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The following interview was conducted with Sharyn Mackenzie as part of Wollongong City Council Libraries Illawarra Stories Oral History Project. It took place at Wollongong Library in the Wilga Room on the 17th of August 2023. And I'm Samantha Figueroa. Thank you for participating in this interview. Sharyn, can you tell us about your life in the Illawarra? Did you grow up here? The following interview was conducted with Sharyn Mackenzie as part of Wollongong City Council Libraries Illawarra Stories Oral History Project. It took place at Wollongong Library in the Wilga Room on the 17th of August 2023. And I'm Samantha Figueroa. Thank you for participating in this interview. Sharyn, can you tell us about your life in the Illawarra? Did you grow up here?
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No, I didn't grow up here and I came to the Illawarra in 2002. No, I didn't grow up here and I came to the Illawarra in 2002.
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And prior to that my connection with the Illawarra was through having a a Weekender here Shaq back in the 60s and 70s. My parents had a place and we used to come down very often. And and another connection was my father was a road contractor and he was involved in building the roads in the housing Commission settlements that were built in the 60s. And prior to that my connection with the Illawarra was through having a a Weekender here Shaq back in the 60s and 70s. My parents had a place and we used to come down very often. And and another connection was my father was a road contractor and he was involved in building the roads in the housing Commission settlements that were built in the 60s.
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And and maybe 70s in the Unanderra and Berkeley. So I didn't grow up here. I grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney and we moved to the Illawarra in anticipation of our retirement. Yeah. So when was that? When did you move? So we moved here in 2002. Ohh OK And where was the shack that you used to come down and holidays beautiful. It was a barrack point and the area. And and maybe 70s in the Unanderra and Berkeley. So I didn't grow up here. I grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney and we moved to the Illawarra in anticipation of our retirement. Yeah. So when was that? When did you move? So we moved here in 2002. Ohh OK And where was the shack that you used to come down and holidays beautiful. It was a barrack point and the area.
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That I grew up in. That I grew up in.
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The Illawarra was the go to place for everybody's holiday. People used to come down to camp around Lake Illawarra and do the prawning and all that. And so yeah, that was very much part of our fun when we were young kids. Yeah. And do you have any special memories from of anything that happened on those holidays or of the of the way it was then and is now like the changes? Well, yeah, of course it was nothing. The Illawarra was the go to place for everybody's holiday. People used to come down to camp around Lake Illawarra and do the prawning and all that. And so yeah, that was very much part of our fun when we were young kids. Yeah. And do you have any special memories from of anything that happened on those holidays or of the of the way it was then and is now like the changes? Well, yeah, of course it was nothing.
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Like it looks today and we always used to anticipate going over the bridge at. Like it looks today and we always used to anticipate going over the bridge at.
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What's the name of that? What's the name of that?
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What is that? You know, the bridge that goes across the, that goes across the lake at Windang. At Windang. Sorry. Yeah, no, that's OK Yeah, yeah, the Windang bridge, you know, like it was just a a a wooden bridge. Rattle, rattle, rattle, rattle. And once we got there, we knew we were only, you know, like 10 minutes from the, from the little shack. And yeah. And we just used to love to walk around from our place, walk around the beach all the way to Shellharbour. And yeah, it was idyllic for young kids. What is that? You know, the bridge that goes across the, that goes across the lake at Windang. At Windang. Sorry. Yeah, no, that's OK Yeah, yeah, the Windang bridge, you know, like it was just a a a wooden bridge. Rattle, rattle, rattle, rattle. And once we got there, we knew we were only, you know, like 10 minutes from the, from the little shack. And yeah. And we just used to love to walk around from our place, walk around the beach all the way to Shellharbour. And yeah, it was idyllic for young kids.
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In those days, you could just, you know, leave home in the morning and see you at dinner time, you know, So wonderful. Lovely. Yeah. Well, that sounds great. In those days, you could just, you know, leave home in the morning and see you at dinner time, you know, So wonderful. Lovely. Yeah. Well, that sounds great.
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So we're going to talk today about scarf. So I understand that you're you were involved with the inception of scarf. Could you share the story of how scarf began Hmm. Well when we came in 2002 we attended church at the Baptist Church. We started at the Baptist Church in Wollongong and and in 2003. So we're going to talk today about scarf. So I understand that you're you were involved with the inception of scarf. Could you share the story of how scarf began Hmm. Well when we came in 2002 we attended church at the Baptist Church. We started at the Baptist Church in Wollongong and and in 2003.
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Families started to arrive. We've come to our church, the first of the African families, Sudanese family, the Franco family. Families started to arrive. We've come to our church, the first of the African families, Sudanese family, the Franco family.
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And I had a background in multicultural work and. And I had a background in multicultural work and.
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Fascination with indigenous cultures both here, which started in primary school and and globally. And so as soon as I saw them come to church, I thought, well, as soon as the excitement settles down, I'm gonna introduce myself to this family and see, you know, if I can help them and connect with them in any way. Fascination with indigenous cultures both here, which started in primary school and and globally. And so as soon as I saw them come to church, I thought, well, as soon as the excitement settles down, I'm gonna introduce myself to this family and see, you know, if I can help them and connect with them in any way.
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And so we did and, and it was very wonderful. There were a large family that lived, I don't know, 14 or more years in a refugee camp in Kakuma in Kenya. And so we did and, and it was very wonderful. There were a large family that lived, I don't know, 14 or more years in a refugee camp in Kakuma in Kenya.
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And arrived with absolutely nothing and. And arrived with absolutely nothing and.
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In those days, Well Long was still pretty much a white community and you didn't see very many coloured people in Wollongong. So for these, the Sudanese are very black and to see these people walking down the street, you know, it was quite a a new experience for the people of Wollongong. We wondered how that would work. In those days, Well Long was still pretty much a white community and you didn't see very many coloured people in Wollongong. So for these, the Sudanese are very black and to see these people walking down the street, you know, it was quite a a new experience for the people of Wollongong. We wondered how that would work.
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And Franco said one day somebody said to him when he was walking through the botanical Gardens, you know, like how come you're so black? And Franco says, I looked at them and I said, and how come you're so white? And Franco said one day somebody said to him when he was walking through the botanical Gardens, you know, like how come you're so black? And Franco says, I looked at them and I said, and how come you're so white?
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So, so they weren't going to be offended, they were just gonna take it in their stride. They knew they were different and were quite happy to. So, so they weren't going to be offended, they were just gonna take it in their stride. They knew they were different and were quite happy to.
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Yeah. Yeah.
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Learn for up, for people to embrace them. Anyway, so, so it was lovely. So we I started working with the kids, teaching them English. Learn for up, for people to embrace them. Anyway, so, so it was lovely. So we I started working with the kids, teaching them English.
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Basic English, you know, like I mean when you've had no education and. Basic English, you know, like I mean when you've had no education and.
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And that went on and I met another couple who also had befriended the Francos and. And that went on and I met another couple who also had befriended the Francos and.
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We just. We just.
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We were just trying to work our way up. We were just trying to work our way up.
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There was, of course, there were services provided for them. There was, of course, there were services provided for them.
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But we didn't think the services answered the real needs. I mean, they were practical in that they were introduced to Centrelink and the bank and Medicare and all the essentials, and they started school and things. But these people had more need than that, that what they needed was friendship, first of all. And. But we didn't think the services answered the real needs. I mean, they were practical in that they were introduced to Centrelink and the bank and Medicare and all the essentials, and they started school and things. But these people had more need than that, that what they needed was friendship, first of all. And.
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What we were doing for the Francos, they quickly introduced us to other. What we were doing for the Francos, they quickly introduced us to other.
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Members of the refugee community. Members of the refugee community.
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And there were only a small number of the time, so we got to know them individually very well and. And there were only a small number of the time, so we got to know them individually very well and.
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We thought, well, you know, these other people were saying, you know, Sharon, can't you do that? Can you come and to my kids, can you do this? Can, can you? And of course I couldn't. I was still working part time in Sydney at the time and. We thought, well, you know, these other people were saying, you know, Sharon, can't you do that? Can you come and to my kids, can you do this? Can, can you? And of course I couldn't. I was still working part time in Sydney at the time and.
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Said to Jane, We, you know, we're gonna have to try and do something. We're gonna get find other people who get involved in this. And so after a while I'd had a a background in not-for-profit. Said to Jane, We, you know, we're gonna have to try and do something. We're gonna get find other people who get involved in this. And so after a while I'd had a a background in not-for-profit.
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Work. And so I spent my time on the train, you know, getting a constitution together and getting ready to organise and and and and register something so that we had a name and we could go out there and say, you know, does anybody want to join us? Anyhow, once we had, once I had that done. Work. And so I spent my time on the train, you know, getting a constitution together and getting ready to organise and and and and register something so that we had a name and we could go out there and say, you know, does anybody want to join us? Anyhow, once we had, once I had that done.
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Putting that in the paper to say that, you know, we were interested in supporting the newly arrived people coming from refugee backgrounds, we're particularly interested in helping them with education and if anybody was interested to join us, we'll have a meeting at the Cornwall Community Centre On this date and. Putting that in the paper to say that, you know, we were interested in supporting the newly arrived people coming from refugee backgrounds, we're particularly interested in helping them with education and if anybody was interested to join us, we'll have a meeting at the Cornwall Community Centre On this date and.
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Would love to come along. Umm, and about 20 people. Would love to come along. Umm, and about 20 people.
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King Well, so that was, you know, pretty amazing. Yes. And and just showed that, you know, there was interest in the community apart from being inquisitive, that really wanted to get to know these people. And so, yeah, so that's how Scarf started. And Sharon Bird was there, came along and I had already written to her and told her about what I was intending to do. King Well, so that was, you know, pretty amazing. Yes. And and just showed that, you know, there was interest in the community apart from being inquisitive, that really wanted to get to know these people. And so, yeah, so that's how Scarf started. And Sharon Bird was there, came along and I had already written to her and told her about what I was intending to do.
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And asking her if she'd like to be patron of this new organisation. Excellent. And. And then she spoke in Parliament about, you know, this organisation that was going to be established to help the refugees and things. Yeah, it was quite lovely. And so off we went and. And asking her if she'd like to be patron of this new organisation. Excellent. And. And then she spoke in Parliament about, you know, this organisation that was going to be established to help the refugees and things. Yeah, it was quite lovely. And so off we went and.
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We started with Ohh. I contacted the council and asked them if we could have a room here to hold a homework club. We started with Ohh. I contacted the council and asked them if we could have a room here to hold a homework club.
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And Alex Darling was the ohh who's just passed. Alex Darling was the. And Alex Darling was the ohh who's just passed. Alex Darling was the.
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Mayor at the time. And so they said yes, and at first they charged us, but we soon got them to change that and give us the room so we could have the homework centre there. And so a few volunteer tutors came along and in those days we used to pick kids up from school and bring them here. Mayor at the time. And so they said yes, and at first they charged us, but we soon got them to change that and give us the room so we could have the homework centre there. And so a few volunteer tutors came along and in those days we used to pick kids up from school and bring them here.
