History of TRAMS

Established in 2004 on World Refugee Day, Toowoomba Refugee and Migrant Support Centre (TRAMS) began as a grass roots initiative by 10 passionate people in the community seeking to welcome and assist newly arrived refugees and migrants to the city ofToowoomba.   TRAMS was a response to the emerging African community in Toowoomba.

With the generous provision of a building (the old St Saviour’s pre-school) by St Patrick’s Cathedral the Centre was born.  Centacare took TRAMS under its wing supporting administratively with auspice and expanding the range of services available to people newly arriving in Toowoomba.    Volunteers and donations from the community poured into the centre, enabling Centre based activities to run.   The Sisters of Charity came on board to finance a volunteer coordinator/administrator.

Grants from the Community Gambling Benefit Fund and the Volunteers Small Equipment Grant saw the installation of a jungle gym, air conditioners and a photocopier. Lifeline’s quickly growing English classes were invited to occupy the larger space at TRAMS and with the help of more volunteers the classes soon grew to maximum capacity. Our neighbours at Toowoomba South State Primary made available two rooms in which to hold more classes.

The gathering of refugees and migrants at the Centre and the enthusiasm of a core group of volunteers gave rise to other Centre based activities such as Women’s groups, Computer classes and Primary and Secondary Homework Tutoring. TRAMS also maintained its vision as a drop in and referral service.

See Our Centre for the continuation of this story…

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