AFGHANS and Aussies may be set to test their wits on the sports field or a game of chess, says Weipa Town Authority boss Peter Miller.

The bid to introduce games at the Scherger RAAF airbase near Weipa is to enourage the detainees to mix with the community.

Weipa Town Authority acting chairman Mr Miller said the idea had been floated at a town meeting as a way to "break down barriers" to give people on both sides of the fence a better understanding of their neighbours.

"At this point it is nothing official – it was an idea from some of the residents and personally, it’s something I would support," he said.

"Of course the idea would be subject to risk assessments and possible venues choices first."

The residents said they would like to give the 300 Afghan men, who have been transferred from Christmas Island, a better understanding of "Aussie life" by hosting a barbie or playing a few rounds of rugby league or backyard cricket, though Mr Miller said he would personally prefer a game of chess.

Immigration spokeswoman Sian Manton yesterday told the ABC that interaction between community members and detainees was already happening at other detention centres.

"That can range from anything from people coming to visit them to a soccer match – on Christmas Island it has certainly occurred," she said.

The mood has not always been so charitable in Weipa, with a public meeting a few weeks ago revealing a lot of "angst", but Mr Miller said most of the issues were born from misunderstandings.

Share this article