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And take them home overnight time. Like we were very, very care, caring about the other kids and wanted the parents to feel, you know, very safe. And it's amazing. So it's really good. Yeah. So it was a really lovely sense of belonging and family right there. And and this is what they needed, of course and scarf from the beginning. And take them home overnight time. Like we were very, very care, caring about the other kids and wanted the parents to feel, you know, very safe. And it's amazing. So it's really good. Yeah. So it was a really lovely sense of belonging and family right there. And and this is what they needed, of course and scarf from the beginning.
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Our vision was to see them happily settled in the broader community and. Our vision was to see them happily settled in the broader community and.
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Yeah, and to make a lovely life for themselves here in the beautiful Wollongong. I used to say, you know, the lucky people on this program, on this visa program come to Australia and they're very lucky people come to Wollongong. Yeah, and to make a lovely life for themselves here in the beautiful Wollongong. I used to say, you know, the lucky people on this program, on this visa program come to Australia and they're very lucky people come to Wollongong.
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And so they believed it too, because it was so wonderful for them to have people coming to their homes. And you know, it was, it was really. And so they believed it too, because it was so wonderful for them to have people coming to their homes. And you know, it was, it was really.
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It was an adventure for everybody, but it was such an education for us because we knew nothing and you know. It was an adventure for everybody, but it was such an education for us because we knew nothing and you know.
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And these people had stories to tell that we had no idea about. Hmm. And felt that, you know, like, how has all this been happening in the world? And we don't even know about it. You know, like, you only hear the other sensational stories. You don't hear about people who are living under canvas for 20 years without, you know, just hoping that they'll get some food in the next time the truck comes through and things like this, you know? So yeah, it was an education for everybody. And these people had stories to tell that we had no idea about. Hmm. And felt that, you know, like, how has all this been happening in the world? And we don't even know about it. You know, like, you only hear the other sensational stories. You don't hear about people who are living under canvas for 20 years without, you know, just hoping that they'll get some food in the next time the truck comes through and things like this, you know? So yeah, it was an education for everybody.
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But words soon spread amongst the volunteers because they would tell their friends and families what they were doing. But words soon spread amongst the volunteers because they would tell their friends and families what they were doing.
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That was one of the benefits of scarf. It was an education for the broader community, you know, so people didn't have to be frightened of these new arrivals because other, you know, just members of the host community were able to talk about them and and and dispel all those ridiculous myths and stories that were out there and said no, look, I'm actually working with one of these families and I can tell you that that is nothing like, you know, what happens and and things. So it was very good from from that point of view. That was one of the benefits of scarf. It was an education for the broader community, you know, so people didn't have to be frightened of these new arrivals because other, you know, just members of the host community were able to talk about them and and and dispel all those ridiculous myths and stories that were out there and said no, look, I'm actually working with one of these families and I can tell you that that is nothing like, you know, what happens and and things. So it was very good from from that point of view.
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And. And.
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First of all, the first couple of years they were all African. First of all, the first couple of years they were all African.
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And from from many African countries. And so each of those had their own culture and their own things they wanted to preserve. And I was very keen from the beginning that that should be encouraged, you know, Yes, yeah, we love having you here as an Aussie, but you've gotta, you know, you've got a story and you've got your own culture and you know, we want to cherish that with you, you know? And from from many African countries. And so each of those had their own culture and their own things they wanted to preserve. And I was very keen from the beginning that that should be encouraged, you know, Yes, yeah, we love having you here as an Aussie, but you've gotta, you know, you've got a story and you've got your own culture and you know, we want to cherish that with you, you know?
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And so we tried to do things that help them to do that. Put on an amazing concert one year in the old theatre upon Kembla St. Ohh wow, Kira St. you know that lovely old theatre. And it was just incredible. And we put a notice in the paper for people just to come for a gold coin donation. Just come and. And so we tried to do things that help them to do that. Put on an amazing concert one year in the old theatre upon Kembla St. Ohh wow, Kira St. you know that lovely old theatre. And it was just incredible. And we put a notice in the paper for people just to come for a gold coin donation. Just come and.
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Meet and appreciate these new. Meet and appreciate these new.
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Arrivals. Ohh. It was an extraordinary afternoon. That's great. Yeah. So. And so did you get a big turn out? We did. We did. You know, like people we didn't know. Just, you know, just people who'd seen it and who came along. And we had all the different cultures gave an item. You know, some people wrote poetry, some people dance, some people sang, Some people just told their story. Arrivals. Ohh. It was an extraordinary afternoon. That's great. Yeah. So. And so did you get a big turn out? We did. We did. You know, like people we didn't know. Just, you know, just people who'd seen it and who came along. And we had all the different cultures gave an item. You know, some people wrote poetry, some people dance, some people sang, Some people just told their story.
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No, it was, it was wonderful. And so with scarf how we tried to differentiate ourselves from the government funded agencies was that we would listen and we would respond so. No, it was, it was wonderful. And so with scarf how we tried to differentiate ourselves from the government funded agencies was that we would listen and we would respond so.
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Some people had to tick boxes and do certain things. We didn't have to do anything because we had no money, no funding, weren't answerable to anybody, just ourselves in the community. And so, you know, we started my husband, my wonderful husband. Some people had to tick boxes and do certain things. We didn't have to do anything because we had no money, no funding, weren't answerable to anybody, just ourselves in the community. And so, you know, we started my husband, my wonderful husband.
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Is so supportive. So he was always, you know, I try something else. Your husband's name. My husband is Kel. Kel. He is cherished by the refugee community. They, I think it's more popular than me. Ohh, that's so. And so I said, you know, like, well, we started everything with the Franco family. So I wanted them to have a computer, something they'd never sort of seen or put their hands on before. So I said to my sons, you know, I think you boys need new computers. I need your old. Is so supportive. So he was always, you know, I try something else. Your husband's name. My husband is Kel. Kel. He is cherished by the refugee community. They, I think it's more popular than me. Ohh, that's so. And so I said, you know, like, well, we started everything with the Franco family. So I wanted them to have a computer, something they'd never sort of seen or put their hands on before. So I said to my sons, you know, I think you boys need new computers. I need your old.
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Computers. Computers.
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So, I mean, they're adults, but so I got their computers, I got a new computer. So that was three computers that we had that we could pass on. And so we were excellent. That's spread around the community, around the volunteers, you know, update updating computers and the wonderful Chris Cartilage. So, I mean, they're adults, but so I got their computers, I got a new computer. So that was three computers that we had that we could pass on. And so we were excellent. That's spread around the community, around the volunteers, you know, update updating computers and the wonderful Chris Cartilage.
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Found a way to get a Microsoft license so that he could upgrade all these computers that came in, and that's excellent and Chris himself. Found a way to get a Microsoft license so that he could upgrade all these computers that came in, and that's excellent and Chris himself.
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Installed computers in something like 140 homes. Ohh, wow. Just just Chris did that, you know. Yes, Ohh over a period of years. But you know, that was a program that was so well appreciated. And so that was one thing. And then the Francos needed to learn to drive. So I said to kill, you know, like we had two cars in in the day, one old car and 1:00. So I said OK, you're going to be. Installed computers in something like 140 homes. Ohh, wow. Just just Chris did that, you know. Yes, Ohh over a period of years. But you know, that was a program that was so well appreciated. And so that was one thing. And then the Francos needed to learn to drive. So I said to kill, you know, like we had two cars in in the day, one old car and 1:00. So I said OK, you're going to be.
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The driving instructor, you know, and start to teach these kids to drive. Well, they're adults. And so the adults in one adult in each family, we said, you know, like, OK, we'll help you get a license and then scarf. The driving instructor, you know, and start to teach these kids to drive. Well, they're adults. And so the adults in one adult in each family, we said, you know, like, OK, we'll help you get a license and then scarf.
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Did a program where we would pay for after they've done 20 hours with the driving school they could. Did a program where we would pay for after they've done 20 hours with the driving school they could.
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But give them a volunteer, you know, we don't want to put anybody at risk. Kill. That's different, you know? But give them a volunteer, you know, we don't want to put anybody at risk. Kill. That's different, you know?
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Good stuff from scratch but later on, but so we paid for driving lessons, 5 driving lessons with a driving school and said then after that you've got to pay for your own and yeah and you know we're doing this with just no money. Amazing. Yeah, it was fair. It was very practical and then we started getting guys white cards and things so that they could and and forklift drivers licenses and then we started found a way to get people into aged care training and some of our aged care. Good stuff from scratch but later on, but so we paid for driving lessons, 5 driving lessons with a driving school and said then after that you've got to pay for your own and yeah and you know we're doing this with just no money. Amazing. Yeah, it was fair. It was very practical and then we started getting guys white cards and things so that they could and and forklift drivers licenses and then we started found a way to get people into aged care training and some of our aged care.
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Adults, some of those original girls have just celebrated their ten years with one employee, one employer. Yeah, isn't that amazing? It is amazing. And and others who work in a practical, hands-on couple of Burmese guys they've had, they've been with the one employer for 10 years and that's and you know and sort of like through scarf introductions and things like that. So there were just so many ways that we could help them to. Adults, some of those original girls have just celebrated their ten years with one employee, one employer. Yeah, isn't that amazing? It is amazing. And and others who work in a practical, hands-on couple of Burmese guys they've had, they've been with the one employer for 10 years and that's and you know and sort of like through scarf introductions and things like that. So there were just so many ways that we could help them to.
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Integrate into the into the community and yeah, it was wonderful. It was amazing. So over the years we've had, you know upwards of 300 volunteers, probably more. And so some of them are university students who have short term involvement. Maybe they can do it for a year or two years, but some treasures have been scuff volunteers for 15 years. Ohh wow. Integrate into the into the community and yeah, it was wonderful. It was amazing. So over the years we've had, you know upwards of 300 volunteers, probably more. And so some of them are university students who have short term involvement. Maybe they can do it for a year or two years, but some treasures have been scuff volunteers for 15 years. Ohh wow.
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Because it's so enriching, yes. For you, you know, it's not at all altruistic. You know, it's you really get something wonderful out of meeting these families and. Because it's so enriching, yes. For you, you know, it's not at all altruistic. You know, it's you really get something wonderful out of meeting these families and.
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Joining in their life journey and and it's just wonderful to see kids graduating from university and you know going on marrying having children you know so it's it's been a it's been a lovely thing that's yeah. Amazing. It's really great amazing Hmm. The generosity of the Wong Gong community the host community was just you know was amazing to me because I was completely unknown. I had no network. I just you know. Joining in their life journey and and it's just wonderful to see kids graduating from university and you know going on marrying having children you know so it's it's been a it's been a lovely thing that's yeah. Amazing. It's really great amazing Hmm. The generosity of the Wong Gong community the host community was just you know was amazing to me because I was completely unknown. I had no network. I just you know.
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They had nobody to. They had nobody to.
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Approach to, to help. It was just word of mouth. So how did you think? How did you, who did you approach? Yeah, Well after that, how did you start? Just just that pleasure. Yeah, that initial meeting and it just went on from there, so. Approach to, to help. It was just word of mouth. So how did you think? How did you, who did you approach? Yeah, Well after that, how did you start? Just just that pleasure. Yeah, that initial meeting and it just went on from there, so.
18:01

