Janice spurred on by self-imposed prison
A weekend locked inside a confined space alongside 100 fellow
activists has strengthened a Wonthaggi woman's resolve to aid the plight of
asylum-seekers.
"And I'd do It again." Janice Trenair pledged, after barricading herself In
the North Melbourne Community Centre for most of Saturday and Sunday, in
protest against the detention of asylum-seekers.
She entered her self imposed prison at 3pm on Saturday, and was allowed out
at 11 am Sunday, "Although I was getting a little bit edgy by Sunday," Ms
Trenair confessed.
She and other Daybreak In Detention participants were fed chickpea curry and
biscuits for the duration of their stay, and were visited by Individuals who
had spent time locked In the Maribyrnong detention facility.
Ms Trenair described her fellow detainees as diverse, but 'like-minded' . .
. ages ranged from a 75-year-old grandmother from Wodonga, to a
three-year-old child.
"We had first-hand accounts of what it's like in detention from refugees."
Ms Trenair said.
They told the group they were In fear of their lives' and had come from
"unpleasant, uncomfortable situations . . . they're desperate." Ms Trenair
said.
"Detainees can be billed S147 per day for being In detention," she claimed.
"One person that spoke to us had been given a $150.000 bill, for
accommodation he didn't want to be in and that was compulsory, and for food
that's not I part of their culture." Ms I Trenair alleged.
Sleeping quarters were I divided into sections, Ms Trenair said. allowing
participants to choose their level of simulation.
A room was set aside for those who wanted torches shone In their faces'
throughout the night, but Ms Trenair chose to stay In the main area.
Campaign
Ms Trenair has vowed to step up her campaign against government policies
advocating detention, and urged the local community to Join her effort.
"They (asylum seekers) love getting letters from people, and local Anglican
churches have addresses people can write to . . . it's just something small
people can do."
Ms Trenair has also placed a food basket at Wonthaggi's Mitchell House, at
the foot of McBride avenue, and asks that locals contribute non-perishable
food items.
She added she would then pass them on to refugee advocate David Spitier, who
runs the Dandenong asylum centre voluntarily.
Newspaper article by By Shannon McRae from The 15 October 2002 edition of the Sentinal Times of Korumburra and Wonthaggi , Page 2 Article and picture used with permission of the newspaper.. |
Picture from page1
Janice Trenair, fresh from a weekend of voluntary detention, eyes off her ideological opponent on the asylum seeker issue, Prime Minister John Howard. For the full story see page 2
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My own comment : Janice has inspired me to be impactful in my community. By her participation in activities, me and other people can see ways to improve the way refugees are treated in Australia.
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