29 May 2009
Peter Garrett AM
Federal Member for Kingsford Smith
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts
The Member for Kingsford Smith, Peter Garrett, today announced the Rudd Government is providing funding of $137,957 for services to assist refugees and migrants settle in the community.
Sydney Multicultural Community Services will be funded as part of the government’s Settlement Grants Program. The program provides annual funding to help refugees and migrants become self-reliant and settle in Australia.
“Sydney Multicultural Community Services has become a fixture of our local area and a symbol of our diversity. I am delighted that a local organisation working on the ground will be receiving the support they need," Mr Garrett said.
“The funding will allow this organisation to employ two full-time workers to support refugees and migrants during their settlement in Australia.
“Information sessions on migrant advice and housing will also be delivered.
“This is a very positive initiative which will support migrants and refugees to settle into their new community and assist in their cultural transition in Australia,” he said.
The Settlement Grants Program aims to assist refugees, family-sponsored migrants and the dependants of those on skilled migration visas with low levels of English.
Mr Garrett said projects such as these assist refugees and migrants strengthen their connection to the wider Australian community and encourage participation, engagement and inclusion.
Details of the successful applicants for the $34 million 2009-10 funding round are available at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website:
www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/delivering-assistance/settlement-grants