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Schools like Warrawong High School had the intensive English classes, so they heard about us and some of their teachers started to come to the homework centre to help the kids after school. It was just beautiful. And then their connections, they all had networks, you know, and so, so the friends of the ABC, Chris was. Schools like Warrawong High School had the intensive English classes, so they heard about us and some of their teachers started to come to the homework centre to help the kids after school. It was just beautiful. And then their connections, they all had networks, you know, and so, so the friends of the ABC, Chris was.
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One of those and and his partner Julie was a teacher at Warrawong and so. One of those and and his partner Julie was a teacher at Warrawong and so.
18:33

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They had these wonderful, this lovely group of people, friends of the ABC, start to come academics from UW. They had these wonderful, this lovely group of people, friends of the ABC, start to come academics from UW.
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Just amazing, but all sorts of people from all walks of life who are interested. So you know, we were just a conduit. People wanted to be able to do something but didn't know how to. Yeah, and Scarf was that conduit that just introduced them to. Just amazing, but all sorts of people from all walks of life who are interested. So you know, we were just a conduit. People wanted to be able to do something but didn't know how to. Yeah, and Scarf was that conduit that just introduced them to.
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This, this new group of people who were coming to us, first of all the Africans, then the Burmese, then Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan. We had a lot of Afghans come, and then Syria. This, this new group of people who were coming to us, first of all the Africans, then the Burmese, then Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan. We had a lot of Afghans come, and then Syria.
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And you know that all coming because their world has been, absolutely. And you know that all coming because their world has been, absolutely.
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Taken out from under them. Taken out from under them.
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They have no security. They have no security.
19:28

