$550 000 to enhance Tasmanian settlement services
29 May 2009
Launceston's weekend markets will soon boast an even wider range of multicultural crafts handmade by refugee women at the Northern Tasmania Migrant Resource Centre, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today.
As part of the $550 000 settlement grants program (SGP) funding allocated to Tasmania, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will provide more than $15 000 to the centre to work with new arrivals on establishing a community-based enterprise.
'This project allows refugees to further develop the skills they bring from their home countries, and start small, independently operating community enterprises. This will foster independence and assist new settlers to become more self-reliant,' Mr Ferguson said.
As part of the project, the centre will stage workshops with refugees to develop their existing management, sales and marketing skills. The centre will also assist people who wish to apply for community grants or business loans.
During the 2009–10 financial year, DIAC's settlement grants program will provide $550 000 to seven projects which will help new arrivals to settle into Tasmania.
Some of the successful applicant organisations include migrant resource centres, multicultural service agencies, community groups and welfare organisations.
'The many projects supported by the settlement grants program will help migrants and refugees to settle successfully into their new communities, promoting social participation and assisting in their cultural transition into Australia,' Mr Ferguson said.
A list of successful applicants in the 2009-10 funding round is available
on the DIAC website.
See: www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/delivering-assistance/settlement-grants
'I commend all organisations for their contribution to the successful settlement of migrants and refugees in Tasmania,' Mr Ferguson said.
Media contact: Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2009/lf09029.htm
Last update: 29 May 2009 at 11:24 AEST