Centacare Catholic Family Services’ Burmese and African Refugee Support Groups have just celebrated Refugee Week with cultural shows, dancing and a traditional lunch. Refugee Week aims to acknowledge the remarkable journeys of some of our newest Australians, to celebrate a sense of belonging and to promote understanding in the broader community.

The Hon. Joan Kirner, former Victorian Premier and current Chair, Ministerial Advisory Council for Victorian Communities, joined the celebrations and acknowledged the extraordinary resilience and determination of refugees. She said to the Burmese and African refugees, "Thank you for being brave enough to endure the conflict you experienced in your homelands and for your struggle here."

As Centacare CEO Fr Joe Caddy explains, "When you hear their stories of how they became refugees, you realise the importance of providing these support networks. After being forced to flee from their homes, families and communities, refugees risk becoming so isolated in a new country. They often need some help to find their place of belonging in the community."

Centacare’s Director of Community Services Mr Philip Cornish announced, "Thanks to a generous donation, we intend to open up a new office in Werribee soon to support a growing community of Burmese and African refugees in this area. We are building community support networks with parishes, schools and neighbourhood houses to enable us to address the refugees’ needs."

Centacare already runs a Burmese women’s support group in Hoppers Crossing, African women’s and men’s support groups in Maidstone and Footscray, and African, Afghani and Burmese women’s groups in Dandenong. The traditional village like groups provide practical support, information and ongoing life skill development. These skills include cooking, healthy eating, financial literacy, sewing, jewellery making, computing, personal care and transport. They also cover laundry, DIY handyman skills, banking and money handling, shopping, tenancy, medication, emergency support services and English language skills.

Centacare has commenced an interest free loan scheme combined with a financial literacy and building independence project. This provides extensive employment support for refugee job seekers to gain financial independence and provides financial assistance so refugee job seekers can address their employment barriers. This training is provided in conjunction with English language skill development.  Another important component of the program is the learning support or tutoring for primary and secondary school students.

To volunteer support or donate to Centacare’s Refugee and Settlement Program, contact Centacare Catholic Family Services on (03) 9287 5555 or visit www.centacaremelbourne.org.