In 2014, Kiama council became among the signatories to the Refugee Council of Australia’s Refugee Welcome Zone initiative.

When Kiama council voted to become a refugee-friendly area, a group began meeting at the North Kiama Neighbourhood Centre on the first Monday of each month.

According to group organisers, as news of the imminent arrival of many refugees to the Illawarra was received, offers were made from a Jones Beach restaurant and a 14-room motel in Kiama that all of their furnishings were available for storage and distribution to the refugee community.

Some goods were also donated to the Homestead of Hope.

Earlier this month, more than 55 people banded together over two days to collect these goods for refugees coming to the area.

The workers were from three Lions Clubs (Gerringong, Kiama and Minnamurra), the Anglican, Uniting and Catholic churches, and the Kiama Men’s Shed, as well as members of the community.

Trailers and utility trucks were piled high with chairs, tables, linen, bedspreads and blankets.

Beds and sofas were lowered from balconies.

Organisers were also able to borrow Kiama council’s double-decker trailer. Large quantities of cooking and eating equipment were also donated, as well as tables and chairs.

The large number of electrical goods, including refrigerators, irons, jugs and toasters were checked and tagged before being packed.

Everything is now in storage.

The group is working with the organisations in Wollongong who help process refugees, and already newly arrived families from Syria and Liberia are being assessed to fill their needs.

If you would like to join the Kiama Welcomes Refugees Group, or be part of the ongoing collection process, contact Sharon Parker on 0408 217 127 or email nknc@hotmail.com.