CARAD

CARAD was formed in 2000 when the then Australian government issued Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) which provoked community opposition to this harsh new law.  The organisation started providing basic settlement assistance and support to refugees holding TPVs. We welcomed the Rudd Labor government's decision to end the Temporarary Protection Visa regime, but continue to advocate for better treatment of asylum seekers.  

Asylum seekers are applicants for refugee status — escaping from situations of persecution that result from political or civil conflict, social or cultural discrimination.  They have broken no international or Australian law by seeking asylum in Australia.  Asylum seekers may be held in a detention centre or live in the community. If living in the community, they will hold a Bridging Visa.  Since January 2000 CARAD has assisted almost 5000 refugees and asylum seekers in Perth, Western Australia. CARAD actively campaigns for change in the refugee determination process and takes our advocacy directly to Government.

In 2011, CARAD has evolved  to become the agency of last resort for community based asylum seekers (those who arrive with a visa but then ask for protection). CARAD manages the care of these clients solely through financial donations to pay for food, clothing, transport and a small living allowance.  Through the generosity of our supporters, we are able to provide limited accommodation to some of these asylum seekers. In any one month, there are between 10 and 30 individuals who need this support. See below as to how you can make a donation to this work.

We are partially funded by the State Government through the Office of Multicultural Interests to continue volunteer programmes we started in 2000 - providing English language lessons at home for certain adult refugees and homework support and tuition to children with a refugee background.  We have developed close relationships with schools and community groups to support this.

In the past two years we have established a volunteer programme of visiting, advocacy and referral for people held in detention in Perth. In 2011, we received partial funding from the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Torture Victims to provide for a (part time)regional case manager to visit detention centres at Christmas Island and regional Western Australia.  Donations are urgently required to ensure this program continues.

CARAD's clients

CARAD offers support to asylum seekers held in detention, and know our visits and advocacy efforts are greatly appreciated.

CARAD also offers settlement support, advocacy, referral, emergency and long term financial aid to many community based asylum seekers living on Bridging Visas*. Subject to an interview, we can offer financial assistance with the cost of reuniting families via our interest free travel loans, and loans for the reunion applications and DNA tests.

*The Bridging Visa E (BVE) denies the right to work and earn a living, allows no access to Centrelink or any other government service, and no access to Medicare. It renders the asylum seeker totally dependent on community organisations and/or family and church groups for their survival. The BVE contravenes basic human rights as outlined in the 1951 Refugee Convention.

In addition our 120 active volunteers work in the community to offer English conversation, homework support, friendship and settlement support to newly arrived refugees, and asylum seekers.