My name is Gabrielle, and I have the privilege of serving the people JRS Australia supports as the Casework and Emergency Relief Manager.

In this role I lead a team to work in partnership with people seeking asylum, refugees and other vulnerable migrants to find solutions to the issues that matter to them most. I, and my team, recognise that people seeking asylum have been disenfranchised both in their home countries and in Australia and as a result may experience social isolation, exclusion from mainstream services, strained relationships, poor mental and/or physical health, and hopelessness – therefore hindering their self-agency. Our team seeks to redress this and build capacity, resilience and independence through the provision of casework support, material aid and emergency relief.

I have worked in the sector for over 5 years, having previously held roles with the Australian Red Cross and the Asylum Seekers Centre. I continue to volunteer with the Australian Red Cross in their Immigration Detention Monitoring Program. My current and previous experience in the sector has allowed me to bear witness to the challenges that the people we serve face – both in the community and in detention. Yet, I remain inspired by our community’s dignity, strength, and resilience.