The title refers to local government areas in Australia who declare to uphold the human rights of refugees, demonstrate compassion for refugees and enhance cultural and religious diversity in the community.

It is positive news for the Rural Australians for Refugees group in Queanbeyan.

President Gerardina Melssen said their mission is to improve public opinion of refugees and asylum seekers.

"They have been so demonised," Ms Melssen said.

"The whole debate has been so politicised for more than 20 years. When I travel overseas I'm actually ashamed to say I'm from Australia, just because of these policies. I think they are appalling, they are inhumane."

Vice president of the group Alison Charlton said their main objection with the refugee debate was that it had been made impersonal.

"Politically speaking, we're appalled at the way both the major parties [are dealing with it]," she said.

The ladies, and the 30-strong contingent in the group, are calling on the community to speak up and help stop mandatory detention of asylum seekers, and for the government to provide compassionate, timely and humane treatment for refugees.

Rural Australians for Refugees is hosting an information session presented by the Red Cross, Queanbeyan/ Goulburn Multicultural Centres and Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services ACT at the Uniting Church (corner Rutledge and Crawford Streets) from 2-3pm on Saturday, February 6.

They will also be hosting a stall to attract new members at Carnivale - Queanbeyan's multicultural festival, on Sunday February 28, when Queanbeyan will officially be declared a Refugee Welcome Zone.