Lenten Podcast Series

Who is welcome at our table? Australia's response to refugees

In Australia, we pride ourselves on being an open, welcoming country. Yet our record when it comes to helping those most in need is poor. Refugees continue to be detained while seeking asylum, and rather than offering our support to these people the political rhetoric centres on tightening up borders and denying people the chance to even reach our shores.

This five-part podcast series will feature the stories of refugees who have arrived in Australia, as well as interviews with experts and advocates working in the refugee field.

Produced and hosted by Catherine Marshall and Michael McVeigh, the weekly podcast series will begin on 16 March and will continue until 13 April.

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Episode 1 - Fr Sacha Bermudez-Goldman SJ: Who is welcome at our table?

The former director of Jesuit Refugee Service in Australia, Fr Sacha Bermudez-Goldman SJ, introduces the Lenten Series at the Hawthorn Parish Business Breakfast on 8 March.

MP3: Fr Sacha Bermudez-Goldman SJ: Who is welcome at our table? (28:24)

Episode 2 - Therese: The perilous journey to a new home

After her husband was taken from her, and her sons forced into the army, Therese decided to flee her home in Rwanda.

MP3: Therese: The perilous journey to a new home (10:30)

Episode 3 - Tony Kevin: Australia's reaction to refugees

Former Australian senior public servant and diplomat Tony Kevin provides an insight into the Australian detention system, and questions whether it's possible to have a system that both protects refugees and deters boats from our shores.

MP3: Tony Kevin: Australia's reaction to refugees (10:17)

Episode 4 Pt 1 - Kerry Murphy – Gaining asylum

Prominent refugee lawyer Kerry Murphy looks at the process for gaining asylum in Australia and how it could be made better.

MP3: Kerry Murphy – Gaining asylum (7:21)

Episode 4 Pt 2 - Elisabeth – Gaining asylum

Zimbabwean refugee Elisabeth fled persecution at home, arriving in Australia with nothing in the way of possessions, and expecting a baby.

MP3: Elisabeth – Gaining asylum (7:07)

Episode 5 Pt 1 - Paul Power – Adjusting to a new life

The CEO of the Refugee Council of Australia, Paul Power, says that systems should be put in place to support all refugees who claim asylum in Australia, regardless of how they first arrived here.

MP3: Paul Power – Adjusting to a new life (8:32)

Episode 5 Pt 2 - Dr Berhan Ahmed – Adjusting to a new life

Dr Berhan Ahmed recounts his own experience as a newly-arrived refugee in Australia, and discusses the importance of community connectedness and opportunity in determining the successful settlement of refugees.