IT WAS standing-room only at Well Thumbed Books in Cobargo on Saturday, June 20 for the launch of the novel “Asylum” by Quaama author Isobel Blackthorn.
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Ms Blackthorn is also an active campaigner for Bega Valley Rural Australians for Refugees (BVRAR).
Heather O'Connor of Fairhaven opened with a short speech about founder of the Four Winds Festival Neilma Gantner who died the previous week.
Ms Gantner had always donated generously to social justice causes and the arts, but had also worked tirelessly throughout her life to further these causes.
Dr O'Connor reminded the audience that people's time and effort in supporting and pursuing social justice issues are just as important as financial donations.
Rosemary Beaumont of Cobargo spoke of the barbarous treatment of asylum seekers entering Australian waters and encouraged the audience to take part in the BVRAR letter-writing campaign at Well Thumbed Books.
People are encouraged to write to a politician to express concerns over asylum seeker treatment, or to write to an asylum seeker in detention.
Asylum is a word with many meanings, Dr Beaumont said, including an institution for unwanted people.
Author of the day, British-born Ms Blackthorn then discussed her own experiences trying to gain permanent residency in Australia, and explained the process that led to her writing “Asylum”.
The novel is about Yvette Grimm, a young British woman seeking both asylum from an abusive relationship and residency in Australia.
Ms Blackthorn contributed 10 per cent of book sales on the day to BVRAR.
The event was held as a fundraiser, raising $250 for BVRAR.
BVRAR supports a compassionate approach towards people who seek asylum within the safety of our borders.
Enquiries about BVRAR can be made to Hallie Fernandez on 0409 927 322 or begavalleyrar@gmail.com.
You can buy “Asylum” at Well Thumbed Books, Cobargo Post Office or online at Amazon.
