Rural refugee relocation project

In 2003, the Swan Hill and Warrnambool communities developed programs to support people from refugee backgrounds to relocate from Melbourne.

The projects were undertaken with refugee communities, including the Horn of Africa Communities Network.

Both projects have been recognised through winning various awards, such as the Diversity@work award for Swan Hill and the National Local Government Award for Community Services/Rural and Regional Community for Warrnambool.

The projects support nationwide initiatives to relocate migrants to fill labour shortages in regional areas, a development supported by the Commonwealth and State governments. They have potential to increase employment opportunities for new settlers; however, it is also important for wellbeing that there is a welcoming environment, support services and social connections.

In 2004 VicHealth funded Victoria University to evaluate these relocation programs. The evaluation is an important body of work that will be used to inform future programs on how best to help new arrivals settle in regional communities. It will be completed in March 2006.