Bulli & Clifton Times

ALMOST $1.5 million will be spent by the Federal Government to assist refugees and migrants become self-reliant and settle in the Illawarra.

Illawarra Multicultural Services will receive funding under the Commonwealth Government’s Settlement Grants Program (SGP), which aims to help refugees and migrants become independent, acquire skills and knowledge about life in Australia and contribute to the national economy.

Federal MP for Cunningham, Sharon Bird said the Illawarra Multicultural Services will receive $1,451,718 to continue to provide practical assistance on the ground to help the regions’ newest community members.

“The Government recognises the important role community organisations play helping migrants and refugees settle as quickly as possible and build rewarding lives in Australia.”

These projects aim to increase clients’ independence, social participation and personal and economic wellbeing for eligible SGP clients in the Illawarra and Nowra/ Bomaderry regions.

Funding through the Settlement Grants Program is targeted to assist refugees, family sponsored migrants and the dependants of those on skilled migration visas with low levels of English.