Almost 400 refugees, such as Rabi, from the war-ravaged Central African Republic now call this tropical Queensland town home. They're now inspiring artists with their stories.
When Rabi Mahamat was told by officials in a Chad refugee camp that she was to be relocated and settled in Australia, she had little notion of what the future would hold.
Ms Mahamat now works as a teacher's aide at Aitkenvale Primary School, where she helps the children of other African refugees as they adjust to their new lives.The arrival of the almost 400 CAR refugees in recent years has prompted a city-wide response from Townsville residents, much of it based at a community hub on the grounds of the Aitkenvale Primary School.
" thought … how can we support these women who have come into our country, who are at home with young children?" she said.In recent weeks, some of the women have been working alongside artist Lavinia Letherby to create a mural at the community hub."To represent that on the wall through portraits was something I really wanted," she said."I just thought, what a beautiful place," she said.
International development researcher Dr Annabel Dulhunty, from the Australian National University, agreed. The Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said Townsville was an ideal settlement site for the CAR refugees.
Aitkenvale Primary School Central African Republic CAR UN Refugee Camp Lavinia Letherby Julia Stever Aitkenvale Community Hub Refugee Support Refugee Mural In Townsville Annabel Dulhunty Art Mural
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