Why Actors?

First and foremost, as Australian citizens we all have a right to have our say about systems operating in our country "in our name". While Australia's treatment of asylum seekers has international ramifications, it is our local communities, our cultural future and moral fabric which will suffer most from our government's policies. As actors, we can give faces and voices to the unseen and unheard who need our compassion. We are given the privilege of portraying people of all kinds, with different histories, politics, cultures; we represent Australia to Australians. This requires an openness and a willingness to try to understand why people do what they do. We can tell stories that will reignite compassion and understanding in others.

As communicators, we understand the potency of language and the powerful and damaging role it has played in shaping existing popular opinion. We can redress discriminatory representations of refugees with more accurate information, but also with personal stories that appeal to the best in Australians, rather than inflame easily stirred fears. While we combat the demonising of asylum seekers in detention we can also hope that, on their release, misunderstanding and suspicion will not follow them into the community.

As public figures, we have a potentially larger and more diverse audience than other lobby groups. While we can offer our faces and names to assist the campaigns of others it is equally important that, in a climate where public suspicion surrounds "personalities" using the media to support causes, we also set examples of practical ways we can all work together to deserve our reputation as a generous and inclusive nation.

What are our Aims?