Brimbank

Settlement

Action Plan

2019-2023

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The City of Brimbank is one of the most diverse municipalities in Victoria and has a long and proud

history of welcoming migrants and new arrivals. These have included humanitarian entrants (refugees

and asylum seekers), migrants and skilled migrants who make up a significant proportion of our new and

emerging communities.

Brimbank Council supports multiculturalism, community harmony, and social justice. Diversity is central

to its identity, embracing people from around the world and weaving their stories into one another.

Our cultural and linguistic diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Brimbank’s rich history of welcoming

migrants and refugees has helped shape our dynamic community and build local industry through the

increase of population, participation and productivity.

Migrants bring new perspectives and skills, expand our links to overseas markets, support international

trade and tourism, fill skills gaps and labour shortages, and help to keep our industries strong. Refugees

and asylum seekers make substantial contributions to our State, bring new skills, create employment, fill

employment gaps and strengthen our links to new markets.

To get the most from our diversity, we need to continue building a community and economy where all

individuals can participate, successfully navigate systems and overcome barriers, and achieve their

economic, social and personal goals.

The Brimbank Settlement Action Plan 2019-2023 (BSAP 2019-2023) sets priorities to achieve positive

outcomes for people from culturally diverse backgrounds. It focuses on:



Achieving culturally responsive policies, services and programs



Inclusive, harmonious and united communities



Improved economic opportunities.

The Brimbank Settlement Action Plan 2019-2023 (BSAP 2019-2023) reflects community and service

provider priorities, challenges and partnership opportunities. It aims to ensure the settlement journey

of migrants and new and settling communities is sustainable, and optimises opportunities for

everyone.

Council’s commitment to the successful settlement of migrants and new arrivals is reflected in the

Brimbank Council Plan 2017-2021 vision ‘Brimbank – vibrant, harmonious and welcoming, a great place to

live, work and grow.’

Brimbank Council’s role in supporting migrant and new arrivals includes:

Bringing together key service providers to identify issues/opportunities for

partnerships.

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Engaging with key stakeholders in the Brimbank community and all other levels

of government.

Promoting the needs and aspirations of the community and to recommend

preferred courses of action to state and federal levels of government, statutory

authorities and other sectors.

The Brimbank Social Justice Charter expresses Council’s commitment to the principles of access, equity,

community participation and human rights. Council’s commitment to social justice responds to issues of

socio-economic disadvantage, social exclusion and discrimination in our community

In 2002, Brimbank was declared a

. The RWZ is a local government area

that has made a commitment to welcome refugees into the community, uphold the human rights of

refugees, demonstrate compassion and enhance cultural and religious diversity in the community. This is

an initiative of the Refugee Council of Australia.

In 2017, the Federal Government released Australia’s Multicultural Statement:

The statement renews and reaffirms the government's commitment to a multicultural Australia, in which

racism and discrimination have no place, based on the values of respect, equality and freedom.

sets out the vision for embracing diversity while

emphasising Australia’s unique national identity and the importance of being an integrated and united

people. The statement recognises that to strengthen Australia’s economy we must support the

economic and social participation of our new arrivals who bring with them the skills, knowledge and

networks of a diverse workforce.

The National Settlement Framework is a high level structural blueprint for Commonwealth, State and

Territory and Local Government, to work in partnership to effectively plan and deliver services that

support the settlement of migrants and new arrivals in Australia. The framework has established focus

areas for the three tiers of government to regularly engage and collaborate with stakeholders.

All 79 Councils across Victoria are required to operate in accordance with the

The Act requires that Councils:



Improve overall quality of life of people in the community



Ensure services delivered are equitable and accessible

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

Act as a representative government by taking into account the diverse needs of the local

community in decision making, fostering community cohesion and encouraging active

participation in civic life.

The

establishes key principles to foster a common understanding of

cultural diversity. It also acknowledges the positive effect of cultural diversity on social, cultural and

economic life in Victoria.

The Act recognises that one of the central tenets of multiculturalism is citizenship and that the

expression ‘citizenship’ is not limited to formal Australian citizenship, but refers to the rights and

responsibilities of all people in a multicultural society.

Brimbank is a vibrant, growing community in the heart of Melbourne’s west. The estimated resident

population of 202,863 in 2016 makes it the third most populous municipality in Greater Melbourne. The

Council Plan has the following four goals and a series of strategic objectives:

- An Inclusive Community

- A Liveable Community

- A Prosperous Community

- An Innovative and Responsive “Community First” Council

Brimbank understands the successful settlement of migrants and refugees is dependent on the quality

and level of support they receive as they begin their new life as Australians, and upon appropriate and

adequately resourced early intervention measures. Additionally, Brimbank appreciates that settlement is

not necessarily a linear process and that migrants and new arrivals may not progress through services

and opportunities in a sequential manner.