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And no, no sense of safety and things, you know, like, so they come here, they're very vulnerable when they arrive and. And no, no sense of safety and things, you know, like, so they come here, they're very vulnerable when they arrive and.
19:37

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To be able to provide them with that kind of immediate contact. To be able to provide them with that kind of immediate contact.
19:43

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With people who belong here so that they didn't have to feel like they were strangers and not welcome. Not not knowing. I mean, you wouldn't know, would you, when you're arriving in a strange place with nothing. With people who belong here so that they didn't have to feel like they were strangers and not welcome. Not not knowing. I mean, you wouldn't know, would you, when you're arriving in a strange place with nothing.
19:57

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Later, later groups might have arrived with more, but those original people. Later, later groups might have arrived with more, but those original people.
20:05

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Brought what they could carry in a bag. And Franco said to me, you know, like when people are shooting at your shower and you just pick up your kids and you run and that's what you bring with you. You know, like that's your life and that's all there is to it. Yes. And that's what you arrive with. So, yeah. So it was just an extraordinary thing to be able to do. And all my previous life had built me to the point where I was the girl, you know, like I was the girl. Brought what they could carry in a bag. And Franco said to me, you know, like when people are shooting at your shower and you just pick up your kids and you run and that's what you bring with you. You know, like that's your life and that's all there is to it. Yes. And that's what you arrive with. So, yeah. So it was just an extraordinary thing to be able to do. And all my previous life had built me to the point where I was the girl, you know, like I was the girl.
20:35

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I had the husband who was quite prepared for me to give up paid work and just be a volunteer and. And, you know, yeah, not that we had any, you know, backing behind this or anything, but that was just the thing to do. And he was happy for me to do that. And I was the girl who was capable of establishing something like that just because of my background. And so, yeah, so that was my great privilege. Samantha. Yeah. That's really amazing. It really is. Yeah. You've accomplished and it's. And. I had the husband who was quite prepared for me to give up paid work and just be a volunteer and. And, you know, yeah, not that we had any, you know, backing behind this or anything, but that was just the thing to do. And he was happy for me to do that. And I was the girl who was capable of establishing something like that just because of my background. And so, yeah, so that was my great privilege. Samantha. Yeah. That's really amazing. It really is. Yeah. You've accomplished and it's. And.
21:06

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Where it's moved and it's continuing on. I know, Yes, you know, so even after, Yeah, so even after we retired. Where it's moved and it's continuing on. I know, Yes, you know, so even after, Yeah, so even after we retired.
21:15

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You know, scarf has continued. You know, scarf has continued.
21:17

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New people have come. That's the sad part for me. New people have come. That's the sad part for me.
21:20

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I see people on the street that I don't know. You know, like what's upon a time. I knew every person who arrived. Yeah, yeah. But now there are people on the street that I don't recognise and I think, you know, dash ohh yeah, I don't get to meet them now, but still that fabulous hundreds, probably thousands, you know, over those 10 years. I see people on the street that I don't know. You know, like what's upon a time. I knew every person who arrived. Yeah, yeah. But now there are people on the street that I don't recognise and I think, you know, dash ohh yeah, I don't get to meet them now, but still that fabulous hundreds, probably thousands, you know, over those 10 years.
21:47

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We'll still get graded on the street, you know. Hello Mama, hello Baba. Yeah, and things like that. You just so lovely and. We'll still get graded on the street, you know. Hello Mama, hello Baba. Yeah, and things like that. You just so lovely and.
21:56

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Yeah, but and we have a close connection with a lot of them. So we have a very extended family, yeah. And and people, we're still doing the work, of course, because they'll come to us because we're their grandparents. Yeah, but and we have a close connection with a lot of them. So we have a very extended family, yeah. And and people, we're still doing the work, of course, because they'll come to us because we're their grandparents.
22:13

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You know, yeah. The other agencies are still there, but they just don't, you know, need the personal careers connection. Yeah. Mm-hmm. So, Yeah. So it goes on. So it's quite wonderful. Yeah. Amazing. So what does SCAR stand for? Ohh. Well, yes. So that took a while. I was on the train, you know, I was a very busy girl on the train going to Sydney to work, and I was looking for an acronym. You know, yeah. The other agencies are still there, but they just don't, you know, need the personal careers connection. Yeah. Mm-hmm. So, Yeah. So it goes on. So it's quite wonderful. Yeah. Amazing. So what does SCAR stand for? Ohh. Well, yes. So that took a while. I was on the train, you know, I was a very busy girl on the train going to Sydney to work, and I was looking for an acronym.
22:43

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Because I didn't know beforehand, but when I started, you know, learning about the agencies that were around and everything. Because I didn't know beforehand, but when I started, you know, learning about the agencies that were around and everything.
22:51

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You have to have an acronym or it doesn't work, you know. And so I'm trying to find words. So this is it. Strategic community assistance to refugee families, which is exactly what we were, you know, we were very strategic. We were listening. We were then responding to, you know, what the needs were. So I thought, OK, so that's it. And also it has that lovely sense of, you know, wrapping around you, that enveloping. And yeah, so I put. You have to have an acronym or it doesn't work, you know. And so I'm trying to find words. So this is it. Strategic community assistance to refugee families, which is exactly what we were, you know, we were very strategic. We were listening. We were then responding to, you know, what the needs were. So I thought, OK, so that's it. And also it has that lovely sense of, you know, wrapping around you, that enveloping. And yeah, so I put.
23:21

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You know, I love that sent that out. What do you think about scarf? Ohh yeah that sounds good. And then a wonderful guy created that very, very lovely logo and and that's been around town for so long and it's very well known and I think that. You know, I love that sent that out. What do you think about scarf? Ohh yeah that sounds good. And then a wonderful guy created that very, very lovely logo and and that's been around town for so long and it's very well known and I think that.
23:38

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You know, Scarf, as I said, you know, really became a community asset. You know, Scarf, as I said, you know, really became a community asset.
23:43

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It has really helped, yes, it's helped the the resettlement of all these different cultures. It has really helped, yes, it's helped the the resettlement of all these different cultures.
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Without any agro in the community or or any you know, conflicts, of course there's always bits of prejudice and and and things around. But I think it really has helped because the host community got educated about the refugees in a lovely way and and then you know that was able to spread through the community and so there was a a genuine sense of welcome. Without any agro in the community or or any you know, conflicts, of course there's always bits of prejudice and and and things around. But I think it really has helped because the host community got educated about the refugees in a lovely way and and then you know that was able to spread through the community and so there was a a genuine sense of welcome.
24:22

