Canberra will be strengthened as a welcoming and inclusive city with the delivery of an Integrated Welcome to Canberra Support Service to be delivered by Multicultural Hub.
"The multicultural community told us that extra support was required to welcome newly arrived migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, when they arrive to Canberra often without any resources," Minister Steel said
"We have listened to community needs and we've funded the development of the Welcome to Canberra Support Service to complement existing settlement services.
"Canberra is an inclusive and welcoming city and we want people to reach their full potential in their new city and participate fully in their communities.
"With this kind of additional support, we hope to ensure our newest Canberrans can settle in with the support they need."
The Multicultural Hub will lead the delivery of the Support Services, which will include settlement information, advice and support primarily in their first five years of arrival in Canberra, and beyond if required. Companion House and Red Cross are among local service providers who will partner on this initiative.
This new service will also provide tailored assistance to meet individual needs on issues such as housing, access to health services and trauma support, employment, transport, legal assistance and logistics such as how and where to register a car.
As part of the service, an inaugural expo will be held during Harmony Week next year. It will be followed by regular expos to connect new Canberrans with the community, services, information, advice, social and economic opportunities in the ACT and surrounding regions.
The new service will also include a Welcome to Canberra pack in multiple languages with information and links to services that help connect new migrants to our community.
