By PETER DOUGLAS
THESE grandmothers are fed up and they’re seeking to create change.
Although only in their fourth month since formation, the La Trobe chapter of Grandmothers against Detention of Refugee Children (GADRC) is seeking to effect great change within the political landscape.
Already with 100 members on their mailing list, and with many of those active within the group, the GADRC are making inroads into some lofty ambitions.
First on their agenda is a 2000-signature petition which they will soon present to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tony Smith, as well as members of the Lower House.
The petition asks the government to re-consider its policies with respect to refugee and asylum-seeker children.
Member Virginia Schneiders said she has been thrilled with the enthusiasm of the group.
“I’ve been really surprised at how well it’s gone, we’ve hit the ground running and members are really passionate about this issue,” she said.
“Our prime goal is to change policy and inform the public.
“We’re finding many people are ill-informed and we hope to do something about it.
“We’ll send off this petition soon to the Lower House, with the Upper House to follow soon after.”
Ms Schneiders paid tribute to the Emerald Community House, with their assistance proving vital in helping to establish the group.
She said it had helped them to get on their feet and be pro-active within the community.
“We’ve attended the Belgrave Lantern Parade and undertaken street walks,” she said.
“We’ve received enormous support from the community, with very little opposition to our cause.”
Though, Ms Schneiders said there was plenty of work left to do as they hoped to affect genuine change.
With this in mind, she encouraged others in the community to join them on their quest.
For more information, or to join the group, contact either Virginia on 0417 137 736 or Judy Taylor on 0438 583 918.
Those interested can also visit their Facebook page.
