Introduction
In August 2023, a pivotal meeting between Ruwanthi Mudannayaka of South East Community Links and Katie Sheargold from the Local Jobs Program in South Eastern Melbourne and Peninsula catalysed the formation of an innovative network aimed at enhancing services for migrants and new arrivals in the region. This encounter highlighted a crucial gap: multiple agencies were providing valuable services at various stages of the migrant settlement journey, yet there was a lack of awareness and collaboration among these service providers.
Recognising the need for a unified approach to better serve this cohort, Ruwanthi and Katie initiated a series of discussions with key stakeholders across diverse sectors. These included representatives from Services Australia Multi Cultural Service Officers, the Chisholm AMEP program, and Workforce Australia Employment Service providers. Through these engagements, the Settlement Leading Partners Network was established. This network aims to improve service delivery and foster collaboration among organisations that assist the migrant community.
The members of this network include seasoned professionals such as Ruwanthi Mudannayaka and Sana Hassan from South East Community Links, Sean Teer and Katie Sheargold from the Local Jobs Program, Vicki Selimi from Services Australia Multicultural Service Officers, Kylie Reid from Chisholm AMEP, and Mary Gyurcsik from WISE Employment. Their collective expertise has been instrumental in shaping a comprehensive understanding of each organisation’s role in assisting migrants and optimising how these entities work together.
This guide has been meticulously developed from shared insights, thorough research, and consultations. It is designed for service providers within the South Eastern Melbourne and Peninsula region who support the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community during their transition in Australia. It details the types of services offered, operational methodologies, and strategies for meeting the unique needs of each individual, while also emphasising the importance of inter-agency cooperation to enhance service levels and support for our valued migrant clients.
Please note, the information within this guide pertains to government-contracted services, which may undergo changes due to contractual obligations and requirements. The Network will endeavour to regularly incorporate updates, as necessary. This guide is intended to serve as a resource and not a definitive legal document. For detailed information on government requirements for each service, stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the specified website included in this document or to contact their nearest service provider directly.
We trust that this guide will serve as a valuable tool in your efforts to provide comprehensive and effective support to the migrant community, facilitating a smoother integration into Australian society.
Warm regards,
Settlement Leading Partners Network
