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PATHWAY TO BETTER LIVING Over 450 people attended the “Pathway to better Living Expo” held last Thursday at Chisholm Institute Dandenong Campus. The expo, a first of it’s kind in the southern region, saw over 80 community service organisations come together under the one roof, to provide critical living information to teachers, parents, students, and community groups - specifically asylum seekers and newly arrived. Ali arrived as an asylum seeker 2 years ago, and after spending some time in detention centres he was released into the community on a protective visa. Since then he has completed English classes at both AMES Educations and Chisholm Institute, and is currently studying Business Administration with the intention of setting up his own business in Australia as a tailor. “In my country I was a business owner and a tailor, through my schooling I am hoping to be able to do the same thing here in Australia. I do like the idea of the job the men in orange overalls do too (SES)”, said Ali Four months ago Ali was joined by his wife and family, his wife is also studying English and is hoping to get back into teaching, her profession before she arrived in Australia. The Pathway to Better Living Expo, has given Ali and his family a better understanding of the services and support available in the community for them, including childcare, youth programs for his older children, particularly during school holidays, and further courses available for his wife. “The Expo has been very informative and given me more confidence to approach services as a newly arrived family. I hope there are more things like this, so I can tell my friends who weren’t able to come today”, he said. Service providers who attended included, Emergency Services (SES), Department of Human Services – Centrelink, Medicare, CRS and Child Support, Department of Justice, Settlement Services, Youth Services and various local council services. The expo provided a great opportunity to network and connect with new clients, and specifically being able to showcase their programs and services to the CALD Community.
“It is so important that the SE CALD Network works collaboratively, providing a range of internal and external programs to assist these families”, said Ms Serap Ozdemir, Manager of Business Development at Windermere. “Melbourne’s South East is one of the fastest growth corridors for migrants and refugees, who are impacted by a range of health and wellbeing issues and need support. It is vital these families know where to go to access these services, and that we as service providers are accessible to them” she said. This day would not have been possible without the support of the SE CALD Network; Department of Human Services (DHS) - Federal; Department of Justice, Chisholm Institute of TAFE and Windermere Child and Family Services.
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About Windermere Windermere improves wellbeing in children, families and communities by helping to realise their potential, build resilience and connecting people in the community. Windermere is one of the largest and oldest independent community service organisations in Melbourne’s South-East. Today, we operate from 21 locations across 10 municipalities serving a population of over 1.2 million people. If you wish to know more information please contact Windermere Child and Family Services on (03) 9705 3200 or email info@windermere.org.au For interviews or further media information contact: Maree De George Windermere Child and Family Services Phone: 0414 609 006 maree.degeorge@windermere.org.au www.windermere.org.au
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