14 June 2023

MEDIA RELEASE

FREE WELCOME EVENT FOR LOCAL MIGRANTS

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse community members, Skilled Migrants, refugees, and other newly arrived migrants are invited to a free Migrant Information Session in Wodonga on Thursday 22 June 2023.

Hosted by Regional Development Australia Murray and Gateway Health, the ‘Welcoming Communities’ event will bring together migrants with local employers and organisations, providing support around resume writing, interview skills, health and training to assist new migrants settling into the community.

Migrants will also have the opportunity to meet local service providers, relax and connect with others, share their stories and experiences, and ask any questions in a safe, supportive space.

Regional Development Australia CEO Edwina Hayes said the event aims to help break down barriers, open doors and encourage employment opportunities for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

“Migrants have made a tremendous contribution to the Murray region over the years. But moving to a new place is always hard. This is why creating a sense of welcome and belonging for our new arrivals is absolutely vital, and the first step is to make sure they have the right contacts, information, and advice,” Mrs Hayes said.

“This event will be a great way to introduce local employers to a pool of skilled potential workers while supporting migrants to find employment that matches their knowledge and experience. Our goal is to help new arrivals, connect them to support services and organisations and provide information about local agencies that may be able to assist them as they build their new lives in our region. I would urge all our new community members to come along and find out what services, help and support are available.”

Gateway Health’s Manager of Equity and Participation, Tracey Farrant, said community collaboration is vital to ensuring new arrivals feel connected and supported.

“Gateway Health is pleased to be working in partnership with Regional Development Australia Murray to host this event, which aims to help people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds navigate and settle into the local community. It is a great opportunity to connect with local people, services and supports and we hope to see plenty of new community members there.”

The event will also include information stalls and free afternoon tea and refreshments.

The ‘Welcoming Communities’ Event will be held from 4pm-6pm, Thursday 22 June 2023 at Gateway Community Health, 155 High Street, Wodonga.

Register your attendance via EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/welcoming-communities-tickets-651309041877. Interpreters are available upon request. For more information, or for help registering, email skilledmigration@rdamurray.org.au or info@gatewayhealth.org.au  

-ENDS-

Further details or interviews:

Edwina Hayes

Chief Executive Officer: Regional Development Australia Murray Inc

Ph: 0427 267 753  communications@rdamurray.org.au