When a fire in Bundaberg recently destroyed a backpackers’ hostel and pub, members of Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) were quick to respond by visiting the migrant workers in this Queensland regional town to offer support.
Among the guests at the hostel were a number of migrant workers on temporary visas who are most vulnerable to trafficking especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The challenge of reaching out to these and other exploited workers is one for all communities and parishes where migrant workers are employed in local industries.
The following link includes an account of the response by members of ACRATH to migrant workers effected in Bundaberg and by other church communities in Tasmania and Warrnambool.
