Refugee Action Program
About the program
It can be a challenge for many refugee communities to access the services they need within an unfamiliar system. The Refugee Action Program acts as a ‘broker’, connecting communities with service providers and resources to address their local issues and concerns.
In partnership with the Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre, the Ecumenical Migration Centre's ultimate goal with the Refugee Action Program is to steer communities towards self sufficiency. It helps communities identify their service needs and then trains community leaders to establish relationships with service providers and supportive partner organisations.
Newly arrived communities from countries such as Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia and West Papua developed their capacity through the Refugee Action Program in 2008–09.
Who is eligible?
Refugee communities that will be receiving support from the Refugee Action Program are identified each year for the next year's program.
Features
The Refugee Action Program includes:
- identification of goals, supporters and useful services for a given community group
- empowerment for communities as they develop skills to create their own independent organisations
- networking with other organisations who can assist community groups
- ongoing training and mentorship for a liaison officer from within the community
- training and support delivered for and by community members.
Partners
We acknowledge the following partners for their valuable contributions in 2009 and 2010:
City of Moreland
City of Yarra
Department of Planning and Community Development
Rotary Club of Melbourne
Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Contact us
Brotherhood of St Laurence
Refugee Action Program
Ecumenical Migration Centre
123 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy Vic. 3065
Phone: (03) 8412 8700
Email: emc@nullbsl.org.au