Migrants & Refugees
Recently arrived to Australia?
Sometimes arriving in a new country to start a new life can be scary because EVERYTHING is different. You have to learn new customs and values, a new language, the people act funny and life is nothing like it was back home. This process can be very difficult for most people, particularly those who have had to leave their own country under difficult circumstances. But there are various services out there to help you and your family through this transition. Services available range from financial, housing and personal support through to initiatives in schools. English Language Schools can help you learn the new language. If you prefer to speak in your own language, interpreters can be accessed by all the services listed here. Alternatively, you or a worker can contact the Translation & Interpretation Service (ph: 131 450) to discuss the options available.
Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne)
What: The Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Region) (MIC) Youth Settlement Workers provide settlement to young people aged 12-25 yrs from refugee background living in the Eastern Region of Melbourne. This involves casework with individuals that can address educational support and pathways, driving, health, employment, housing or any other settlement needs you are facing. The MIC also provides recreational and transitional programs including holiday activities, leadership programs and sporting and craft activities.
Where: Suite 2 Town Hall Hub, 27 Bank St, Box Hill as well as in local secondary schools- Croydon Secondary College, Maroondah Secondary College, Mullauna College and Ringwood Secondary College
Hours: Mon to Fri 9am-5pm
Cost: Free
Criteria: - Entered Australia on a Refugee/Humanitarian visa or Family Stream visa
- Under 5yrs settlement in Australia
Web: www.miceastmelb.com.au
Phone: 9285 4888
Migrant and Refugee Homework Support Program
What: Assists primary and secondary school students with homework; supportive tutors to help with a range of subjects; access to computers including printing and photocopying and graphic calculators; helping with language difficulties; research skills and making new friends. Yummy snacks and drinks provided!
Where: Croydon Library: Civic Square, Croydon
When: Tuesdays 4 - 6pm
Cost: Free
Phone: 9285 4888
Email: lbusuttil@miceastmelb.com.au
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
What: Aid, health and advocacy services for migrants and refugees.
Where: 12 Batman St, West Melbourne
Cost: Free
Phone: 9326 6066
Foundation House
What: Provides a range of services to refugees who have survived torture or war related trauma. It provides direct services to survivors in the form of counselling, advocacy, family support, group work, psycho-education, information sessions and complementary therapies.
Where: Brunswick - 6 Gardiner Street Ph: 9388 0022
Dandenong - Level 5, 280 Thomas Street Ph: 8791 2450
There is also currently an outpost office in Ringwood, call 8791 2450 for more information.
Cost: Free
Web: www.foundationhouse.org.au
Further Help
- Translating and Interpreting Services 131 450
- Bor Association 9285 4858
- Chinese Community Social Services Centre 9898 1965
- Eastern Karen Community Association of Victoria (EKCAV) 8711 3339
- Hornbill Chin Association of Australia 8802 0498
- Outer Eastern Literacy Program (Boronia) 9762 4211
- Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service 8413 6800
- Sports Without Borders 9214 8418
Web
- www.ames.net.au - Adult Multicultural Education Services
- www.mmha.org.au - Multicultural mental health
- www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/mhcs/languages.html -Health resources by language