The Settlement Program provides individual and group support to newly arrived refugees and migrants living in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
How does the program help?
The Settlement Program helps:
- link people community services;
- build capacity by recognising skills and strengths; and
- foster a sense of belonging through participation.
We understand the need for newly arrived community members to make links with the broader community, and for members of the broader community to be more welcoming to new arrivals.
We use a strengths-based approach to build the confidence and capacity of people who are newly arrived to Australia and to reduce barriers to engagement. We acknowledge and build on individual- and community-level skills and knowledge, and empower individuals and groups to make positive change in their communities.
The program aims to make people feel at home in Australia. We provide information on local life and culture and help people connect with local services, including English language classes. By participating in their local community, people with migrant backgrounds can develop a sense of belonging.
I came here on the partner visa, so I was not eligible to receive services that other people get. Through the help of Jesuit Social Services we got temporary housing and access to doctors, so we are now quite settled.
Previous Settlement Program participant
How does the program work?
We offer individual casework support
We provide settlement-related information, advice, advocacy and referrals to achieve positive settlement outcomes across a range of domains. These include: housing, health, education, employment, transport, family and social services, justice and civic participation.
Through individual casework, we develop people’s ability and confidence to access support services, increase their independence and promote meaningful community engagement and cultural linkages.
We offer community development programs
Our community development programs increase people’s knowledge and understanding of topics essential to settling into life in Australia. Topics we cover vary and can include health advice, citizenship, parenting and English language support.
We run facilitated groups, workshops and information sessions based on participant-identified need, including specific groups for women, elderly people and youth. We also run a regular Homework Club, where volunteers offer education support to primary and secondary school students.
Who can participate in the program?
The Settlement Program delivers services to eligible participants in their first five years of life in Australia in the following primary categories:
- humanitarian entrants
- family stream migrants
- select other stream and temporary visa holders.
Where is the program offered?
We focus our work in Melbourne’s western suburbs, where many new and emerging communities settle.
Settlement is a two-way process of Australia welcoming migrants and refugees as they adjust to a new life here. The Settlement Program celebrates the strength of refugees and migrants, and supports them to overcome barriers, embrace new opportunities, and realise their full potential.
Settlement Program Coordinator
Make a referral
To make a referral please contact Settlement Program staff at our Sunshine offices in Melbourne’s west.
Sunshine
Address: 16 Withers Street, Sunshine VIC 3020
Phone: (03) 8595 2438