AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

South Australia opens arms to Burmese refugees

Thursday, 14 June 2007

The Assistant Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Teresa Gambaro has congratulated the Limestone Coast of South Australia for their commitment to refugee settlement.

Mt Gambier and Grant will welcome two Burmese families who will be the first refugees to settle in the region under the Australian Government’s regional humanitarian settlement initiative.

‘Regional towns can offer very positive settlement outcomes for many refugees,’ Ms Gambaro said.

‘Country communities can provide a warm welcome, friendship and support for these families, many of whom have experienced great hardship and trauma.’

‘Some refugees also find it easier to secure employment in regional towns, helping provide security for their families and allowing them to participate in Australian society.’

Preparation for refugee settlement in South Australia has been in progress for some time now and holds the strong support of the Mount Gambier City Council and District Council of Grant, the Limestone Coast Area Consultative Committee and Regional Development Board as well as local service providers and community groups.

‘The Limestone Coast’s commitment to assisting these families demonstrates both compassion and a commitment to a fair go for all,’ Ms Gambaro added.

The two Burmese families will arrive at their new homes later this month with other families expected to follow.

Ms Gambaro said the settlement initiative in Mt Gambier followed a successful settlement programme in Shepparton, where a small community of Congolese families were settled in the Victorian town from November 2005.

According to a recent Media Release from Ms. Gambaro, an evaluation will soon follow the arrival of the two families in SA to determine how well settlement is progressing, identify areas for improvement and consider the town’s capacity for continuing refugee settlement.

Australia has committed $32 million for 2007-08 to services aimed at helping refugees and other new migrants to integrate into the community with regional Australia receiving forty grants to assist with settlement in those areas.