Be a part of...
Daybreak in Detention
Imagine people filling halls across the country, going into detention to make a stand for compassion!
That is the dream of Daybreak in Detention initiators Irene Opper and Jeremy Picknell. We are organising a voluntary simulated detention to raise funds for asylum seekers, they said. Those who choose to participate will give away one day of their lives as a way of showing compassion to those who have lost hundreds, in some cases thousands, of days of their lives because of our mandatory detention laws. We expect hundreds of people in Melbourne to take up this opportunity we are sure that we are not alone in our feeling that it is time to make a stand. We are organising the Melbourne detention but hope individuals like us or established groups will organise detentions Australia wide (kit provided). We expect thousands eventually to take part, weve had interest from 4 states already.
Whats involved?
Prior to the detention, participants ask people to sponsor them for time spent in detention. Then they go into the arranged simulated detention for up to 24 hours. After the detention participants donate the money directly to the organisation working with asylum seekers / refugees that they have chosen to support. Daybreak in Detention is a peaceful fundraiser, not a protest, so families and the elderly are encouraged to participate they said. Organizations that work directly with asylum seekers can make Daybreak in Detention their own fundraiser by organising a group to participate.
The money raised is donated directly to one or more organizations that give direct support to both asylum seekers in detention and those recently/temporarily released (those organising the detentions may have their preferences or we can suggest some).
Background and current situation
Daybreak in Detention was initiated by a Melbourne family who became increasingly concerned about the suffering of families and individuals seeking asylum and have decided to take action. There is now a team of people working on the Melbourne detention (5th & 6th of October 2002) and we expect to have hundreds of participants. While we are seeking the involvement of many organizations, we are not representing any of them. So far, we have had interest from 4 other States.
What can I do? Organize your own detention locally
Consider organizing a simulated detention, on the same weekend or later. A resource kit is available. You may want to email us to see if there is a detention being organised in your area. The greater the number of detentions held nationally, the stronger the message the media will deliver to mainstream Australians and to our politicians.
Contact Jeremy and Irene today at or on 03 97541531 (9 to 9).
Resources:
InvitationToOrganiseADetention.doc
WhatToExpectAndBring.doc
SponsorshipForm.doc
PosterDaybreakInDetention.doc
Please help turn this into a tidal wave of compassion that sweeps through Australia!
Join The Melbourne Detention
North Melbourne Community Centre 49-53 Buncle St North Melbourne
11am Sat 5th October to 11am Sun 6th October 2002
Flyer: TheMelbourneDetention.doc
Registration: DayBreakRegistrationForm.doc
For more information or to register: or 03 97541531 (9 to 9).
