Support for migrants and refugees in the Wimmera Southern Mallee will continue thanks to $300,000 in federal government funding secured by the Wimmera Southern Mallee (WSM) Development.
The stalwart Settlement Program delivered by the not-for-profit regional development leader has helped hundreds of new arrival families and individuals to find their feet in communities across the region.
The federal government has allocated the funding over three years, which will enable the Settlement Program to continue to provide individual client support for eligible visa holders, including linkages to key services.
WSM Development also worked hard to secure funding streams from other sources to deliver programs such as the driver safety training for new arrivals and homework clubs for primary and secondary school students from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
“We also support the Jellybeans playgroup in Horsham and the Mother Tongue program in Nhill,” said Program Manager Sara Barron. “These playgroups bring together people from diverse cultural backgrounds in a supported, social setting and we love seeing the strong connections they make.”
Ms Barron said new program developments included the recruitment of a coordinator for the Harmony Migrant Sewing group in Horsham and a member of the Karen community as a driver instructor for the WSM Driver Assistance Program, delivered in partnership with Driver Education and Training Services.
A refreshed settlement directory and local guide would also be compiled to help new arrivals navigate everyday life in the region, as well as the implementation of the Multicultural Storytime program.
“We had such a successful year delivering projects in partnership with local government, community groups, agencies and volunteers,” said Ms Barron. “Although funding will be tighter this financial year, we are pleased we can continue to support activities that bring real settlement benefits to our migrants and refugees.”
She said the WSM Development Settlement Program was delivered according to a needs-based approach.
“Our aim is to support clients to become independent, self-reliant, and able to participate in Australian society as soon as possible. We are thankful to all our valuable stakeholders and volunteers who play a big part in our program delivery.”
WSM Development CEO Chris Sounness said: “Supporting migrants and new arrivals to settle in the area is an important part of the work we do. We consider migration a primary driver to the prosperity of the region economically and socially and will continue to advocate around key migration issues for our region
Media enquiries: Beth Gibson, WSM Development beth.gibson@wsm.org.au, 0437 816 505.
