The Migrant Resource Centre assists with the settlement of migrants into the community as well as informing the general community of the background of the new arrivals.
About the Inner Western Region Migrant Resource Centre
The MRC is a non-government organisation with a Committee of Management having representatives from a large number of migrant communities as well as mainstream services from the Inner Western Region.
To assist in the implementation of the MRC objectives the Centre provides a range of services.
All client services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.
Professionally trained staff in the social sciences field provide one to one counseling, advice and referral assistance to individuals, youth and families of newly arrived refugees and migrants as well as non-English speaking residents in the West. In paticular, orientation programs and case management of refugees is provided at the "on-arrival accommodation flats" located in the west.
The MRC is registered under the Migration Agents Act to provide advice and assistance on immigration matters i.e. sponsorship , change of status, etc. In addition, a qualified solicitor from the Victorian Immigration Advice and Rights centre is available two days a week for more complex immigration matters and appeals. Volunteers assist with a night service on Mondays every fortnight.
Appointments are necessary.
The MRC is responsible for implementing the National Settlement Strategy at the local regional area through the settlement consultant.
The MRC has two staff who have regional responsibilities for issues relating to the Aged as well as people with disabilities from non-English speaking backgrounds in the Western region. Their role is to assist mainstream and ethno-specific service providers to develop culturally appropriate services.
To assist in improving the awareness and sensitivity of mainstream service providers to the needs of their migrant clients, the MRC provides Cross-Cultural training and information to service providers and community organisations.
Included among the aims of this unit is to assist service staff develop skills in effectively communicating with people of NESB, as well as improve the ability of service providers to access people from NESB. This is undertaken through implementing and facilitating training programs.
The Centre also has the capacity to develop and implement information programs, on a consultative basis, for mainstream oganisations and agencies in relation to issues that may arise concerning people form NESB. Further information can be obtained from the Education and Training Coordinator at the Migrant Resource Centre.
The MRC provides direct support to NESB youth at risk and contributes to the development of appropriate youth services which would meet the needs of NESB youth .
The MRC provides one for one employment support service to individuals, specifically from Africa, Middle East, Central America, Philippines and the Indian sub-continent.
The MRC is registered as an Adult, Community and Further Education. A small number of English programs are available.
Some fees are involved.
The MRC has undertaken a number of major consultancies for government and non-government agencies on ethnic access issues. The Centre also has the capacity to develop and implement information programs on a consultative basis for mainstream organisations and agencies in relation to issues that may arise concerning people from NESB.
The MRC has three venues ranging in capacity from 30 to120 people in Footscray and Werribee for use by community agencies.
Fees are applicable.
The MRC has a range of bilingual staff to assist individuals from particular communities. Full details can be obtained from the reception staff at either of the offices above .
| Recommended services are as follows: | Telephone |
| Central Health Interpreter Services (CHIS) | 9370 1222 |
| Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS) | 9416 9999 |
| Victorian Interpreting and Translating Services (VITS) | 9280 1955 |
| Head Office
41-45 Pickett Street Footscray Vic 3011 Tel: 9689 2888 Fax: 96879286 |
Branch Office
Central Park Community Centre 2 Lonsdale Circuit Hoppers Crossing 3029 Tel: 9748 3066 Fax: 9748 3340 |
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