Brimbank has accepted the third-highest number of humanitarian
migrants in the state in the past five years as part of the more than
25,000 foreigners that have settled in the municipality since the start
of 2001.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship figures show Brimbank
welcomed 2004 humanitarian migrants between August 1, 2008, and July 31
this year, with only Greater Dandenong (4128) and Hume (3525) accepting
more. A humanitarian migrant is a person from a persecuted background
with previous connections to Australia.
Wyndham took in 1398 humanitarian migrants and Melton 421 in the same period.
Brimbank has welcomed 10 per cent of the state’s humanitarian intake during the past 11 years.
The figures were released last week as Brimbank council adopted a settlement action plan.
Council administrator Peter Lewinsky said the plan was designed to help the area’s migrants get the support they needed.
“Many come from difficult circumstances and are unsure how to get
help,” he said. “Not many councils have these plans. I’m hoping it will
be a very well used one.”
The plan follows a forum in November, 2011, that identified
English language, vocation and training, health, housing and legal
issues as the biggest challenges facing new migrants.
Under the plan, the council will work with government and welfare
agencies to respond to the needs of settling communities. Libraries
will offer English language learning programs, while the council will
ensure family and children’s directories and information on legal
services is available.
Immigration Department data also showed Brimbank accepted 5 per
cent of the state’s total migration intake between January 1, 2001, and
December 12 last year.
Declared a “refugee welcome zone” by the Refugee Council of
Australia in 2002, Brimbank welcomed 3.6 per cent of the state’s skilled
migration intake and 6.5 per cent of all migrant families in the same
period.
Almost 250 new citizens were sworn in as Australian citizens at Victoria University in Sunshine on August 15.
