Immigration Detainees Enjoy Season's Festivites
Media Release - DPS 99/2002
Detainees from the Port Hedland Immigration Reception and Processing Centre (IRPC) and Baxter Immigration Detention Facility (IDF) and women and children from the Woomera Residential Housing Program have enjoyed 'Carols by Candlelight' in their respective townships.
Twenty-five detainees from Port Hedland and forty-two from Baxter attended local carols. Thirteen women and children from the Residential Housing Program at Woomera also attended carols.
The festive season has also provided an opportunity for the children in Woomera IRPC to attend a camp.
A small group of children stayed overnight at a local school, enjoying games and watching videos.
Some women from Woomera have been on a recent shopping excursion to a local mall and many will attend the pool with their children during the hotter summer months.
On Christmas Day Christian Woomera detainees are also looking forward to a special mass.
There will also be a children's Christmas party on 20 December and a Christmas dinner.
Festivities planned for Port Hedland detainees include special church services, a barbecue lunch on Christmas Day and gifts, lollies and balloons, purchased by ACM officers, for all the children.
This week, detainees from Baxter IDF have been touring Port Augusta in buses, viewing Christmas lights and recently they attended the Port Augusta Christmas Pageant, mingled with locals, enjoyed show rides and festive foods.
Baxter will also host a Christmas dinner and Christian services on 25 December.
On Christmas Day detainees at Perth Immigration Detention Centre (IDC), will enjoy a Christmas feast of turkey, ham, prawns and squid.
Special church services will be available during the festive season for Christians at the centre.
In addition the centre will extend its visiting hours on Christmas and Boxing Day.
Just before Christmas detainees at Maribyrnong IDC will enjoy a visit from a local group which has organised special food and gifts.
Detainees will also enjoy a feast on Christmas Day while they celebrate around a Christmas tree set-up in the dining room.
At Villawood IDC this week, families enjoyed a Christmas party which Church groups attended to hand out presents to detainees.
There was a jumping castle, a barbecue and a mobile animal farm for the children. The single men enjoyed karaoke and snacks in their area.
Ramadan was recently celebrated in detention centres across Australia with special events and food provided for all Muslim detainees.
Many Muslims will also take part in upcoming festive season activities. Though attendance at Christmas celebrations is voluntary, all religions and cultures are welcome to attend.
20 December 2002
Media inquiries: Public Affairs (02) 6264 2244