‘Scattered People’: compassion and the power of music restores hope for asylum seekers
“Music can heal and transform on a personal and community level. But can it build a bridge between middle Australia and some of the world's most vulnerable people?” – Scattered People
To describe music as a means for self-expression is an immense understatement. Music is undoubtedly more than that. It is an avenue for not only sharing one’s own stories and experiences, but also to empathise with your fellow humans. It can bring about processes of healing that are perhaps, for some, unattainable through simply talking. Along with valuing artistic creativity and imagination, and the meaning and fulfilment this can bring, humanists share a compassion for our fellow humans. When the arts and our compassion for others combine, it can produce some beautiful and inspiring results!
Produced by community group, Scattered People, this documentary of the same name provides insight into the powerful sense of belonging music, and the arts in general, can bring to asylum seekers and refugees, as well as the people and communities who support them. It follows stories of devasting loss and trauma experienced by people persecuted in their home countries for what us in Australia enjoy and tend to take for granted – freedom to love who we choose to, freedom to play music, freedom to travel, freedom to live a life that is personally meaningful. All freedoms we humanists hold dear to our hearts and believe all should be able to experience.
The doco explores the way in which a community of musicians broke through the almost impenetrable barriers of government constraint to gain entry to asylum seeker detention facilities (that even traditionally trusted professionals were prevented from entering) to be able to offer much needed expression of love, compassion and a sense of belonging. The doco also features Robbie James of Ganggajang fame, the late Archie Roach, and other notable musicians who share their passion for music and community, and remind us of how the arts is a way of sharing and supporting others.
Scattered People also reminds us of the need to listen, speak up, advocate where we can!
Watch it now on 10 play (free streaming) or Paramount+ (by subscription only).
Looking for a practical way to provide support to refugees and asylum seekers in Australia?
Consider donating to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre who are in URGENT need of support to keep their doors open:
Or find your nearest refugee or asylum seeker support service/s to ask if they need monetary or goods donations, or how you can volunteer your time.
