New report reveals ‘high levels of trauma’ in Toowoomba refugee community as organisations call for more funding

Toowoomba’s refugee support services have called for a more long-term funding structure to help the hundreds already here. Now Groom MP Garth Hamilton has responded.

Groom MP Garth Hamilton. Picture: Kevin Farmer

One of the organisations helping to settle hundreds of recently-arrived refugees in Toowoomba says the Federal Government needs to drastically increase funding to improve access to mental health services and job opportunities.

It comes after a report submitted to the Department of Home Affairs revealed the city’s refugee population was suffering from “exceptionally high levels of trauma”, most notably in the Yazidi communities as a result of escaping the genocide committed by ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

The report, commissioned by Multicultural Australia and CatholicCare Social Services, reveals nearly one quarter of adult refugees currently receiving mental health support had suicidal thoughts, while more than 80 per cent of the same sample size were dealing with depressive symptoms.

Both services travelled to Canberra to secure long-term funding for their existing settlement programs.

Multicultural Australia CEO Christine Castley said the findings from the report revealed the complex needs of refugees, but also that there were plenty of opportunities.

“The Toowoomba settlement story is a successful story, not just because of the services but the role of the community,” she said.

“What we’re seeing is an understanding of the key issues for our refugee population.

“Over 50 per cent of them are under 15 and that creates a significant opportunity to do upfront investment — those (opportunities) will be about language, literacy and mental health issues.

“We’re at a pivotal moment in terms of the settlement, and because of the large cohort of the intake, you need to invest now to avoid any avoidable negative consequences.

“You could place the burden on the health and welfare system if people aren’t supported now.”

Ms Castley said many refugees had reported a strong desire to enter the workforce and further their language skills.

“Learning language as you learn your life skills and are employed will allow you to learn your language more quickly,” she said.

Groom MP Garth Hamilton said he had spoken with Immigration Minister Alex Hawke about the funding arrangement and was waiting for a response.

“What we secured last time was only temporary, what I’m wanting is to secure long-term funding for Toowoomba to remain a refugee welcome zone,” he said.