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Imagine fleeing for your life – no possessions, no security and not knowing if all of your family are alive. You receive a lifeline in the form of a Humanitarian Visa from the Australian Government and you begin in small ways to start a new life. This is the experience of hundreds of refugees, who now call Toowoomba City home.
Prior to 2001, Toowoomba received a consistent but relatively small number of refugees to Toowoomba. Today we have seen that number grow considerably from two families from Southern Sudan in the 1990’s to an estimated 750 Southern Sudanese in 2005. Refugees settling in Toowoomba on Humanitarian Visas originate from a broad range of countries including Burundi, Chad, Ethiopa, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan and The Congo.
It is important to remember that people do not choose to be a refugee. Situations of conflict, violence and oppression have forced one billion people around the world to seek asylum in other, safer countries. Refugees have little or no choice about their destination. Naturally the vast majority would rather be in their own homeland, making valuable contributions to their own country.
On arrival in Toowoomba, the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Agencies and existing family and friends support refugees to begin the process of settling into Toowoomba. The Agencies can’t do this job alone and rely on committed and passionate volunteers to assist.
Seeking secure and safe housing, settling the children into education, improving their English and seeking work quickly become the priorities of the newly arrived people. After embracing this country as home and waiting the mandatory four-year period the vast majority are eager to make their Pledge of Commitment to become Australian Citizens and continue to contribute to the benefit of the community.
Migrants coming to the city may have come as skilled workers or family stream migrants. They are looking for assistance with job searching, accommodation or navigation of the services already in place. A Settlements Grants Program Caseworker is available at the Centre to assist with these matters. Other visitors to the Centre include student visa holders seeking support for their family who tend to become isolated at home without knowledge of our language, systems and services.
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