“We recognise this is a long journey and we are committed to supporting people of refugee background all the way.
“That care has never been more important than 2020. The Coronavirus has been a tough time for all and we have worked tirelessly to keep our community informed and safe through initiatives such as client welfare checks and videos and information sheets translated in Karen, Dari and Dinka that feature in our online Coronavirus Refugee Resource Hub.
“We have kept talking with the community right through this time to ensure their needs are met and they understand the ever-changing Coronavirus landscape. That’s why we started a free Coronavirus Telephone Hotline – people told us they wanted someone to talk to so we provided that link to our Karen speaking staff.
“We have worked with businesses like Hazeldene’s Chicken Farm and KR Castlemaine to help manage outbreaks and organisations such as Bendigo Health to promote COVID-19 testing and explain complex things such as close contact and contract tracing in simple terms.”Our partnership with Victoria Police and Believe in Bendigo generated a community campaign to call out Coronavirus-related racism aimed at our refugee communities.”
Ms Graves said the award was recognition for staff, partner organisations and communities.
“The award is recognition for the amazing amount of work and care our staff have put into the health and wellbeing of refugee and multicultural communities. It’s been inspiring for us to see their work. How much some of our Karen and Afghan staff have grown in learning so many new skills through this time and the dedication they have shown to keeping their communities safe,” Ms Graves said.
“It’s also recognition for our important partners who help us every day in caring for the community and delivering projects that make a difference and keep people healthy. There are so many wonderful organisations out there doing fantastic work and these partnerships are so valuable.”
Media contact
Rod Case – (03) 5406 1229
