Centrelink supports Refugee Information Day:

New South Wales Media Release
Friday, 10 June 2005

The settlement of newly arrived refugees in the Fairfield and Cabramatta areas is set to become a little easier.

An information day will be held at Cabramatta's Anglican Hall on Thursday, 23 June 2005 to increase awareness of services available for newcomers to the community.

The information day has been organised by the Fairfield Immigrant and Refugee Women's Network (FIRWN) with the support of Centrelink's Ross Divett Foundation, and is expected to be of great benefit to refugees from Iraq and African Nations.

Centrelink's Multicultural Service Officer for the region, Audrey Lai, has previously been awarded for her ongoing help to refugees, and is proud to participate in the latest support program.

"We understand that what refugees need the most is relevant and timely information to adjust to their new situations," Audrey said.

"On the information day, we'll provide multilingual workshops in Arabic, Assyrian, Kurdish, Swahili and Dinka. The topics to be covered are vital areas such as health, nutrition, family services, employment and income, legal issues and budgeting.

"The Ross Divett Foundation was established in memory of former Centrelink Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ross Divett who died of cancer in 2001. The foundation allows Centrelink staff to contribute financially to charities and has committed to helping FIRWN provide assistance to these new arrivals."

The Fairfield Local Government supports the highest number of refugee and humanitarian entrants in Australia, with the majority of new refugees coming from Iraq and the African States such as Sudan, Burundi and Liberia.

Anyone seeking more information on Centrelink's services and payments in languages other than English can call 13 1202 or go to the We Speak Your Language section of the website at www.centrelink.gov.au.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.