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Which is so important and. Which is so important and.
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Yeah, it was great. Started in our spare room. Yeah, it was great. Started in our spare room.
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And was there for 18 months. And was there for 18 months.
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But as you know, as more people started to arrive, that was gonna be awkward and and we were living in Cornwall at the time. But as you know, as more people started to arrive, that was gonna be awkward and and we were living in Cornwall at the time.
24:48

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And a wonderful young man. And a wonderful young man.
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That I'd worked for very briefly at one stage before, not long before we moved to Wollongong. That I'd worked for very briefly at one stage before, not long before we moved to Wollongong.
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Who I was friends with a young South African man when I told him about this. He said, Ohh Sharon, you know you'll be great at that. Let me help you. And he said I'll give you some money because we had no money. Who I was friends with a young South African man when I told him about this. He said, Ohh Sharon, you know you'll be great at that. Let me help you. And he said I'll give you some money because we had no money.
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And I said, well, I I don't think I can do that, Gavin. But anyhow, I soon found out how to become, you know, tax deductible, A DGR donor gift recipient. And so then I said to him, ohh okay Gavin, you can help me now because you can get a tax deduction for it. And that young man gave us $50,000 over, yeah, $50,000 / 5 years. It meant, you know, he paid our rent, so it meant I could move out of the spare room. And I said, well, I I don't think I can do that, Gavin. But anyhow, I soon found out how to become, you know, tax deductible, A DGR donor gift recipient. And so then I said to him, ohh okay Gavin, you can help me now because you can get a tax deduction for it. And that young man gave us $50,000 over, yeah, $50,000 / 5 years. It meant, you know, he paid our rent, so it meant I could move out of the spare room.
25:46

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And into an office in Piccadilly, the cheapest and ugliest place in Wollongong. And into an office in Piccadilly, the cheapest and ugliest place in Wollongong.
25:53

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But never mind. Yeah, but isn't that amazing? That is amazing. That's amazing. So, you know, like that's an endorsement for me. You know that it was a good thing I was doing. Yes. Or that we were doing. And Gavin. Gavin. Lawless. What a man. Yeah. That is an amazing. Yeah. Generous. Yeah. Things True. Crazy. Yeah, I know. And so how long did you operate from Piccadilly? Ohh. We operated there for from there for a long time. But never mind. Yeah, but isn't that amazing? That is amazing. That's amazing. So, you know, like that's an endorsement for me. You know that it was a good thing I was doing. Yes. Or that we were doing. And Gavin. Gavin. Lawless. What a man. Yeah. That is an amazing. Yeah. Generous. Yeah. Things True. Crazy. Yeah, I know. And so how long did you operate from Piccadilly? Ohh. We operated there for from there for a long time.
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Maybe 10 years. We started downstairs with the original office and and and that landlord was very generous too, like you know he left all the equipment that was in there. Maybe 10 years. We started downstairs with the original office and and and that landlord was very generous too, like you know he left all the equipment that was in there.
26:36

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Computers and cupboards and things and. Computers and cupboards and things and.
26:42

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Yeah. So I'm a woman of faith. And so I'm seeing all this as an, you know, as an endorsement. Yeah. And I'm saying, you know, like, OK, this is pleasing to my God, you know, I I'm, I'm behaving in the manner that's appropriate, you know. And so I took all that as, as, as being that, which is really lovely. So we moved from downstairs to upstairs and then into another one upstairs gradually, you know, and. Yeah. So I'm a woman of faith. And so I'm seeing all this as an, you know, as an endorsement. Yeah. And I'm saying, you know, like, OK, this is pleasing to my God, you know, I I'm, I'm behaving in the manner that's appropriate, you know. And so I took all that as, as, as being that, which is really lovely. So we moved from downstairs to upstairs and then into another one upstairs gradually, you know, and.
27:12

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Then we started to get money from like IMDb. Then we started to get money from like IMDb.
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For project specific things, not for salaries or anything, we couldn't pay salaries. So you know, we're all volunteering in different levels and then gradually had enough money to pay. Administration assistant and I think council gave us a wonderful little grant one time for a project and I think it's in the library. For project specific things, not for salaries or anything, we couldn't pay salaries. So you know, we're all volunteering in different levels and then gradually had enough money to pay. Administration assistant and I think council gave us a wonderful little grant one time for a project and I think it's in the library.
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And it's one of the treasures of the early days. And it's one of the treasures of the early days.
27:50

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And so that's the, that's the publication. Sorry, it's a book, Traditional Tales, a collection of stories from Burma and Africa. Well, and it's so beautifully done by a wonderful compiled by a wonderful girl, Kathy Sewell. And so that's the, that's the publication. Sorry, it's a book, Traditional Tales, a collection of stories from Burma and Africa. Well, and it's so beautifully done by a wonderful compiled by a wonderful girl, Kathy Sewell.
28:07

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And different members of different communities gave us their a traditional story in English and also the translation so that their children could read these stories themselves in their own language and and so amazing. That's really good about. And different members of different communities gave us their a traditional story in English and also the translation so that their children could read these stories themselves in their own language and and so amazing. That's really good about.
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The contributors and so you know that's a bit of a treasure. So council paid for that, which was very nice, that's all. The contributors and so you know that's a bit of a treasure. So council paid for that, which was very nice, that's all.
28:36

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Yeah. And so gradually, you know we got money from from various. Yeah. And so gradually, you know we got money from from various.
28:42

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Charitable groups, you know who have grants each year. Charitable groups, you know who have grants each year.
28:47

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So again, so that's how the money started. But we couldn't have done it. It could never have grown in the way that it did if it hadn't been for Gavin's generosity and moving from my house into an office and for him paying for that for all those years. Yeah, so. So again, so that's how the money started. But we couldn't have done it. It could never have grown in the way that it did if it hadn't been for Gavin's generosity and moving from my house into an office and for him paying for that for all those years. Yeah, so.
29:03

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Yeah, that was wonderful. Yeah. Well, yeah. Yeah, that was wonderful. Yeah. Well, yeah.
29:08

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So I think you spoke a bit about the homework club and what other specific programs. Yeah. So we had run. Yeah. So we had the homework club, which was really, you know, a major contributor to the to the reason that the parents loved us so much. Because we were helping their kids. Yeah. And. And so we used to do that for high school students and in the early times. So I think you spoke a bit about the homework club and what other specific programs. Yeah. So we had run. Yeah. So we had the homework club, which was really, you know, a major contributor to the to the reason that the parents loved us so much. Because we were helping their kids. Yeah. And. And so we used to do that for high school students and in the early times.
29:35

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We used to. We used to.
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Go to the homes to to teach the primary school kits. So this was for high school and primary school kids. The volunteer would go to their home and do their homework with them. Go to the homes to to teach the primary school kits. So this was for high school and primary school kids. The volunteer would go to their home and do their homework with them.
29:49

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Later on they changed that. They said it was too risky when it became when scarf became bigger and had different management but in the day. But and that was another reason why it was so well loved by the families and how come we got to know the families personally, you know. Yes. So they were the two initial things and they were used to have different programs to try and help them develop work skills and. Later on they changed that. They said it was too risky when it became when scarf became bigger and had different management but in the day. But and that was another reason why it was so well loved by the families and how come we got to know the families personally, you know. Yes. So they were the two initial things and they were used to have different programs to try and help them develop work skills and.
30:17

