For most of the eleven children and eight adults, who are currently living in Dandenong, it was their first visit to rural Victoria and their first time staying in the home of an Australian family.

Organised by the local Rural Australians for Refugees-Grampians/Gariwerd in conjunction with the Melbourne based Friends of Refugees, this is the second such visit to the Ararat area.

The two night stay saw four local families host refugees from Afghanistan, Iran and Sri Lanka.

The visitors travelled by train from Melbourne and were met at the Ararat Railway Station by their host families, representatives from the Ararat Rural City Council, Marion College students and RARGG members.

Hosts and their visitors spent the weekend getting to know each other, trying new foods and exploring the Grampians.

The Halls Gap Zoo proved to be popular and this was followed by a picnic lunch out at Halls Gap.

Some walked to Venus Baths but the children were more interested in playing games in the park.

Trying to catch a fish in Lake Alexandra on Sunday morning resulted in no fish but plenty of lost bait, snagged hooks and wet clothes.

The refugees returned to Melbourne on Sunday afternoon.

RARGG secretary Bonnie Carter said the hosts were full of praise for the opportunity to participate in the program.

“Many friendships were formed and a deeper appreciation for what these people have been through and what they can bring to our community was gained,” she said.

In August Ararat Rural City became the first council in the region to sign up as a Refugee Welcome Zone.  

A commitment in spirit to welcoming refugees into the community and upholding their human rights.

Council has also expressed interest in the Federal Government's Safe Haven Enterprise Program. 

The Visa category aims to encourage people who recently arrived in Australia as refugees to work or study in regional areas.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in hosting of refugees can phone Ms Carter on 0427 762 582.