You're invited to join us for an evening of conversation and connection about the experiences of people seeking humanitarian protection in Western Australia. This panel discussion brings together four experts from across WA's humanitarian sector spanning from lived experience, migration law, grassroots advocacy, and government, to speak openly about the asylum seeker and refugee experience in our state. The discussion will explore themes including the barriers people seeking asylum face, the gap between policy and lived reality, cross-sector collaboration and what gives those working in this space hope for the future.
Whether you're deeply involved in this space or simply want to learn and be part of an important conversation, all are warmly welcome.
Time:
5:30pm - Doors open, refreshments and canapes
6:45pm - Panel discussion commences
8:15pm - Event concludes
Bring a friend and join us for what promises to be an insightful and meaningful night. Seats are free for CARAD members and a suggested $10 donation for others - please note that RSVPs are required.
The evening's panellists will include:
Betty McGeever is a retired public librarian and longtime activist for refugees and asylum seekers, at many levels, solo and in advocacy groups. Betty has supported individuals in WA and has been involved in resettling those ex-Nauru to freedom and citizenship in Canada via the Canadian community resettlement scheme. In recent years she initiated the establishment of Grandmothers for Refugees groups in WA and is an active member of the Curtin electorate G4R group.
Ehsan Nazamyar is originally from Afghanistan. He and his family (his wife and their son at the time) arrived in Australia in 2011. Due to unsafe conditions in his home country, Ehsan spent most of his life outside Afghanistan as an asylum seeker and refugee. These experiences have shaped his strong commitment to supporting others facing similar challenges. Ehsan currently works at CARAD as a case worker, supporting people seeking safety and helping them access their basic daily needs. Through his work and service to the community, Ehsan hopes to continue contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Janine Freeman, as a social equity advocate and former WA Member of Parliament, has spent her career representing working people and their families, including as UnionsWA Assistant State Secretary. Having represented the most multicultural electorate in Western Australia, Janine was privileged to work with and advocate for people from diverse, ethnic, faith, language, and cultural backgrounds. Janine now pursues her passion for advocacy volunteering for various not for profit organisations and works as a non-executive director at GESB Super, Water Corporation, National Museum of Australia and Anglicare. Janine is the Independent Chair of Fair Food WA and has qualifications in Economics, Finance Services, Occupational Health & Safety Management and is a qualified yoga teacher.
Teresa Lee has over a decade of experience working alongside people seeking asylum in Australia. She began her career as a social worker and later practised in refugee law, supporting individuals and communities to navigate complex barriers to seeking asylum. Teresa has extensive experience in systemic advocacy, promoting fairer policies and pathways to permanent protection, and has represented clients before the Department of Home Affairs and the Administrative Review Tribunal. She now works as a caseworker at CARAD, bringing in-depth legislative knowledge and a trauma-informed approach to her work.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Please reach out to office@carad.org.au with any questions.
