A group of newly arrived refugees from Melbourne’s north were treated to a trip to the scenic Plenty Gorge as part of their introduction to life in Melbourne.
The 38 refugees, clients of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, also enjoyed a walk through the beautiful Morang Wetlands at Plenty Gorge Park.
The excursion was a result of AMES’ partnership with Parks Victoria and was an opportunity for physical activity as well as a platform for cultural exchange and building connections within the community.
The refugees were families from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
AMES Australia senior case manager Balsam Hanna said the event showed the importance of community engagement in enhancing the settlement of newly arrived refugees and migrants, and everybody left the day with a big smile on their face.
“Our partnership with Parks Victoria is a great way of introducing new arrivals to life in Australia,” she said.
“The group had the opportunity to see kangaroos and wetlands birds and were able to ask questions and get more information.
“Everyone had a great time and they are interested in attending future events and activities; they all said that they would share this experience with their extended family and friends.”
