1. Wodonga’s journey towards access & equity

2. Wodonga’s migrant history
After World War II, over 300,000 migrants arrived in Bonegilla migrant centre (near Wodonga)
About half the refugees arriving in Australia immediately after WWII came through Bonegilla
In 1998/99, Bandiana Army Barracks (near Wodonga) hosted several hundred displaced Kosovar Albanians who were offered Temporary Safe Haven Visas

3. Migrants came from over 50 countries inc
Migrants came from over 50 countries inc. Germany, the Netherlands, Britain, Austria, Italy, Greece, Hungary and Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Spain, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia *Albury Library Photo Archive

4. Wodonga Today Population: Wodonga 38,000
(Albury/ Wodonga 85,000)
9.6% of population born overseas
Wodonga key settlement area
Approx 1,000 recently settled refugees (Albury/Wodonga)
Main countries of origin – Bhutan/Nepal, South Sudan, DRC (Congo)
Large skilled migrant and int. student population

5. Challenges / Issues Access & cost of interpreting services
Lack of information sharing between services
Lack of support (particularly skilled migrants)
Referrals (back & forth)
Referral pathways/criteria/eligibility
Limited public transport
Diverse people, diverse needs
Government policies
Community attitudes – laziness, too hard, racism etc.

6. Shaking the apple tree Multicultural Interagency Network
Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council
Community excitement for cultural events etc.
Capacity building – working with individual workers, using interpreters, cultural awareness training
Advocacy – engaging with media, business and government agencies
Community education – schools, art projects, info spreading

7. Council’s role into the future
Imbed in council strategy
Use interpreting services
Apply for funding (community leadership, community safety, social cohesion etc)
Multicultural & social cohesion strategies/policies
Cultural Awareness training for staff
Cultural initiatives ie. Refugee Welcome Zone, Harmony Day and Refugee Week projects
Partner with service providers to increase their capacity to engage with diverse clients
Lead by example - employ migrants in paid and voluntary positions
Social cohesion initiatives, Neighbourhood BBQ’s etc

8. Gateway Health - Migrant Welcome Zone
Wellbeing outcomes for ALL the community
Refugee Nurse, GP’s and Mental Health Mentors
Translated website and resources
Culture Club
On-site Interpreter
Advocacy
Settlement Services*
Promote Access & Equity
as a mutual benefit,
not just a right!

9. Brett Sanderson (02) 6022 9325 bsanderson@wodonga. vic. gov
Brett Sanderson (02) Dax Mathews (02)