Blacktown City is a refugee welcome zone leadership Council.
Refugee Welcome Zones are an initiative of the Refugee Council of Australia, Australia's peak refugee support organisation.
Blacktown City Council, as a Refugee Welcome Zone has made a commitment in spirit to:
- welcoming refugees into the community,
- upholding the human rights of refugees,
- demonstrating compassion for refugees and
- enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community.
The pledge is to welcome refugees into the Blacktown City community, to further support the important work that needs to be done in creating a culture of welcome and understanding for those displaced by war and persecution.
Blacktown City Council is an executive member of the Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum. Led by Greater Dandenong City Council, the Taskforce is made up of over 40 Councils nationwide, who are collectively advocating for fairness and safety for community members seeking protection.
The Taskforce’s purpose is to coordinate joint advocacy by Australian Local Governments and share resources to better support our community members seeking asylum. The taskforce has been advocating for the rights of people seeking asylum to the Federal Government.
On 3 December 2018, the Taskforce launched the Back Your Neighbour campaign. The campaign symbolises a unified approach with Councils together with community ambassadors to advocate for a fairer and swifter Refugee Status Determination system.
The Back Your Neighbour campaign calls on the Federal Government to:
- provide a fair and clear path for refugees with unresolved immigration status to get permanent protection.
- give people a valid visa with work rights so they can support themselves.
- make health care, financial help and important services easier to access so people can participate fully in society.
How can you help?
- Stand up for our neighbours who need certainty and stability to rebuild their lives and sign the petition here.
- Liking and following the campaign on social media: @backyourneighbour
- Sending a message of support
- Partnering with us: Community organisations and local services are warmly invited to become campaign partners (free).
For more information about the initiatives, please contact Community Development on 02 9839 6203 or Community.Development@blacktown.nsw.gov.au.
Read more at www.backyourneighbour.com.au
Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) - Funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, provides free English lessons and childcare to eligible migrants and refugees.
https://www.tafensw.edu.au/programs/adult-migrant-english-program
Local charitable support services
There are a number of local charitable support organisations providing a range of services in the Blacktown LGA.
Local charitable support services
Mt Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (MECA) - Runs a number of ongoing programs for young people, refugees, and migrants in a supportive and inclusive environment.
https://www.meca.org.au/
NSW Refugee Health Service (RHS) - Is a state-wide service, funded by the Ministry of Health. It provides a range of clinical services and medical assessments for recently arrived refugees and asylum seekers.
https://www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/refugee/#/
NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) - Is one of the leading charities in Australia working directly with refugees and asylum seekers, supporting them to rebuild their lives.
https://www.startts.org.au/
Service NSW Support and guidance for new arrivals -Book a new arrivals appointment.
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/book-a-new-arrivals-appointment
Settlement Services International (SSI) - Is a community organisation and social business that supports newcomers and other Australians to achieve their full potential.
https://www.ssi.org.au/
SydWest Multicultural Services - Works with humanitarian entrants and new arrivals
https://sydwestms.org.au/services/settlement/