Anthony Albanese has welcomed the announcement of $500,000 in funding under the Settlement Grants Program, for organisations in Grayndler that assist with the integration of refugees and migrants.

“Since 1996 over 17,000 migrants have come to Grayndler to live. This funding will help those who have recently arrived in Australia cope with what can be a difficult and challenging time,” said Anthony Albanese.

4 organisations in Grayndler are being funded as part of the Settlement Grants Program. The organisations receiving funding are the Indonesian Welfare Association, the Indonesian Community Council of NSW, Mercy Works and St Vincent de Paul.

The grants will fund work to promote awareness of Government services, classes to help with cultural transition, life skills training and volunteer mentoring from community members.

The programs will assist migrants and refugees with things like overcoming barriers to accessing private housing, which can be difficult without rental history or referees in Australia.

“Our area has a strong history of welcoming migrants and is one of the success stories of multicultural Australia. I am proud that the Rudd Labor Government is funding these services.”

“I would like to thank all organisations involved in assisting new arrivals in Grayndler. They should be commended for their contribution to the positive and successful settlement of migrants and refugees in Australia,” said Anthony Albanese.