Support Networks
Approximately 10% of migrants from the UK return home from Australia for various reasons and many migrants from other countries find it difficult to settle in Australia too.
The migration program and most of the service providers active in the sector tend to be focussed in getting you to Australia and then the rest is up to you. The immigration department and state and territory governments are similar, it is up to you to make a go of it.
The majority of migrants do very well and there are countless examples of migrants who are shining examples of what can be achieved, this is no secret to us migrants as we know that 27% of Australians were born overseas.
Support groups can be a great way to help you to settle in. These can be community groups, religious groups and churches, sports groups and clubs or migrant groups.
Some of the relocation and orientation businesses also provide on-going support and assistance for newcomers to Australia.
Aussie Orientation Services offer more than just relocation services. They also include personalised relocation programs, cultural training and coaching programs as well as an Award winning professional and ongoing support program called Club Aussie.
Club Aussie provides member invitations to over 100 social events per year, with a range of activities that include:
- Cultural transition seminars;
- social events;
- on-going 24/7 support and advice.
They work closely with families to ensure you receive personal attention to relieve as much anxiety that can come from such a big change and provide opportunities to meet other families who have recently moved to Australia too.
Since the commencement of their business, Aussie Orientation Services has supported and assisted over 1,500 skilled migrants and their families.
Visit the Aussie Orientation Services website for more information.
]State and Territory Support Networks
The States and Territories and various charities have resources for new arrivals, humanitarian and protection visa holders:
Victoria Government Settlement Help.
Western Australia Office of Multicultural Interests – celebrates WA’s cultural diversity and provides links to events and support networks for migrants to Western Australia.
Small Business Development Corporation of WA – provides assistance and support to Business Migrants moving to and living in Western Australia.
Migrant Resource Centre South Australia – provides information on events for migrants in South Australia, links to charities and organisations providing support for migrants and refugees.
Enriching Queensland’s Community (ECCQ) – Provides support and services to migrants in Queensland.
Migrant Resource Centre Hobart – provides support and information for migrants in Hobart and Tasmania.
New South Wales and ACT – directory list of support services for migrants and refugees.
Charities that provide assistance for newcomers
Australian Red Cross
Immigrant Women’s Support Service (IWSS)
St Vincent de Paul Society
Community Migrant Resource Centre
Australian Catholic Migrant & Refugee Office
Support for Filipino Migrants in Australia
Philippine – Australian Community Services Inc
Philippines – Australia Business Council (PABC)
Online Support and Meetup Groups
Thanks to the rise of social media, it is becoming much easier for migrants to connect and form support groups here are some you may be interested in:
General
Expat Meetups Brisbane
New to the Sunshine Coast
British
Expat British Meetups Sydney
Brits Abroad Perth
Melbourne British Expats
Brisbane British Club
Kiwis
Kiwis in Adelaide
Kiwi Connect Sydney
South Africans
South Africans in Perth
Friends of South Africa (national)
South African Expats Gold Coast
South African Clubs (national)
Canadians
Americans
Indians
Germans
Also search for local groups migrant and interest groups on Facebook, Instagram and other social media.
PLEASE CONTACT US if you have any others that you are a member of that you feel will help make the settling in process easier for a fellow migrant, we are happy to promote any not-for-profit group or organisation here.
