Zara’s House in Newcastle quickly responded to Afghan refugee families, especially young wives and children of interpreters evacuated when the Australian military left Afghanistan. The centre offers English classes, citizenship, swimming, driving lessons, sewing, health lessons and school preparation for children.
Hume Community Hub in Victoria settles large groups of Syrian and Iraqi refugees by creating connections and networks, resourcing hubs within primary schools, and hiring staff with relevant cultural and bilingual skills. WhatsApp is used for ongoing communication and content sharing.
Fairfield Public School in NSW sees many refugee families settle quickly in the area. Multiple government and non-government services work together to support families, helping them navigate requirements and easing confusion. The concept of a “soft entry point”, a welcoming, safe space with non-judgemental support is critical for helping refugees feel comforted and guiding them through the settlement process.