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And the computers in the home and driving lessons, these were essential things for, for the new arrivals, to make them feel like the rest of us, you know? Yeah. I mean, some of these. One of the girls said to me she'd never been in a car until she came. Wow. From the airport. Yeah. That's incredible, isn't it? Yeah. Yeah. So we're our kids, grew up. And the computers in the home and driving lessons, these were essential things for, for the new arrivals, to make them feel like the rest of us, you know? Yeah. I mean, some of these. One of the girls said to me she'd never been in a car until she came. Wow. From the airport. Yeah. That's incredible, isn't it? Yeah. Yeah. So we're our kids, grew up.
30:43

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Watching how you drive, you can imagine when we were teaching people who'd never been on the road, you know, in a vehicle, yes, that would have been very challenging. Yeah. Watching how you drive, you can imagine when we were teaching people who'd never been on the road, you know, in a vehicle, yes, that would have been very challenging. Yeah.
30:54

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So, yeah, but anyway, so, so that kind of they were the programs and we used to do. So, yeah, but anyway, so, so that kind of they were the programs and we used to do.
31:03

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Camps away. Ohh. OK yeah. So we'd take a group of girls. The first one we did locally at the. Camps away. Ohh. OK yeah. So we'd take a group of girls. The first one we did locally at the.
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Well, they call that Leisure Centre Leisure, the leisure park at Fairy Meadow. OHK OK Yeah, yeah. Where the swimming pool is. And yeah, so we got Target Cable Taraji caravan. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, they call that Leisure Centre Leisure, the leisure park at Fairy Meadow. OHK OK Yeah, yeah. Where the swimming pool is. And yeah, so we got Target Cable Taraji caravan. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
31:30

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And that was wonderful because we sort of like. And that was wonderful because we sort of like.
31:34

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The girls had never experienced anything like that, but we gave them opportunities like write things down here that you that you really want quest, you know, want answered. Don't worry, we won't know who wrote it out, you know, and there'll be a panel and people will answer your questions. So that was so freeing for them because the cultures are so different and yeah, they're trying to fit in with their school friends and you know, but at home everything is very different and so. The girls had never experienced anything like that, but we gave them opportunities like write things down here that you that you really want quest, you know, want answered. Don't worry, we won't know who wrote it out, you know, and there'll be a panel and people will answer your questions. So that was so freeing for them because the cultures are so different and yeah, they're trying to fit in with their school friends and you know, but at home everything is very different and so.
32:04

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So yeah, all sorts of interesting questions were put into this bucket and we had a panel of women to try and answer those sometimes very personal questions. That's so valuable. Yeah, that was very empowering for them. Umm. And and other times we've been up to the Blue Mountains and camped there for a weekend. And, you know, during the course of it, we have a lot of fun things. I might be able to put some photos. So yeah, all sorts of interesting questions were put into this bucket and we had a panel of women to try and answer those sometimes very personal questions. That's so valuable. Yeah, that was very empowering for them. Umm. And and other times we've been up to the Blue Mountains and camped there for a weekend. And, you know, during the course of it, we have a lot of fun things. I might be able to put some photos.
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Of 1 camp where we just gave them newspapers and said you know, like design a wedding gown. Ohh beautiful. Of 1 camp where we just gave them newspapers and said you know, like design a wedding gown. Ohh beautiful.
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And it was just amazing what they got. They like out of newspaper pleating it and you know, ohh wonderful, but you know, so much fun involved with that. And of course we give them opportunity to express themselves through their music and singing, which, you know, they're not at all inhibited and yeah, so lovely things like that and the boys also on camps, but you know, I wasn't there for those. And it was just amazing what they got. They like out of newspaper pleating it and you know, ohh wonderful, but you know, so much fun involved with that. And of course we give them opportunity to express themselves through their music and singing, which, you know, they're not at all inhibited and yeah, so lovely things like that and the boys also on camps, but you know, I wasn't there for those.
33:12

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I didn't say so much what they were doing, but they would be adventure camps, you know, like going out and hiking and camping out overnight and things like that. Yeah, just experience And of course, you know, I love theatre. So I took them a number of times either to local theatre here or up to Sydney to see a play or something, you know, like, I mean, I loved that. Yeah, myself as a a young person and and as an adult. And it was great to give them a chance to see that and for them to see all the different. I didn't say so much what they were doing, but they would be adventure camps, you know, like going out and hiking and camping out overnight and things like that. Yeah, just experience And of course, you know, I love theatre. So I took them a number of times either to local theatre here or up to Sydney to see a play or something, you know, like, I mean, I loved that. Yeah, myself as a a young person and and as an adult. And it was great to give them a chance to see that and for them to see all the different.
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Things all all the things that you can be, you know you can be a set designer or you can be addressed designer you can and and some of them have gone on and and done things in that area. Ohh, so that's amazing. Yeah, just you know the the opportunities were endless really. Things all all the things that you can be, you know you can be a set designer or you can be addressed designer you can and and some of them have gone on and and done things in that area. Ohh, so that's amazing. Yeah, just you know the the opportunities were endless really.
34:05

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And. And.
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Yeah, some things were formal and some things were less formal. First picnic we had down in Stuart Park, they'd never seen an adult, like, go into the water with kids. You know, like. Yeah, some things were formal and some things were less formal. First picnic we had down in Stuart Park, they'd never seen an adult, like, go into the water with kids. You know, like.
34:19

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They were. They were.
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Families, you know, adults and kids and those two didn't do things like that together, you know, But when they saw us going into the lagoon with the children, you know, ohh, that was amazing. And and and and at that picnic, you know, I just sent a note how to say like we'll share food, everybody bring food. So you know, the community brought food and the host community brought food and we just had all this food around just and there's nothing better than getting to know somebody over a meal. Families, you know, adults and kids and those two didn't do things like that together, you know, But when they saw us going into the lagoon with the children, you know, ohh, that was amazing. And and and and at that picnic, you know, I just sent a note how to say like we'll share food, everybody bring food. So you know, the community brought food and the host community brought food and we just had all this food around just and there's nothing better than getting to know somebody over a meal.
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Ohh, exactly. So just just lovely, lovely, lovely, lovely experiences for them and for us. And yeah, we're so grateful to have been able to do that. That's so beautiful. Ohh, exactly. So just just lovely, lovely, lovely, lovely experiences for them and for us. And yeah, we're so grateful to have been able to do that. That's so beautiful.
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So I believe you received an Order of Australia Medal and could you share with us what led to this and your experience receiving the medal? So I believe you received an Order of Australia Medal and could you share with us what led to this and your experience receiving the medal?
35:19

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Well, you know, that was such a surprise. Of course, some lovely people put that together. Well, you know, that was such a surprise. Of course, some lovely people put that together.
35:30

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When we were when we were retiring. When we were when we were retiring.
35:35

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It was amazing. Unfortunately my mum passed the year before. That would have been the highlight of her life. Ohh, because she was such a, yes, you know, dedicated Australian, you know, got a lovely video of her singing Advance Australia Fair the year before she passed, you know, where their grandchildren, yeah and things. And for for her daughter to have received that recognition would have been just so lovely for her. But anyhow. It was amazing. Unfortunately my mum passed the year before. That would have been the highlight of her life. Ohh, because she was such a, yes, you know, dedicated Australian, you know, got a lovely video of her singing Advance Australia Fair the year before she passed, you know, where their grandchildren, yeah and things. And for for her daughter to have received that recognition would have been just so lovely for her. But anyhow.
36:05

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It was a surprise. It's extremely humbling and. It was a surprise. It's extremely humbling and.
36:12

