Settlement Services

What are Settlement Services? The Settlement Services support the settlement of refugees and Special Humanitarian Program entrants in Tasmania. Support is given to individuals, communities and the refugee community as a whole. There are a variety of standard services offered. On top of that, special or current needs are determined and responded to on an on-going basis. The services are designed to result in self reliance of the refugees. The MRC is committed to collaborating with other service providers as well as continuously developing and improving its services.

Who can access Settlement Services?
Humanitarian entrants from small and emerging communities who have settled in the Greater Hobart area, as well as a small number of family stream entrants with low English level proficiency.

What do our Settlement Services offer?

Support to community organisations to develop long-term independence, including a room for the communities to hold their meetings. Identification and analysis of settlement needs through regular community consultations between the communities and MRC staff. Support and encourage mainstream service providers to make their services appropriate for refugees. Facilitation of the ‘62 Providers Forum’, a regular forum for service providers working with refugees to meet and exchange information, thus improving the co-ordination of services available in Hobart. Advocacy on behalf of communities. Cross-cultural awareness raising and training to the general public, clubs, companies, service agencies, etc. Link between the mainstream community and the refugee community. Be a source of reliable information concerning settlement issues to both refugees and service providers.

Special Programs

Learn to drive
‘TOP GEAR’ is a learn-to-drive program designed for humanitarian entrants.

Bi-cultural workers
Five bi-cultural workers from different African countries support the Settlement Team’s work. They can speak a range of African languages and have a deep understanding of the African cultures involved.

African Community Room
A space to meet and exchange information is provided to the African community at the MRC every Friday between 12 – 4.30 pm. Among the features of the room are an African-Australian newspaper, games, an information exchange board and an internet computer. A bi-cultural worker is present to give support throughout the session.

Life Skills Workshops
A range of workshops around basic life skills are run that help humanitarian entrants with the transition to the Australian surroundings. Matters such as money management, accommodation issues, find your way around and others are taught bi-lingually.

Migration Agent
We have a migration agent who can provide advice to eligible applicants on how to prepare, lodge and present applications for visas for family members and friends.

Youth program
Migrants or refugees between 12 – 25 years old can take part in the youth program activities such as weekly after-school and holiday activities, recreational camps, sports and social events. The program also links other Australian young people to newly arrived young people to help develop friendships and to practice using English. We can provide help with:-

teaching young people how to cope with problems at school, home and the wider community giving support to those who have recently arrived, dealing with personal issues, providing information about services relevant to young people, promoting participation in general community activities, development of life skills and social skills, and supporting young people to access services.

These Settlement Services are funded by:


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