EVENT: Out of The Dark 2010 Community Forum

Out of The Dark was created in 2009 as a community forum to raise awareness of refugee issues and to acknowledge that for most refugees, darkness prevails metaphorically and literally. Perhaps we too in our community are also in the dark about the plight of refugees and can help shed light on their world and make ours richer through compassion.

Our forum this year features guest speaker Victorian Psychiatrist, Professor Pat McGorry AO. After being awarded the 2010 Australian of the Year, Professor McGorry called for a radical change in the mental health services in Australia. He also spoke out about the treatment of asylum seekers and the link between mental illness and detention centres. With Labor now forming a minority government, the next Out of The Dark Community Forum is well timed to draw out the important issues facing refugees and their treatment in Australia. Professor McGorry together with a panel of experts and refugee advocates will open the debate about refugee issues in our community. The forum will be chaired by eminent West Australian Mrs Janet Holmes a Court AC.

This forum is presented by Case for Refugees and CARAD. Proceeds through ticket sales will raise funds for our work with refugees.

CASE for Refugees is a not-for-profit community legal centre specialising in refugee and migration law. CASE help refugees who need assistance with their legal applications to stay in Australia and reunite with their families. Their vision is to achieve equality, access to justice and a commitment to human rights for refugees.

www.caseforrefugees.org.au

CARAD is the Coalition for Asylum seekers, Refugees and Detainees and has provided settlement services for over 4500 refugees. CARAD is now the agency of last resort for asylum seekers with complex claims. CARAD helps former clients whose families join them; provides homework support to children and language tuition to women at home. CARAD volunteers also visit detained asylum seekers in WA locations. They advocate for individuals and for systems changes.

Professor Patrick McGorry, AO Australian of the Year 2010 Professor McGorry is Executive Director of Orygen Youth Health (OYH), a world renowned youth mental health organisation. He is also Professor of Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and founding member of the National Youth Mental Health Foundation (headspace) board. In addition to his work with youth, Professor McGorry has also helped many refugees and asylum seekers. He continues to be a strong voice for refugees. With an emphasis on early intervention and a commitment to educating the community to the early signs of mental illness, Professor McGorry's extraordinary 27 year contribution has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of people the world over.

Parental guidance recommended.