THE Mid North Coast Refugee Group will hold a vigil at the Town Green jetty from 5.30pm on Monday in response to the heartbreaking photo of Aylan Kurdi, a young Syrian boy who was found drowned on a beach in Turkey.
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His family's search for safety in Europe ended in tragedy and the image has brought the world to its knees.
Recently Port Macquarie was labelled a refugee welcome zone and Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group (MNCRSG) spokeswoman Krissa Wilkinson it was a good chance for locals to make a difference.
"It's a reminder to all of Australia to act with humanity and compassion regarding refugees because we all live on the one planet," she said.
"Refugees are not people who should be vilified because they are desperate to find somewhere to live."
Ms Wilkinson said a forum would be held later in the year discussing refugees which would provide another opportunity for the Hastings to make a statement and say enough is enough.
"It's time for us to step up and help. It's not a time to be divisive because I feel it's like political hooliganism," she said.
"We want to be known as a caring, clever country."
Members of the community are encouraged to attend the small service which is expected to run for an hour.
"Everyone is welcome to join us," Ms Wilkinson said. "We'll be lighting candles and we might throw some flowers off the jetty as well."