Mr Zhang tutors students Barakat and Nemat as part of The South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre’s homework support program. 48710Picture: Stewart Chambers
By Lia Bichel
A CENTRE that assists new migrants and refugees in Melbourne’s southeast received a funding boost of half a million dollars but is still in need of volunteers to help carry out its services.
The South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre received more than $507,000 as part of the Australian Government’s Settlement Grants Program, which aims to help refugees and migrants become self-reliant, contribute to the national economy and acquire crucial skills and knowledge about life in Australia.
The centre’s acting CEO Bill Collopy welcomed the funding but said the centre needed community support.
“The funding is great but it is never enough,” he said.
“There is always more to be done. It is a huge and growing community and as Australia becomes more multicultural it is necessary for all of us to work together and to help us become a well-integrated diverse community.
“We have a number of different opportunities for volunteer aged programs or the homework support program- which is a tutor program where volunteers assist year 11 and 12 refugees.”
Bruce MP Alan Griffin said the services were vital for the region.
“It is essential that we assist migrant and refugees to settle successfully into our communities. Our newest residents can make a significant contribution to our society,” he said.
“The South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre will receive grants for three projects that will assist in cultural transition into Australian life and encourage greater social participation.”
Mr Collopy agreed that the centre was important to the region as it was the largest provider of services in settlement programs in Melbourne’s south east.
“We have been operating for 17 years and are pretty important as this region has the largest intake of refugees in Victoria,” he said.
“In Greater Dandenong, every second person is from a non-English speaking background, in Casey, it’s every one in four.”
During the 2010-11 financial year, the Australian Government will spend $35.8 million on the nationwide grants program to enable 224 organisations to deliver a total of 226 projects.
A list of successful applicants in the 2010-11 funding round is available on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s website at www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/delivering-assistance/settlement-grants.