Recognising that this cannot be provided by one agency or organisation alone, collaborative, multi

agency partnerships are required to develop cooperative responses and sustained advocacy. As such,

coordinated settlement services and enhanced levels of support, tailored to meet the specific needs of

people from new and emerging communities,

are essential to successful settlement. Such support

increases their sense of wellbeing, security, confidence and allows our community to prosper.

Brimbank believes a sound planning framework for settlement services is critical to ensure that services

match needs, effective and efficient use of resources, there is clarity of roles and responsibilities and

services are coordinated to avoid duplication.

In line with the National Settlement Framework, the Brimbank Settlement Action Plan has identified key

focus areas that respond to the emerging and ongoing needs of migrants and new arrivals:

1. Planning – supportive and collaborative settlement and support service planning structures and

processes, including information sharing.

2. Delivery – coordinated client-centric services eliminating gaps and duplications.

3. Evaluation and review – a robust evidence base for assessing and better understanding

settlement and support service delivery and outcomes.

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

Brimbank covers an area of 123 square kilometres



Brimbank’s population is 194,319 residents



47.8% of Brimbank residents were born overseas



58.4% people of Brimbank speak a language other than English at home



Top ten languages spoken at home: Vietnamese, Punjabi, Filipino/Tagalog, Greek, Maltese,

Italian, Macedonian, Arabic, Cantonese, and Croatian



There are over 160 languages spoken in Brimbank



74.7% of Brimbank have a religious affiliation



81% of Brimbank residents born overseas arrived before 2011, 19% arrived during or after 2011

The first European settlements were established at Keilor in the late 1840s, Sunshine (then known as

Braybrook Junction) in the mid-1880s and St Albans in the late 1880s. Brimbank’s suburbs boomed after

World War II, when migrants from southern Europe flowed to the area. More recently, newly arrived

Asian and African communities have developed alongside the more established European communities.

Brimbank continues to be a significant Western Region gateway for overseas migrants, and over half of

Brimbank residents speak a language other than English, with over 160 languages spoken in Brimbank.

Australia's Permanent Migration Programme is designed to achieve a range of economic and social

outcomes. There are three key streams:

1.

– designed to improve the productive capacity of the economy and fill skill shortages in

the labour market, including those in regional Australia. This represents the majority of places

offered.

2.

– predominately made up of partner visas, enabling Australians to reunite with family

members from overseas, and provide them with pathways to citizenship.

3.

– covers the former resident category and includes visas granted under

ministerial intervention.

Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian Programme is an important part of the country’s contribution to

the international protection of refugees. There are two main components:

1.

for people who are found to be refugees in another country before they

come to Australia.

2.

for people who come to Australia with a valid visa and make a successful

claim for asylum after they arrive.

Brimbank, along with the municipalities of Greater Dandenong, Whittlesea, Casey and Hume, is one of

the main locations refugees are settling. The countries of birth that many of the recent refugee arrivals

to Melbourne come from include Iraq, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Sudan, Bangladesh, Pakistan

and Iran.

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https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/council/about-brimbank-council-and-community/brimbank-community-profile

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The BSAP 2019-2023 was developed in consultation with the community, settlement support agencies

and council staff. This involved a review of the previous BSAP 2013-2017, its achievements and an

analysis of the current settlement trends according to local, state and federal data.

BSAP

Consultations

Online surveys

Public consultations

Guest speakers at network

meetings

Focus groups and workshops

One to one meetings

Telephone interviews

December –

February

2017/18

Service providers networks

English language providers

Case workers

Interest groups

Refugees and asylum seekers

Aged residents

General public

Analysis

BSAP 2013-2017 review

Scoping

February – March Federal, State and Local

Government

Settlement Support Agencies

- One of the highest priorities for most newcomers, especially learning

opportunities that extend beyond the classroom setting, such as informal social and practical sessions,

e.g. help with shopping and where to find services.

There are many new and overwhelming demands for new arrivals when moving

to a new country. These include finding somewhere to live, finding a job, different types of schools,

learning the language, opening a bank account, reporting to Centrelink, going to English classes, applying

for jobs and even understanding things such how the household rubbish collection works. Together

these are often overwhelming and may impend the settlement journey for some, in particular those

from traumatic backgrounds.

