Since 19 Jul 2013, Australia has been detaining irregular maritime arrivals in our offshore detention facilities on Manus Island, which is part of PNG and on Nauru. Manus has closed now but around 80 people are still in PNG in Port Moresby and around 40 on Nauru.

On that day in 2013, Kevin Rudd made a speech in a press conference. He said that none of these boat people would ever be settled permanently in Australia. Right up until today, both major parties seem determined to keep to this policy, despite the majority of the detainees - over 80% - successfully completing refugee assessments. Some have been settled in the U.S. under a deal with the U.S. government, a few have been sponsored into Canada and one has been settled in Norway. Some have gone to New Zealand and it is expected a total of 450 will go.

Actually, the policy has never been used as an absolute. Even some of the people in Manus and Nauru will tell how they were lined up on Christmas Island and a immigration officer went down the line going "Australia, Manus, Nauru" counting the men off as to where they would go.

Now, around 1000 former inmates from Manus and Nauru who arrived since the change of policy in 2013, are in Australia in community detention or on bridging visas, with most having been transferred to Australia from Manus Island and Nauru for medical treatment. Nauru was also emptied last year and the last ones brought here, but once again there are approximately 93 people on Nauru. There are also 48 (at the time of writings), still stranded in Port Moresby in PNG.

The Australian Government shows no indication of backing down and settling them permanently - outside the 450 going to NZ. Some were detained for 9 years or more and over a thousand are still in limbo with no permanent home. These men, women and children are people just like us with similar hopes and dreams. Those that have children have the same dreams for their kids that we do. The fact that they are like us is indicated by the variety of talent coming out of Manus and Nauru.

This event will highlight the talent of the people from Manus and Nauru to allow that to speak for them.There are talented painters, poets, film makers and musicians. Some have written books - like Behrouz Boochani. I will keep this page updated as those that will be presenting are confirmed. These creative people from Manus and Nauru will be backed up by creative people from Australia: poets, musicians and artists.

If all goes well, there will be a Q & A session either in person or with the men via video link.

Hopefully, their creative talent and their words will prompt you to think about what sort of treatment and welcome we should be giving these people and encourage you to support more humane policies for refugees.

At this stage, the MC will be Chris Schmidt, although I would love one of the refugees to take over introducing everyone themself. I have been a refugee and human rights advocate for many years now. I am determined to see these men free and take the fight to change our system and the laws that govern refugees. You can DM me with any questions about this event or give me a call on 0459 573 941.

Venue: Payneham Library, 2 Turner St, Felixstow and online

Cost: $40 to attend in person, $30 to watch by livestream/

I will email the links to log into the evening online for those attending online on 6 Sept 2024. If you pay after that, I will email the link when you pay.

Tickets will be available at the door. Of course, those attending the event online must purchase tickets online

All profits from the event will go to the refugees taking part themselves. Please share with the #PoetryMusicArtFromManus