New migrant services


Hornsby Shire Council, under the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Settlement Grants Program, provides settlement services to newly arrived refugees, humanitarian entrants and immigrants for Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai local government areas.

The aims and objectives of the program are:


1. Orientation to Australia – practical assistance to promote self-reliance

Orientation services promote self-reliance in individuals and families through the development of life skills and familiarity with the Australian community. Orientation projects will equip clients with the skills and information they need to operate independently and access mainstream services (such as Centrelink and Medicare) and opportunities.

Projects may take the form of provision of information, referral to appropriate agencies and casework with individuals and families.

Referral services include, but are not limited to:

  • Welfare issues
  • Family issues
  • Personal issues

2. Developing communities

Community development projects aim to assist newly arrived migrant and humanitarian communities to identify common goals and interests, develop a shared purpose and promote a sense of identity and belonging.

Community development projects focus on building the capacity of newly arrived communities to work together towards common goals; promote their culture to Australian society in a positive way; and welcome and assist new humanitarian arrivals.

Potential projects include, but are not limited to:

  • Seminars for new migrants on a variety of topics
  • A group program called ‘Living in Australia’
  • Promotion of social and recreational activities

3. Integration - inclusion and participation

Integration projects aim to promote inclusion and participation in Australian society by encouraging partnership initiatives with mainstream community and government organisations. This process is two-way; assisting new arrivals to interact with and understand the broader community and encouraging the broader community to be responsive to new arrivals.

Potential projects include, but are not limited to:

  • Helping new migrants use their skills, knowledge and life experience to participate in volunteer or work experience programs by linking them with the local community.
  • Raising awareness in the general community by promoting Refugee Week activities.
  • Promoting a volunteer Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) support program. 

For more information and queries please email Community Settlement Officer or phone (02) 9847 6721.