Refugees deserve some support from community
WARWICK'S Sue Hamlet is passionate about supporting refugees seeking safety in Australia.
"What has happened in Paris should highlight our resolve to increase the aid we can provide to people fleeing these acts of violence," she said.
"I think we all feel an affinity with France because it is easy for us to imagine ourselves in Paris as a fellow western country.
"But I think it is important to note that this is part of a much bigger issue with the conflict in Syria.
Mrs Hamlet called on fellow residents to open their arms to refugees who are fleeing the conflict.
"If it was a boatload of Parisians who were fleeing these attacks and ended up on our doorstep, would we turn them away," she said.
"Everyone has a right to be safe and I think Australia should be a welcome place for refugees.
"We cannot let bullies like these terrorists dictate who we can and cannot help - that's blackmail."
With Toowoomba already an official refugee welcome zone, Mrs Hamlet hopes more residents will open their arms and hearts following the terrible events in Paris.
"We make a choice whether we act in fear or love," she said.
"This is a time to show that fighting spirit and support these people."
Mrs Hamlet is hoping to link with other like-minded people in the community, and has started a Facebook page - Make Southern Downs a Refugee Welcome Zone.
