$560 000 to enhance ACT settlement services
29 May 2009
A project which provides mentoring and leadership training to newly arrived refugee and migrant community leaders is just one excellent example of the important work carried out by Australian settlement grants recipients, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today.
As part of the $560 000 settlement grants program (SGP) funding allocated in the ACT region, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will provide $58 000 to the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS).
'The centre will work with refugees and migrants who want to assume leadership roles in the ACT community. Participants will be introduced to a range of leadership skills including communication, presentation, business and IT skills, as well as the opportunity to gain practical experience,' Mr Ferguson said.
'This project aims to give participants a sense of belonging, as well as the confidence to assist their fellow community members to become self-reliant, independent and active members of the broader community,' Mr Ferguson said.
During the 2009–10 financial year, DIAC's settlement grants program will provide $560 000 to seven projects which will help new arrivals to settle into the ACT region.
Some of the successful applicant organisations include migrant resource centres, multicultural service agencies, and community 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 with 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 Canberra,' Mr Ferguson said.
Media contact: Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2009/lf09030.htm
Last update: 29 May 2009 at 16:56 AEST