Refugees feel Tasmanian Government state support as warm welcome buoys families

THE group charged with looking after refugees settling in Tasmania says recent arrivals from Syria and Iraq have been pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome.

CatholicCare Multicultural Service Programs Manager, James Norman says recent arrivals from Syria and Iraq have been pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

THE group charged with looking after refugees settling in Tasmania says recent arrivals from Syria and Iraq have been pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome.

As revealed by the Mercury, the first Syrian and Iraqi refugees have arrived in Tasmania this week. The group of eight families includes 15 children.

FOR MORE: MIDDLE EASTERN REFUGEE FAMILIES ARRIVE IN TASMANIA

CatholicCare, which has long provided support for refugees arriving from a variety of countries, is supporting the latest arrivals to Hobart.

CatholicCare Multicultural Service Programs Manager James Norman said the families were initially placed in housing specifically for newly arrived refugees.

They would be supported to link with services including schools and medical centres.

Most would be housed in the private rental market within a matter of months, he said.

“The families that are already here I have met several times. The impression we have from them very clearly so far is they are surprised by just how welcoming and supportive the response has been,” he said.

“Whether it be Syrian and Iraqi families or other families we are working with, it’s always important to remember they have been through some very difficult journeys to get here.”

Mr Norman said language was a major barrier to start with, with CatholicCare employed staff from diverse cultural backgrounds to act at translators.

He said the housing provided to refugees was separate to any provided under other social housing programs so it did not impact on the housing waiting list.

Opposition multicultural affairs spokeswoman Madeleine Ogilvie said it was good news Tasmanians could finally welcome people fleeing conflict in Syria.

“Labor welcomes our first Syrian and Iraqi families and is proud that we have kept the pressure on the Hodgman Government to deliver on its promise to resettle members of the international community fleeing unthinkable horrors in war zones,” she said.

“It’s hoped this first intake of families is just the beginning and that an anticipated 200 refugees will ultimately find a home in Tasmania.

Greens multicultural affairs spokes woman Andrew Dawkins said Tasmania could take more people than the 500 accepted by the Government.

“Our island is a warm hearted and welcoming place with settlement services, educational opportunities and a compassionate and concerned community waiting to help the new arrivals settle in,” she said.

Originally published as Refugees feel Tasmanian Government state support as warm welcome buoys families