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Fairfield LAC welcome the newest arrivals with a hot brew and a warm smile
By Tricia Hamilton, Fairfield Advance
Original article HERE
Refugees from Iraq, Syria and other war-torn countries came along for the Coffee With A Cop event that creates a casual environment in which to meet with police officers and break down the barriers between cultures.
Detective Superintendent Lennon said the initiative was a simple yet effective way to help some of the community’s most vulnerable.
“It is an informal, no urgency, relaxed, chance to just say hello and talk,” he said. “We want people to see ‘we are you’.”
For sisters Marleen and Lenda Yona, who arrived in Australia from Iraq only two months ago, the Coffee With A Cop was a chance to see police differently.
“I like the police in Australia, they are all very nice,” Ms Marleen Yona said.
“It was one of the first things we noticed about all the people in Australia — they’re all very happy and very friendly.”
The sisters are enrolled to learn English and hope to work in areas where they can give back to other refugees.
Det Sup Lennon hinted that there is an exciting future ahead for the event as it’s popularity continues to grow.
For details of where next month’s Coffee With A Cop is, keep an eye out on Fairfield LAC’s Facebook page.
