The South East Afghan community have told state politicians of their fear for the safety and wellbeing of family and friends living in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of allied forces and the installation of a new Taliban government.

The community shared their stories with a delegation led by religious leader Sheikh Ghulam Ali Haideri and State MP Tony Piccolo who visited Naracoorte to offer support to people dealing with the confronting and difficult fallout from the events in Afghanistan.

Naracoorte is home to more than 300 members of the Afghan community, many of whom attended a public gathering along with members of the Bordertown Afghan community on Saturday.

Religious leader Sheikh Ghulam Ali Haideri offered guidance, comfort, support and prayers for families and loved ones trapped in uncertain situations back home.

Mr Piccolo said he had developed strong and enduring connections with the Afghan community through his work with them in the northern suburbs of Adelaide.

“It was with heavy hearts we have all watched the terrible scenes unfold in Afghanistan,” he said.

“I thought it would be a sign of goodwill to ask Sheikh Ghulam Ali Haideri and other community leaders to offer support to Afghan people who were not able to attend public vigils and prayers organised in Adelaide.”

Mr Piccolo said the events in Afghanistan called for compassion and thoughtful leadership as the uncertainty of their status in Australia was causing many Afghani refugees a great deal of trauma and anxiety.

“Afghani refugees have settled well in Australia making valuable contributions to regional South Australia with many opening their own small businesses,” he said.

“Their children go to school, are involved in local sports, and are starting to integrate with the wider community.

“By and large they have been welcomed and accepted by the general community and it is time for the Federal Government to do more for people on temporary protection visas, citizenship and family reunions.

“Local community leaders like Mayor Erika Vickery and local Member of Parliament Nick McBride understand this, so it is sad to see the Prime Minister drag the chain on this important issue.

“Now is a time to walk together with the Afghani community for the benefit of the whole Australian community.”

Regional Development Shadow Minister Clare Scriven MLC, who co-hosted the delegation, said it was important to hear from members of the local Afghan community to better understand the situation in Afghanistan and the persecution being experienced by many of their relatives and friends.

“There are more than 4200 people in Australia who have been deemed to be genuine refugees.

“Many have been here for seven, eight or nine years, but have no path to permanent residency or Australian citizenship, which means they have a permanent fear of being sent back to Afghanistan,” Mrs Scriven said.

“This is a terrible threat hanging over them, and the recent events in Kabul with people trying to escape the Taliban, has increased the urgency for these genuine refugees to be given some certainty and security.”

The delegation also included Adelaide based Hazara community organisation Jafaria Islamic Society president Syed Mehdi Kazmi and City of Playford Councillor Akram Arifi.