General News
10 March, 2025
Support for multicultural settlers
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development's (WSMD) settlement program is dedicated to supporting and empowering multicultural communities in the Wimmera Southern Mallee region.
Through various groups, programs and events the organisation creates opportunities for social connection, skills development and cultural exchange.
In Horsham it offers community groups such as the Homework Club, Jellybeans Playgroup, Harmony Sewing Group and Young G youth group.
In Nhill it supports the Homework Club, Mother Tongue playgroup and Nhill Poe youth club.
Stawell hosts weekly English language classes.
These initiatives are delivered in partnership with Neighbourhood Houses, local councils and businesses, helping people of all ages from diverse backgrounds to connect, learn and share experiences.
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development has also been assisting multicultural youth to understand drought in Australia.
With funding from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) it has organised events to educate young people about drought, including through visits to farms and waterways.
These activities will continue until June, offering more opportunities for learning and engagement.
An exciting achievement is the success of the Driver Assistance Program.
This initiative helps vulnerable members of multicultural communities learn to drive.
More than 100 participants have enrolled for driving lessons, 40 people have obtained their full licenses and more than 200 participants have completed the Road Safety for New Arrivals training in Horsham, Nhill and Stawell.
Wellbeing is another key focus of the settlement work.
This month the organisation is working with Foundation House and Bendigo Community Health to deliver wellbeing sessions to newcomers.
Presented in partnership with Grampians Community Health, the sessions will provide specialist counselling services for refugees settling in the region.
Additionally, Wimmera Southern Mallee Development is collaborating with Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council to include migrant and refugee experiences in emergency response preparedness and recovery planning.
The team also provides one-on-one support to new residents, whether individuals, couples or families.
Adjusting to a new community can be challenging, particularly for those with family overseas, and the team is there to help.
With Harmony Week approaching (March 18 to 24), WSMD settlement services encourage workplaces, schools and community groups to celebrate cultural diversity by hosting events.
This annual event (which includes Harmony Day on March 21) places the spotlight on Australian multiculturalism and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
It is a wonderful opportunity to connect and celebrate the region’s vibrancy, diversity and multiculturalism.
For more information about hosting an event, visit www.harmony.gov.au.
To share your Harmony Week events or to learn more about our Settlement Services, contact sara.barron@wsm.org.au or visit the Settlement Services page at www.wsm.org.au.