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It was a wonderful experience to to go to the ceremony and you know, have all these nice things read out about you. It was a wonderful experience to to go to the ceremony and you know, have all these nice things read out about you.
36:22

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Yeah. Yeah.
36:25

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And so that's, that was obviously from from, yeah, Scarf and all the work. Yes. All that was work that you had done voluntarily. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. And and I know now, you know, like I mean it was a remarkable thing to be able to do, to volunteer. And I mean it was 24/7. Yeah, it was totally consumed my life and subsequently my husband's life and and he didn't get an OEM, but you know. And so that's, that was obviously from from, yeah, Scarf and all the work. Yes. All that was work that you had done voluntarily. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. And and I know now, you know, like I mean it was a remarkable thing to be able to do, to volunteer. And I mean it was 24/7. Yeah, it was totally consumed my life and subsequently my husband's life and and he didn't get an OEM, but you know.
36:54

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He deserved it and and it was a very lovely thing too. He deserved it and and it was a very lovely thing too.
36:60

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To be recognised in that way by our coworkers, I guess, and and by the community, because other people must have. To be recognised in that way by our coworkers, I guess, and and by the community, because other people must have.
37:09

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Endorsed the recommendation, Yeah. And then following that, I was also honoured to be. I was granted like a fellowship of the University of Wollongong. Ohh. So I'm a fellow of the University of Wollongong now that it's just amazing because when I went to university as a young girl, I didn't complete my degree, even though I was very capable of doing that. But other things got in the way of my life and. Endorsed the recommendation, Yeah. And then following that, I was also honoured to be. I was granted like a fellowship of the University of Wollongong. Ohh. So I'm a fellow of the University of Wollongong now that it's just amazing because when I went to university as a young girl, I didn't complete my degree, even though I was very capable of doing that. But other things got in the way of my life and.
37:39

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So then at that age to be granted that and to have the opportunity to wear the robes and yeah, there were, I mean it's it was just a lovely it was a lovely thing to be recognised by the university and that is that is really great that way. Yeah. So it's very humbling to to think, you know that you were just a girl doing something you loved and that's what you got. That was the reward or part of the reward. The main reward was the lovely friendships but the. So then at that age to be granted that and to have the opportunity to wear the robes and yeah, there were, I mean it's it was just a lovely it was a lovely thing to be recognised by the university and that is that is really great that way. Yeah. So it's very humbling to to think, you know that you were just a girl doing something you loved and that's what you got. That was the reward or part of the reward. The main reward was the lovely friendships but the.
38:08

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Refugee community, yeah, And yeah, so. But Bongbong can be very proud of, of its contribution to the life of these. Refugee community, yeah, And yeah, so. But Bongbong can be very proud of, of its contribution to the life of these.
38:20

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Wonderful people. And now these wonderful people are making a contribution to the life of Wollongong. And, you know, they're buying houses, They're having careers. They're, yeah, they're very much part of it. And they know how lucky they are to be here. And they're very grateful. Yeah, that's wonderful. Wonderful people. And now these wonderful people are making a contribution to the life of Wollongong. And, you know, they're buying houses, They're having careers. They're, yeah, they're very much part of it. And they know how lucky they are to be here. And they're very grateful. Yeah, that's wonderful.
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Is there anything else that you would like to add? Well, yes, Samantha, thank you because I haven't mentioned the fabulous Green Connect and it's a lovely story attached to that. Is there anything else that you would like to add? Well, yes, Samantha, thank you because I haven't mentioned the fabulous Green Connect and it's a lovely story attached to that.
38:54

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And it all began with Robin Murphy from Bluescope. Steel was very interested in supporting Scarf and amongst the other community events that she supports was the Illawarra Folk Festival and she was the Waste Management. And it all began with Robin Murphy from Bluescope. Steel was very interested in supporting Scarf and amongst the other community events that she supports was the Illawarra Folk Festival and she was the Waste Management.
39:14

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Director if you like for for the festival and she came up with the idea that we could train up community members to learn to sort. Director if you like for for the festival and she came up with the idea that we could train up community members to learn to sort.
39:25

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The waste that was generated at the festival and and in turn the festival would make a donation to scarf. So we said it sounded good we'll try it And the community responded so quickly to that and we had more than 50 volunteers at the first Illawarra Folk Festival and so these people were trained up over a couple of sessions. The waste that was generated at the festival and and in turn the festival would make a donation to scarf. So we said it sounded good we'll try it And the community responded so quickly to that and we had more than 50 volunteers at the first Illawarra Folk Festival and so these people were trained up over a couple of sessions.
39:56

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By Robin and and some of her team and and. By Robin and and some of her team and and.
40:03

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We came up with the name Green Connect and they were decked out in their T-shirts and and they worked at the festival all weekend and we scarf paid them. We used the. We came up with the name Green Connect and they were decked out in their T-shirts and and they worked at the festival all weekend and we scarf paid them. We used the.
40:20

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Donation that was coming from the Folk Festival and we supplemented it to make it a reasonable hourly rate. And we explained to the community that they were donating part of their time because we couldn't pay them the actual award rate. Yes, So we had some money from the festival or we knew we were going to get money from the festival and we were going to contribute and they contributed. So all of us together worked and that was so successful and. Donation that was coming from the Folk Festival and we supplemented it to make it a reasonable hourly rate. And we explained to the community that they were donating part of their time because we couldn't pay them the actual award rate. Yes, So we had some money from the festival or we knew we were going to get money from the festival and we were going to contribute and they contributed. So all of us together worked and that was so successful and.
40:51

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And generated a lot of interest from the. And generated a lot of interest from the.
40:54

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People who were coming to the festival as well, you know to see this community working so hard and contributing and from there that developed and the the team, the Green Connect team, they then worked at many council. People who were coming to the festival as well, you know to see this community working so hard and contributing and from there that developed and the the team, the Green Connect team, they then worked at many council.
41:12

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Events on Australia Day and and other events in Lane Park and. Events on Australia Day and and other events in Lane Park and.
41:20

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Yeah, and so that. Yeah, and so that.
41:23

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Generated for those fifty people, that was the first money they earned in Australia and some of them even earned enough to have to get superannuation paid on their salary. So that's excellent. Like it was just extraordinary and they were so keen and we did that for a couple of years and then we we had some government funding towards that as well. And then when the money was run, our money was getting low, there was another. Generated for those fifty people, that was the first money they earned in Australia and some of them even earned enough to have to get superannuation paid on their salary. So that's excellent. Like it was just extraordinary and they were so keen and we did that for a couple of years and then we we had some government funding towards that as well. And then when the money was run, our money was getting low, there was another.
41:54

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Excellent project, the Port Kembla Community project and. Excellent project, the Port Kembla Community project and.
42:01

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They were very much into social enterprise and they asked us, they thought that they could do something with Green Connect. So we handed Green Connect the name and the money we had left and we gave it to the Port Kembla community project for them to develop. And they already had a bit of a community garden going. And in meantime we had already established some Burmese community members at the Dapto Community Garden which I think I mentioned earlier and. They were very much into social enterprise and they asked us, they thought that they could do something with Green Connect. So we handed Green Connect the name and the money we had left and we gave it to the Port Kembla community project for them to develop. And they already had a bit of a community garden going. And in meantime we had already established some Burmese community members at the Dapto Community Garden which I think I mentioned earlier and.
42:31

