CARLO Gazzola immigrated to Australia when he was just two years old, and his family were welcomed with open arms.

But it's a different story for families fleeing from Syria, who have no idea where they will end up.

Carlo was part of a vigil and protest on Monday night in Rockhampton, pushing for the Federal Government to accept 20,000 Syrian refugees immediately.

Carlo, who is originally from Italy, had his mouth duct-taped shut during the vigil to send a message.

"Everyone can interpret the duct tape in their own way, but it's that feeling that you don't have a say (on the issue)," he said.

Carlo, a retired biochemist, is urging Australians to take notice and understand the plight Syrians are in at the moment.

"If you look at pictures of Syria, this place is just flattened, of course they have to go," he said.

Carlo would be more than happy to welcome Syrian refugees into the Rockhampton community and has been helping others in tough situations for years.

"When the Vietnamese boat people were coming to Australia there was a parish in Brisbane that took them in and we helped them out and even donated a fridge to get them started," he said.

Carlo is urging residents to come together and put pressure on the Abbott government to act quickly.

"Even if we can take refugees here temporarily that's better than nothing," Carlo said.

If you feel strongly and wish to discuss how you can help, contact Monday night's vigil organiser Michael Powell on 0422 867 198, or head to the Facebook group Light in the Darkness.