- No matter how big (festivals, leadership courses etc.) or small (playgroups, swim

sessions etc.) it cannot be underestimated the positive impact these social opportunities create in

people’s lives. Evidence, both research based and anecdotally, indicates that meeting and interacting

with others from similar circumstances, and or neighbours and community members in general, helps to

smooth the transition to establishing new lives in Australia.

Learning about what is expected and what is available, without feeling embarrassed

or naïve, can be extremely challenging. This includes being able to speak in their own language and

having access to information that can be taken away (printed, internet access, etc.). Additionally, family

and traditional community connections and structures are often all that new settlers have, so when

these connections break down, many often feel shameful and experience further traumatisation. Having

services, support and programs that assist is vital.

- In the current funding environment, services

providers are often required to regularly prepare detailed submissions for ongoing funding while

delivering complex services in a changing global environment. The uncertainty in service provision and

staff employment, combined with highly competitive funding conditions, can significantly restrict longer

term service planning, integration and effectiveness.

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The plan aims to:

1. Identify strategic opportunities to work with local agencies, peak representative bodies and the

State and Federal Government agencies to achieve joint goals.

2. Develop strategies to respond to the identified needs of new and emerging communities settling

in Brimbank.

3. Support the work of Brimbank’s settlement agencies.

The Plan is detailed in 8 focus themes:



Education and Training



Employment



Family and Social Connections



Civic Participation



Language Services



Housing



Transport



Services Provision

The provision of diverse learning and educational opportunities contribute to a fair and just community.

Recognising the benefits of formal or informal learning can engender a desire to continue learning,

provide career and training pathways, and encourage active citizenship.

Education and Training

Lifelong learning and partnering and supporting local community.

Local libraries as knowledge and learning hubs.

A Prosperous Community

People are able to access quality education and lifelong learning

opportunities.



New settlers are often not aware of the range of language learning support that is available and

therefore do not access that support.



It is difficult to learn English when you have to care for young children. This is especially the case

for women.



English classes that provide childcare are very important.



Accessing information and learning English can be done in different ways, e.g. online, one to

one, with and without children.



Genuine approaches to collaborative service planning between service providers need more

support.



An inherent competitive environment amongst service providers makes it difficult to work with

one another.



Convene a cross sectoral, municipal wide forum to explore and establish key partnerships that

will aim to increase employment prospects and reduce barriers for migrants and new arrivals.



Investigate genuine employment opportunities and/or work experience for migrants and new

arrivals at Brimbank Council.

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

Pursue the delivery of programs, initiatives, information and resources that improve access to

local employment opportunities for migrant groups.



Continue to promote volunteering opportunities across the municipality.



Advocate to relevant bodies of the current procedural barriers (and contradictions) for newly

arrived people to learn English while seeking employment (and claiming benefits).



Advocate to relevant bodies including the federal government and professional organisations for

avenues that assist in recognising overseas qualifications.

Positive connections with family and members of the community increases community resilience,

strengthens social cohesion and community harmony allowing people to create meaningful relationships

built on respect, trust, understanding and positive communication.

Family and Social Support

Community centres, recreational activities, aged and childcare services

Health and Wellbeing.

Preventative health programs, community gardens, walking groups,

community recreational activities.

An Inclusive Community

People have opportunities to participate in community life.

Our community belong and are proud of where they live.



Children pick up English faster, and as a result, the power balance within the family can change,

which can disrupt family harmony and structure.



Children aged 0-5 can have developmental problems if they can’t get to kindergarten and

playgroups because their parent (usually their mother) can’t drive, or feels isolated because they

can’t speak English or are socially isolated.



Teenagers need help in managing conflict in various situations (e.g. at home, at school, in the

street and at social events).



Problems between generations, in particular young people and their parents.



We need to connect with other communities but don’t know how.



Places for our communities to meet together and grow stronger together are important.



Family violence can be the result of stress that is exacerbated by some of the other issues

mentioned in this report.



Identify better ways (including print, online, social media, noticeboards) to communicate with

the communities of Brimbank, in particular with people who do not speak English fluently, to

increase the cultural capacity of Brimbank City Council.



Continue to work with relevant stakeholders to seek up to date information about new arrivals.



Continue to implement and refine the Brimbank Language Services Policy and Guidelines.



Ensure that vital information on programs, services and activities are in relevant community

languages and formats.

The provision of affordable, accessible and appropriate housing is amongst the most significant

challenges that continue to face our migrant and new arrivals.

