Millicent Spencer
A new report reveals Hume is one of the most welcoming places for newly arrived refugees.
The report titled ‘Settlement in Australia’ reveals Hume is one of three local government areas in Victoria that offer the opportunity for refugees to find support and community.
The report found certain qualities make some LGAs preferred ‘settlement cities’ for refugees. These include, the opportunity to find employment, the availability of secure housing, the accessibility to getting education, and the centrality of family and community.
Afghan refugee Jalal Ahmadzai came to Australia last year as part of the Kabul airlift evacuation and has lived in Craigieburn since his arrival.
Mr Ahmadzai said he feels welcome and supported in his new community.
“We feel comfortable because there are many people from many places across the world,” he said.
“There are other members of our community living nearby, we can buy the food and other things we are familiar with – and the local council has programs that support us.
“We are not different, in Hume being from somewhere else in normal.”
Refugee and migrant settlement agency AMES Australia contributed to the paper which found between 2009 – 2020 there were over 13,000 Humanitarian entrants in Hume, meaning thousands of refugees call the municipality home.
AMES Australia chief executive Cath Scarth said the report showed the importance of harnessing communities in supporting newcomers to Australia to settle.
“Securing employment and housing, like any other Australians, are priorities for newly
arrived refugees,” Ms Scarth said.
“We can see from the research that having welcoming cities and communities can help deliver these aspirations.
“The vibrant multicultural communities that welcome refugees provide a familiarity and
sense of belonging that helps refugees develop a stake in the communities where they live.”
Refugees who contributed to the report commented favourably on the natural beauty of the Hume area and the high quality of Council-run amenities such public parks and libraries. Hume was also praised for high levels of cross-sector collaboration and coordination and increasingly active consultation with its diverse communities.
