Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has sent his deepest sympathies to Afghan people in Australia and overseas as Afghanistan faces a growing humanitarian crisis.
Mayor Bleasdale will write to the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Home Affairs on behalf of Blacktown City Council urging the Federal Government to urgently bring all Afghans who helped Australian forces to Australia.
"We have all watched in horror and fear for those left behind as the events of the last few weeks have unfolded in Afghanistan and in particular the capital, Kabul," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"I especially reach out to those members of our Afghan community, here in Blacktown City, who have family and friends in Afghanistan.
"I urge everyone to throw their support behind our local Afghan groups in their quest for help for Afghanistan's women and girls, for the overwhelming humanitarian crisis and for those who risked their lives to help our armed forces."
Afghan refugee and prominent activist Maryam Zahid from Afghan Women on the Move was invited to address Council about the tragic situation at this month's ordinary meeting.
"It is very unfortunate what has happened in Afghanistan and the impact of it around the world," Ms Zahid said.
"I hope the Australian Government and our friends help Afghanistan and reach out to those who need help.
"International aid, international help and international connection is important. Help must go to Afghanistan, so please don't give up on the poor and displaced people."
Mayor Bleasdale also called on the Federal Government to clear the way for Afghan people who have family in Australia to be able to settle in Blacktown City.
"We have a wonderful Afghan community in Blacktown City. We intend to give all Afghan refugees that come to our City a warm welcome and lots of support."
Picture: Afghan activist and director of Afghan Women on the Move Maryam Zahid addresses Blacktown City Council about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
