PrintOutreach to Sudanese clients in Shepparton and Melbourne
Sudanese family connecting with Centrelink outreach service.Photograph courtesy Centrelink
When 27 Sudanese families relocated from Melbourne to Shepparton in country Victoria, Centrelink Multicultural Service Officer Val De Santa-Ana collaborated with the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District to arrange a meeting with local Sudanese Acholi community leaders to discuss services available at the local Centrelink Customer Service Centre (CSC).
Along with general Centrelink information, they discussed income support and employment; declaring income and changed circumstances to Centrelink; Child Care Benefit and the cost of child care; English classes for those who have completed the Adult Migrant English Program; and childhood immunisation. Opportunities for community members to work as Centrelink interpreters were also explored.
Community leaders were very interested in finding out what work was available in the region. Mark Georgiou, Manager of Shepparton CSC, talked about local employment opportunities, including seasonal fruit processing and harvest work.
Very positive feedback was received and further information sessions for the community have since been held.