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Welcoming those who’ve come across the seas

Brad Chilcott on how Welcome to Australia seeks to cultivate a culture of welcome towards refugees.

Brad Chilcott is the founder of a movement called ‘Welcome to Australia’ designed to give everyday Australians an opportunity to personally and practically engage in the task of cultivating a culture of welcome in their local communities and nation. ‘Welcome to Australia’ swiftly grew into a national organisation with branches in 6 cities, more than 50 high-profile ambassadors, a significant media presence and countless volunteers at work offering asylum seekers, refugees and other new Australians a warm, positive and dignified welcome.

In 2012, Brad was appointed as a People of Australia Ambassador by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and was a state finalist in the Local Hero category of the Australian of the Year Awards.