In this submission SCoA outlines two pressing issues for the sector – loss of a specialised workforce, and increased refugee unemployment. The submission proposes a solution that will simultaneously address both issues, thereby leveraging the sector in Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
Tax time resources
In the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health information in emerging languages was not readily accessible to refugee and migrant communities living in Murray-Riverina region of NSW. Red Cross identified the need to develop and distribute culturally-appropriate information and materials within these communities.
Beyond Diversity promotes the engagement of organisations, businesses and professionals with new arrivals in local areas.
The Guide Book for Chinese Migrants promotes Chinese Migrants to settle in Australia by providing extensive information and resources on living in Australia.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Youth Program works with young people aged 15-25 to support them to access education and employment support through one to one or group coaching. They also run social inclusion activities and civic engagement activities, such as workshops and camps.
Recognising that many of their clients are not literate in their first language, CatholicCare in Toowoomba worked with the local Primary Health Network and the local hospital and developed audio translations of key restriction updates and health information. These were then distributed to service providers, and widely shared through Facebook and WhatsApp. The audio resources have made it much easier for service providers to communicate with clients. As a result of the information being in a format that is more accessible, and shared through mediums client groups already frequently accessed, the local community has a better understanding of the pandemic and current health advice.
In July 2020 Women’s Safety NSW released their report ‘Impact of COVID-19 on Migrant and Refugee Women and Children Experiencing DFV’.
MYAN NSW has taken a youth-led approach to adapting its work during COVID-19. They have been running a range of youth-led activities, including online games, facilitating social connection between youth, meditation and yoga sessions, and consultations with young people to understand how young people are feeling at this time. The youth at MYAN NSW have been instrumental in supporting the organisation to use new technologies, and a key lesson learnt for MYAN NSW is the value of employing young people.