Refugees and asylum seekers

As a result of a generous bequest, QSA has been able to expand its financial support of communities in need to include refugees both here in Australia and overseas.

Internationally QSA is collaborating with the Refugee Council of Australia, which is the peak body for refugees, asylum seekers and their supporters in Australia. image003.jpgBetween QSA’s usual field of work in development, and that of humanitarian relief, lies an often-overlooked ‘grey area’: according to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), a protracted refugee situation is, “one in which refugees find themselves in a long-lasting and intractable state of limbo. Their lives may not be at risk, but their basic rights and essential economic, social and psychological needs remain unfulfilled after years in exile…” (EC/54/SC/CRP.14). On the one hand, the situation in their country of origin is unsafe for them to return; on the other, their host country is incapable or unwilling to support them, even with access to education, healthcare or employment.

What follows is a summary of these most recently commenced projects – go here.

Donations to support the work of QSA

If you would like to make a donation to continue the work being done by QSA, this can be done by sending a cheque made out to Quaker Service Australia to our office at:

Unit 14, 43-53 Bridge Road,
Stanmore 2048

or direct credit to our CUA account in the name of

Quaker Service Australia
BSB 814 282
Account number 50585902.

Please include your name in the reference section of the direct credit and send an email to donations@qsa.org.au to advise us that the donation has been sent. All of our donations are now tax deductible.

Thank you everyone, you will be contributing to the enhanced wellbeing and opportunities within the communities in Australia, Cambodia, India and Uganda where QSA is working.

Imagining Peace

Imagining Peace:
Reflections of a Peacenik

Sometimes playful but always passionate, Imagining Peace offers a glimpse into the private world of a quirky systems reformer. The great-granddaughter of a social activist, Dawn Joyce invites us along as she challenges peace and justice issues at the personal, community and global level. We are introduced to a network of reformers who offer creative alternatives to a world in crisis.

Dawn has worked as an environmentalist and as a teacher of students with emotional and relationship difficulties. Through working ‘smarter, not harder’, she finds nourishment and satisfaction in a simple and abundant life.

Dawn is a freelance writer and editor. This is her first book.

More info …

 

Churches Agensies NetworkQSA is proud to be a member of the Church Agencies Network (CAN) which provides another opportunity for close collaboration at many levels, including advocacy, staff training and mentoring. CAN comprises Australian church-based aid and development agencies who are members of ACFID and the National Council of Churches in Australia. Currently the members are Act for Peace; the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA); Anglican Board of Mission – Australia Ltd; Anglican Overseas Aid; Australian Lutheran World Service; Caritas Australia; Global Mission Partners; Quaker Service Australia; Salvation Army; Transform Aid, formerly Australian Baptist World Aid; and Uniting World.

www.churchagenciesnetwork.org.au

You can find CAN info pack here.

How is QSA accountable to its donors?

QSA keeps regular contact with its donors and those with an interest in its work via the QSA Newsletters, and the QSA Notes which reach a broader readership, talks to Quaker Meetings and community groups.

This website is another way, and the Annual Report gives details of the projects and their achievements in the past year, about the Management Committee, and a copy of the full audited accounts.

QSA is a member of the Australian Council for International development or ACFID, and each year completes an extensive assessment of its compliance to the ACFID Code of Conduct with which QSA has been happy to be associated since its inception.

The major single donor to support QSA's work is the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In order to receive funding from DFAT, and its predecessor AusAID, it is necessary to complete a rigorous process of accreditation.

It is with great pleasure that QSA announces it has recently undertaken this process and been informed that its accreditation as a full level accredited agency has been confirmed as at June 23rd 2015, until June 2020.