘hot potato’ myths – that asylum seekers were illegal – was launched that day in Federation Square. The other nine myths would be countered over the following days of the tour.
Jana Favero, the ASRC’s community pillars director, said it was not illegal for prospective refugees to arrive by plane or boat. Their “demonisation” by ALP and Liberal politicians had paved the way for punitive policies such as off-shore processing on Manus Island and Nauru, she said.
“We’re trying to use fact to break down the myths.”
Ms Favero was hopeful the van could visit for the centre’s office launch in Dandenong in two weeks. The office will help support the thousands of asylum seekers living nearby to find work and training.