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So they. So they.
42:34

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Just. Just.
42:35

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Expanded and they made opportunities for Green Connect to move out of the Illawarra and to go to Sydney to to do waste management at events and things. And so that that just grew into such a a remarkable social enterprise. They expanded it then to other kinds of recycling and then also to opshop and they still have an op shop now in Unanderra ohh wow and they have a marvellous community garden. Expanded and they made opportunities for Green Connect to move out of the Illawarra and to go to Sydney to to do waste management at events and things. And so that that just grew into such a a remarkable social enterprise. They expanded it then to other kinds of recycling and then also to opshop and they still have an op shop now in Unanderra ohh wow and they have a marvellous community garden.
43:06

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That Laura Wong and and our friends are still also working their plots at the Dapto community garden. Excellent. So you know, that just came from nothing, just the enthusiasm of Robin to think, you know, Ohh, look, I already managed that waste and I could do with, you know, more helpers and the way to get them. You know, I could use your people and and that was how that came about. That's an extraordinary story and that is amazing. That Laura Wong and and our friends are still also working their plots at the Dapto community garden. Excellent. So you know, that just came from nothing, just the enthusiasm of Robin to think, you know, Ohh, look, I already managed that waste and I could do with, you know, more helpers and the way to get them. You know, I could use your people and and that was how that came about. That's an extraordinary story and that is amazing.
43:36

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A great legacy you know from from those days. So that was one on the and the main social enterprise and we did try some other social enterprise which lasted for the term of the funding that we had or whatever. And one of them was the tastes of the world dinner in the town hall here in Wollongong. Ohh OK and. A great legacy you know from from those days. So that was one on the and the main social enterprise and we did try some other social enterprise which lasted for the term of the funding that we had or whatever. And one of them was the tastes of the world dinner in the town hall here in Wollongong. Ohh OK and.
43:58

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Various cultures were willing to get on board and do this and we sold tickets and the public you know was so responsive and we had 100 people come for dinner and and it was all cooked by the community and we had the wonderful Caitlin Drabble managing this particular social enterprise and. Various cultures were willing to get on board and do this and we sold tickets and the public you know was so responsive and we had 100 people come for dinner and and it was all cooked by the community and we had the wonderful Caitlin Drabble managing this particular social enterprise and.
44:22

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Yeah. And so on the evening we had like 3 course meal and all delivered by people in their traditional costumes and Wow. And then we also had entertainment up on this stage for between between courses and people talking about do you provide the entertainment like in the community, community provide entertainment, you provided the entertainment that's so good. Yeah. So that was an extraordinary. Yeah. And so on the evening we had like 3 course meal and all delivered by people in their traditional costumes and Wow. And then we also had entertainment up on this stage for between between courses and people talking about do you provide the entertainment like in the community, community provide entertainment, you provided the entertainment that's so good. Yeah. So that was an extraordinary.
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Evening and and one that those who attended probably will never forget because it was quite unique. So there's some of the things you know that have happened, but. Evening and and one that those who attended probably will never forget because it was quite unique. So there's some of the things you know that have happened, but.
45:04

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Yes, Scarf has contributed in a in a big way to Wollongong. We call it a community asset and we say that sort of proudly, but with humility because we know that it's the community that's made that happen, both communities, the host community and the new arrivals. And it's been a wonderful melding. And yeah, we're very grateful to have been part of it. Yeah, that's wonderful. So. Yes, Scarf has contributed in a in a big way to Wollongong. We call it a community asset and we say that sort of proudly, but with humility because we know that it's the community that's made that happen, both communities, the host community and the new arrivals. And it's been a wonderful melding. And yeah, we're very grateful to have been part of it. Yeah, that's wonderful. So.
45:35

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What's happening with scarf at the moment? So you retired in what year, 2015? Yes, 2016. What's happening with scarf at the moment? So you retired in what year, 2015? Yes, 2016.
45:45

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Yeah, and so Scarf has gone on this. Yeah, and so Scarf has gone on this.
45:49

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Some people are still involved in scarf who were there way back. Maybe you know have been with scarf at 10 or 15 years. I mean it's 20 years since we first made frequent friends with the Francos and started helping them and it took a few years before established scarf in 2005. Yeah. So and the and the programs continue and they do a lot of work with youth which is so important and. Some people are still involved in scarf who were there way back. Maybe you know have been with scarf at 10 or 15 years. I mean it's 20 years since we first made frequent friends with the Francos and started helping them and it took a few years before established scarf in 2005. Yeah. So and the and the programs continue and they do a lot of work with youth which is so important and.
46:21

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A couple of years ago, Scarf went under the banner of MCC I, who are so well established, have been, I think 50 years or more. A couple of years ago, Scarf went under the banner of MCC I, who are so well established, have been, I think 50 years or more.
46:32

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In Wollongong and and so they had all the structures in place that they could take on scarf programs and some of the scarf personnel and and you know there's always new cohort of refugees arriving. So there's a need, continuing need and so they're doing, you know they they're doing a great job MCI and they're very respectful to us and they're also very. In Wollongong and and so they had all the structures in place that they could take on scarf programs and some of the scarf personnel and and you know there's always new cohort of refugees arriving. So there's a need, continuing need and so they're doing, you know they they're doing a great job MCI and they're very respectful to us and they're also very.
47:04

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Keen to maintain the vision that Scarf had and the ethos of of scarf and so that's really lovely. This year they've decided that it's confusing to have scarf refugee support beside MCO multicultural communities, and so they're no longer. Keen to maintain the vision that Scarf had and the ethos of of scarf and so that's really lovely. This year they've decided that it's confusing to have scarf refugee support beside MCO multicultural communities, and so they're no longer.
47:28

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Including scarf in their. Including scarf in their.
47:32

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In their promotional material and we're not seeing it, but I mean they've got a lovely piece on their website honouring scarf and and all that it has stood for in the community. And as I say, they're continuing the programs with the same ethos as we had and they'll do a wonderful, they'll do a wonderful work continuing to support the refugees but it just won't have, you won't see that lovely scarf logo out and about anymore than. In their promotional material and we're not seeing it, but I mean they've got a lovely piece on their website honouring scarf and and all that it has stood for in the community. And as I say, they're continuing the programs with the same ethos as we had and they'll do a wonderful, they'll do a wonderful work continuing to support the refugees but it just won't have, you won't see that lovely scarf logo out and about anymore than.
48:02

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That's that's wonderful that you've pioneered this. That's that's wonderful that you've pioneered this.
48:07

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Yeah, You know, these programs and things to help. Yeah. The people in the community that really need it. Umm, And that that would have been otherwise alone. Yeah. Yeah. That's really amazing. Yeah. Yeah. So thank you so much for sharing about your experience with Scarf and how you've helped the community. And is there anything else that you would like to share? Yeah, You know, these programs and things to help. Yeah. The people in the community that really need it. Umm, And that that would have been otherwise alone. Yeah. Yeah. That's really amazing. Yeah. Yeah. So thank you so much for sharing about your experience with Scarf and how you've helped the community. And is there anything else that you would like to share?
48:35

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I'll add, no, I think I've said enough. But yeah, I would just like to say thank you to all the people, all the wonderful people who have contributed to Scarf. You know, one girl has a vision, but it just remains that unless somebody else comes and. Yeah, and enters into it with you. So that vision, those people made it possible for that vision to become a reality. So one girl's dreams were realised. Yeah. Amazing. Thank you. I'll add, no, I think I've said enough. But yeah, I would just like to say thank you to all the people, all the wonderful people who have contributed to Scarf. You know, one girl has a vision, but it just remains that unless somebody else comes and. Yeah, and enters into it with you. So that vision, those people made it possible for that vision to become a reality. So one girl's dreams were realised. Yeah. Amazing. Thank you.
49:05

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Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.