By Danielle Kutchel
The local Afghan community is hurting in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.
Many of those living in Casey have loved ones stuck in the country, unable to leave and get to safety.
Mothers, brothers, cousins, friends – regardless of the relationship, the story of heartbreak and worry is the same.
Members of Casey’s Afghan diaspora met with community leaders and politicians on Wednesday 18 August via Zoom to air their grievances and discuss ways to get their families and friends out of the country.
The meeting was organised by the Bakhtar Cultural Association.
MPs Julian Hill and Pauline Richards attended, along with a representative for Holt MP Anthony Byrne.
Steve Demopoulos, Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health, Vivienne Nguyen, chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Hafiz Mayar from Victoria Police and representatives of other community organisations joined the call.
They fielded questions on evacuations and visa processing, while members of Casey’s Afghan community spoke of their terror at what might happen to their loved ones if they are left behind in Afghanistan.
They also discussed the impact of the horrific news on their own mental health and how to help each other cope.
For many who have fled the country, the Taliban’s takeover is bringing up memories of past trauma.
Federal MP for Bruce, Julian Hill, told the call that Afghan visa applications are being escalated and said he was pushing for as many visas to be processed as possible.
The Federal Government has pledged to take an extra 3000 refugees from Afghanistan, with families on the call urged to submit urgent visa applications including as much information about their loved one’s situation as possible.
The community agreed to push for an increase to the number of additional refugees the Federal Government would accept.
So far the Australian government has rescued 1700 people from Kabul, with a priority on dual citizens.
For assistance with visa matters, contact your local MP and for more Afghan community information or support, contact the Bakhtar Cultural Association via www.bakhtar.org.au/
