About Us

The Montmorency Asylum Seekers Support Group (MASSG) is passionately committed to supporting and advocating for people seeking asylum. We are community members, mostly from Banyule and Nillumbik council areas. MASSG is an independent, community-based volunteer organisation.

MASSG Values

Common humanity:

We are all one people, part of a local and a global community.

Social justice:

A fair and compassionate society provides rights and opportunities for all people.

Voluntary action:

Through enabling volunteers to give their time generously to help others, much can be achieved.

We Believe

MASSG believes we should act in accordance with the words of our national anthem, Advance Australia Fair. 

“For those who've come across the seas, 

We've boundless plains to share; 

With courage let us all combine, 

To Advance Australia Fair.”

Our Story

In 2001 the Tampa tragedy hit the headlines, and the Australian population learned about the plight of asylum seekers attempting to enter our country by boat. One morning in 2003 a small group of friends met for coffee and soon began discussing the latest news about asylum seekers. These kindly women were horrified that people could come here and go hungry in a land of plenty. They decided to meet monthly and collect non-perishable food which would be given to the Asylum Seekers’ Resource Centre. And so the Montmorency Asylum Seekers’ Support Group was born.

Since 2001, Australia has built a reputation for cruel and selfish rejection of those in need, as well as the shameful defying of international condemnation. Thus, nearly two decades on, the need for action by MASSG is greater than ever. Unwavering community support for MASSG’s work of fund raising and increasing awareness, has strengthened MASSG determination to oppose callous and de-humanising government policies and treatment of people seeking asylum. As a result, MASSG has steadily increased its supporter base and extending its reach far beyond the suburb of Montmorency. 

In 2021, MASSG has 210 members.

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