Employment opportunities and social isolation are some of the issues that need addressing if more humanitarian migrants are to relocate to regional Victorian centres. These are two of the key messages taken from a meeting of the Strategic Engagement Co-ordinators in Shepparton during November 2018.
Sunraysia SEC’s Ray Cadmore said people from Pacific Islander nations in many cases were ignored in government programs because they had entered through New Zealand and were therefore ineligible.
He explained how the differences between each islander community meant there was less unity than in other ethnic communities so communicating issues to authorities was more of a challenge.
The SEC network works closely with multicultural communities, local government, service providers and the state government to get an accurate picture of migrant issues and strategies to improve their settlement and create an inclusive society.
Each representative is in the process of applying for funding for pilot programs such as a job forum for employers around recruiting migrants.
Shepparton Ethnic Council officer Sam Atukorala spoke about his role of co-ordinating with the parties behind the 10-year Shepparton Education Plan and making sure refugee and migrant perspectives were considered at every stage.
The meeting finished with a cultural tour of the city.
Strategic Engagement Co-ordinators