Welcome to the MRC Settlement Home Page

The Settlement Services Team supports the settlement of refugees in Tasmania focusing on the support needs from 6 months to 5 years. Special or current needs are evaluated and responded to on an on-going basis, as the cultural composition of Tasmanian entrants change.

There are a variety of innovative services offered that result in self reliance of the community groups and individuals involved. The MRC is committed to collaborating and consulting with other service providers to ensure continuous development of our program initiatives. The Settlements Grants Program is funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship

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.

What can Settlement Services offer you?

  • Support to community organisations to develop long-term independence, including a room for the communities to hold their meetings.
  • Identify and analyse settlement needs through:
    • Regular community consultations
    • Regular community meetings
  • Promote access and equity issues to mainstream providers and provide advocacy on behalf of communities
  • Promote and provide cross-cultural awareness raising to the general public, clubs, companies, service agencies etc.
  • Facilitate a 62 Providers forum, a regular forum for service providers working with refugees to meet and exchange information to enhance the settlement experience
  • Promote settlement services available in the Hobart area to communities, service providers and specific client groups including gender, age and culturally sensitive needs by providing cross-cultural awareness training to the
  • Provide a link between the mainstream community and the refugee community.
  • Be a source of reliable information concerning settlement issues to both refugees and service providers.
  • Manage theTOP GEAR driving program to Humanitarian entrants
  • Provide a range of youth programs including Bonza and Bonzabella
  • Bi-cultural workers linked into relevant projects

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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.

Access a Migration Agent

MRC 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.

Cross Cultural Awareness

The Settlement team is frequently asked to attend functions to promote assistance for refugees and conduct relevant training. The Settlement team has a wealth of knowledge and is experienced with dealing with asylum seekers and refugees. The team have also worked in a professional capacity overseas. The Settlement team actively engages in advocacy rights for humanitarian entrants and participates in presenting Cross Cultural Awareness training to the broader Tasmanian community.

Special Programs

Learn to drive

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

Life Skills Workshops

A range of workshops around basic life skills are run that help humanitarian entrants with the transition to the Australian surroundings.

  • Leadership training
  • Money management including budgeting
  • Australian laws
  • Safe at Home
  • Funding/Grant application training
  • African elders group meetings
  • Employment issues working with Job Network agencies

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.

Contact Us

For help on any migration, language or culture related topic, please contact us at the Migrant Resource Centre.

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