Refugee Welcome Zone
Hobsons Bay City Council has joined the Mayoral and Councillor Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum, working with over 40 councils across Australia to advocate to the federal government for fairness, compassion and dignity for people seeking asylum. Read more about Back Your Neighbour.
On 17 June 2014, Hobsons Bay City Council signed the Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration, an initiative of the Refugee Council of Australia. Council is committed to raising awareness about the issues affecting refugees and people seeking asylum, fostering the culture of mutual respect and appreciation of cultural diversity.
In 2025, Council is an executive member of the Mayoral and Councillor Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum. Cr Rayane Hawli is the Council-nominated delegate on the taskforce. The taskforce enables a coordinated advocacy position to help improve basic rights and better support for people seeking asylum. It was established in 2018 and is chaired and supported by Greater Dandenong Council. It is currently made up of more than 40 councils and endorsed by more than 80 community organisations nationwide.
Council supported initiatives
Council is involved in a range of community, service provider and government initiatives, projects, programs and networks to realise its commitment to the Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration, including raising awareness and support of refugees and people seeking asylum during Refugee Week. For more information, please contact the community development team at commdev@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.
Who are refugees?
“Any person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his/her nationality and is unable, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country” (The Refugee Convention 1967).
What are the differences between refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants?
The terms ‘refugee', ‘asylum seeker’ and ‘migrant’ are often used interchangeably. However, there are important distinctions in their definitions.
A migrant is someone who chooses to leave their country to seek a better life. They choose where they migrate to and they are able to return whenever they like.
Refugees are forced to flee from their country and cannot return unless the situation that forced them to leave improves. Some are forced to flee without any warning; many have experienced torture and trauma. The motivating factor for refugees is safety and protection from persecution and human rights abuse, not economic advantage.
A person seeking asylum is seeking protection as a refugee and is still waiting to have their claim assessed. Every refugee has at some point sought asylum.
Myths about refugees and asylum seekers
The circulation of myths and misinformation is one of the biggest barriers to understanding the issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers. Visit Refugee Council of Australia website to read about the myths and facts.