VISITORS Nola Maskell, Joan Williams, Merryn Eagles and Robyn Murphy attended the October meeting where Robyn spoke on her former role with Wimmera Development Association program as Wimmera settlement worker.
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The program began in 2011, initially for singles, and Robyn first worked alongside Janet Heard, then took the role when it became available through a government contract grant.
Eventually families were included and, with the aid of a Power Point presentation, Robyn was able to show members the many and varied ways and means that assistance is available through the migrant settlement program.
These include helping adjust after traumatic pre-arrival experiences.
Assistance by government is provided for the first five years through the whole of the Wimmera.
Eligible migrants for settlement services include those with humanitarian visas, family stream migrants and dependents of skilled migrants.
Help and guidance is found through client contacts, referrals (often school principals will advise of new students) and network meetings.
The Wimmera settlement committee oversees management of the program.
Sporting activities, building social connectivity activities, assisting with forms being filled in, supermarket shopping, seminars at careers expos to assist young people with gaining L or P plates in driving skills and teddy bear tours at hospital for mothers and young children.
Horsham and Nhill both have very strong playgroup activities. After school mentoring to assist with homework, English classes and employment readiness training is also covered.
Volunteer Merryn spoke of her role with the Tuesday morning walking program, providing physical activity and opportunities for social interaction through casual conversation as well as one-on-one mentoring. There are 30 to 35 one-on-one mentors in Horsham alone.
Other areas where people can volunteer include assist are Oasis Wimmera, which was started by two ladies at GWM for social activities for women that have only recently arrived in the community, and the Foreign Wives group to support ladies.
Librarian Mary Dalgleish has assisted greatly with reading programs for the children.
Dawn Reading thanked the ladies for their most informative talks.
Lucky door prize winner: Mary Ross.
The next meeting is Monday, November 2 with fashions by ‘Kouture by Kaz’.
Members are encouraged to dress for Melbourne Cup Day with a prize for lady of the day. Members will be selling poppies on Thursday and Friday, November 5 and 6 for the RSL.
