A TOTAL of $1.5M in Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) grants have been announced for the Goulburn Valley region, with the funding going to assist newly arrived migrants and refugees to form a stronger connection with their new communities in their first five years in Australia.
Federal Member for Murray, Damian Drum said two organisations will deliver services in and around the Goulburn Valley region for engagement and integration for newly arrived migrants and refugees.
“The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District Inc will receive more than $855,000 and Uniting Vic.Tas will receive more than $720,000 to assist new migrants and refugees who have joined our community,” Mr Drum said.
“The grants fund activities that are focused on families and individuals and increase community capacity. Services include assisting with English language skills, building employment readiness and encouraging homework for school students.
“The Goulburn Valley is well-known for its ethnically diverse communities, it is important to Australians that our newly arrived migrants have a strong connection and sense of belonging.
“Lowering barriers to being involved in communities builds wellbeing, safety and prosperity – these are things that enrich the whole country.”
The SETS program will start on January 1, 2019.
