By Juliano Oliveira
A new $900,000 support for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants has been announced by the Queensland Government.
People on temporary visas, those who were socially isolated, not proficient in English or had anxiety from past trauma are the main target of the financial support.
“The Community Connections Support Package includes $283,000 in initiatives and $617,000 of boosted investment in existing programs,” Multicultural Affairs Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.
He said the amount of $132,000 will be directed to expand the “I Speak Your Language” telephone support program delivered by the Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast and $141,000 to fund a community connector role in the Australian Red Cross.
“Other funding for existing programs includes $420,000 to Community Queensland to respond to increased demand from people seeking asylum who are on temporary visas, and a $90,000 boost for providers funded through the Community Action for a Multicultural Society program to support technology enhancements enabling online service provision and engagement.”