Service NSW and Multicultural NSW have launched a program to support young people from refugee, migrant and similar backgrounds access Government services and community support.
Announced by Minister for Customer Service, Jihad Dib, the Multicultural Youth Linker program offers free 45-minute appointments with dedicated frontline Service NSW staff and is designed to empower migrants and refugees aged 16-25 in accessing the Government services available to them.
“The program provides access to information, support services and training that helps meet their economic, educational, social and health needs,” Mr Dib said.
“Youth Linker staff also come from a refugee, migrant or multicultural background so they share a deep understanding of the settlement needs of young people and can draw on their strong relationship within the local community to tailor advice suiting the needs and situation of the customer,” he said.
“Available support may include assistance in obtaining a driver licence and other identity documents, accessing grants and rebates, enrolling in study, vocational training or linguistic support, as well as connecting them with local non-government and community organisations.”
Mr Dib said that with overseas migration returning to pre-COVID levels and more than 35,000 people settling in NSW on humanitarian grounds since 2015, the program provided a critical service to some of the newest and most vulnerable members of the community.
He said Multicultural Youth Linker appointments were available on the phone or face-to-face at the Bankstown, Auburn, Liverpool, Wetherill Park, Newcastle and Wallsend Service NSW Centres.
“For people who have chosen to make Australia their home, just like my family did, knowing what government services are available can be a mystery,” the Minister said.
“This program will take away the difficulty around the adjustment to a new life and make the transition as smooth as possible,” he said.
“What this program does is tell our young arrivals that they belong here.”
Further information on the Agencies’ Multicultural Youth Linker program can be accessed at this PS News link.
