UNIVERSITY lecturer Tin Hta Nu fled Burma [Myanmar] in 1990. Her outspoken political beliefs made her a target for the military government and she feared for her life.
In the years since she has made the Camden Haven her home, but has never forgotten the country of her birth.
“As an academic I have loved the freedom I have had to teach in this country,” Ms Hta Nu said.
“I am involved with many local organisations, including Community at 3 and our community gardens.
“I spend a lot of time baking and growing vegetables, which I enjoy sharing around.”
Almost 20 years ago she co-founded the Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group with the purpose of helping those fleeing the country’s civil war to Australia; as well as assisting the burgeoning humanitarian crisis on the border with Thailand.
Over 680,000 Myanmar nationals crossed into Thailand in just the first four months of 2026 alone, with a significant number fleeing permanent conflict and forced conscription.
Group president Janette Jones estimates that globally 117.8 million people had been displaced, often due to war.
“The 30 members of our group have assisted 20 refugees, half of them children, to relocate to the Mid North Coast region over the last 10 years.
“With our support they are all now citizens and permanent residents with secure employment.”
The group supports organizations including the Refugee Council of Australia, the Asylum, Seeker Resource Centre and Rural Australians for Refugees to lobby Governments and politicians, including local members, to support asylum seekers and refugees.
The group’s next meeting will be held at Port Macquarie Uniting Church, Saturday 12 September 2pm-4pm, with afternoon tea provided.
New members are always welcome. Inquiries to mncrsg@gmail.com
By Rachael THORPE
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