Housing

Local community housing and affordable housing programmes.

A prosperous community.

Housing is of good quality, well located and affordable.



Continue to implement the Brimbank Housing Strategy: Home and Housed.



Advocate for appropriate response to the diverse and specific housing needs of migrants and

new arrivals.



Support and develop strategies and programs that reduce household costs that may relieve

housing stress.

The provision of accessible and reliable public transport is vital to help migrants and new arrivals travel

to services, schools and employment.

Transport

Community transport services.

A Liveable Community.

People can get around easily on foot, by bike, car or public

transport



It’s hard to understand the public transport systems, timetables etc.



We need to have accessible reliable transport, because we don’t have cars.



Investigate reliable and affordable transport options for people who cannot afford to drive,

including more comprehensive community bus services.



Advocate for more reliable and accessible public transport services linking communities to

activity centres.



Work with key stakeholders on ways to communicate with CALD community members on public

transport systems and timetables.

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Settlement and support services are an important part of Australia’s commitment to providing a path

and a means for eligible migrants and new arrivals to achieve full participation and adjust to their new

society. Such services are critical, particularly in the initial years. A large number of stakeholders are

involved, including the three tiers of government, service providers and other non-government

organisations.

An innovative and responsive ‘community first’ Council

advocates and works in the interests of our community.

Council is committed to delivering accessible and equitable

services and promoting community harmony through respect,

collaboration and whole of community partnerships.



Agencies are distracted from working with their clients, by needing to write tenders for ongoing

funding.



There seems to be a lot of duplication of activities.



Agencies don’t seem to have the time to spend evaluating the work we do.



We can’t easily access up to date data, trends etc. to help us plan.



Facilitate opportunities which will focus on effective collaboration and coordination between

stakeholders (including service providers, organisations and government) that ultimately leads

to better service delivery when working with migrants and new arrivals.



Facilitate opportunities to increase information sharing amongst service providers.



Advocate for the improvement of the provision of up to date settlement information trends.



Advocate for improved service provision and funding for settlement and support services in

Brimbank.

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The BSAP will be implemented through an annual Brimbank Settlement Action Implementation Plan

which will outline the initiatives to be undertaken over the next four years towards to achieve the vision

and priorities outlined in this document. The strategies and initiatives will be delivered by Council

through partnerships with a range of stakeholders including community groups, service providers,

business and government agencies.

Council will take a lead role in coordinating the delivery of the BSAP. The initiatives will be delivered

where possible through existing partnership structures and, if required, additional structures will be

established. Community input and feedback will be continuously sought through Council’s advisory

committees and through consultation on a range of policies and strategies.

Council is committed to robust evaluation and monitoring of the BSAP. This will assist in measuring the

effectiveness and outcomes of the BSAP.

This will be done by:



Informing Council and its partners about the delivery of actions and partnerships undertaken

through the BSAP.



Developing and reporting on indicators.



Highlighting issues and changes affecting migrants and new settlers.



Producing monitoring reports cards.



Annual reviews with partners.

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

Brimbank Melton Settlement Advisory Committee (representing over 20 organisations) – Focus

Group



Open Public consultation at Brimbank Community and Civic Centre



Brimbank Disability Advisory Committee



Salvation Army



MiCare – settlement services program



Spectrum MRC, managers meeting, case worker meeting, English class



North West Migrant Resource Centre



Foundation House



Life without Barriers (LW), staff meeting, asylum seeker English class, managers meeting



Brotherhood St Laurence, settlement program



Jesuits social services, settlement program



CommUnity Plus, English language provider program



Brimbank Seniors



Persian speaking playgroup



Online survey

www.socialstatistics.com.au and Brimbank ID Profile

https://profile.id.com.au/brimbank

Refers to people who are forced to leave their homes for many reasons,

including conflict and violence. Sometimes it is used to also refer to a

person displaced due to a natural disaster and/or environmental

change.

Refers to a person who has sought protection as a refugee, but whose

claim for refugee status has not yet been assessed.

Refers to someone who is subject to persecutions similar to a refugee

and has connections to Australia usually family who propose such a

person to Australia for resettlement.

Refers to a professional who has acquired skills in a particular

occupation required in Australia. A skilled migrant can be sponsored by

a relative, independent migrant, sponsored by an employer or

nominated by State or Territory Government.

9249 4000

info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

PO Box 70, Sunshine, VIC 3020

•

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TY dial

133 677

•

Speak & Listen

1300 555 727

•

www.relayservice.gov.au

, then enter

03 9249 4000

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