The meeting at the William Gardner Room was full of locals who are in support of moves to bring Syrian refugees to Glen Innes despite strong opposition from some members of the community.

Refugee advocate Nicci Parry-Jones said gaining council’s support whilst being symbolic, would be an enormous help in getting refugees settled in Glen.

“The exciting thing for our group to take on board is that Gunnedah Shire Council has declared itself a refugee welcome zone recently,” she said.

“They are about the same size as us, so there should be no reason for our council to not move along the same lines as others in the region.

“Declaring Glen Innes a welcome zone requires zero financial commitment from council and ratepayers, but the federal government is less likely to send refugees here if our council doesn’t give this symbolic support.”

Ms Parry-Jones said it is important to remember the refugees are people who are being persecuted and are living in fear.

“Our group’s resolve is strong, we are doing the right thing by offering to help these people,” she said.

Glen Innes Severn Mayor Colin Price, who attended the meeting, said the issue would be debated at this week’s council meeting.

“I can assure locals that there will be an outcome one way or another after this week’s general meeting,” he said.

But, while New South Wales will take more than half of the Syrian refugees to be settled in Australia, Glen Innes appears to not be among the rural areas considered suitable.

Officials have revealed that Coffs Harbour, Albury, and Wagga Wagga, will be considered along with Wollongong and Newcastle.

Talks are also under way with Armidale officials after their council declared them a ‘refugee welcome zone’.

NSW Refugee Resettlement co-ordinator general Peter Shergold said due to the rigorous checking process the first Syrian families to be settled are unlikely to arrive in the state before February.