Settlement Services and Supports
BCHS’ Settlement Services Team provides support during the first five years of the settlement journey to enable people of a refugee background to settle peacefully and independently in Bendigo.
How we help
We focus on health and wellbeing, community connectedness, economic and social participation, and self-reliance. Depending on individual needs, support may take the form of:
- Discussions with the sponsor or proposer for pre-arrival assessments
- Help in finding accommodation and organising household goods
- Assistance to open a bank account, secure a tax file number, and register with Centrelink, Medicare, health services and schools
- Development of case management plans which encourage clients to identify their needs and goals
- Linking with community and recreational programs.
Our programs
BCHS has worked with AMES Australia and the Department of Home Affairs since 2010 to deliver the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP).
The former refugees who arrive in Bendigo have survived a range of traumatic experiences. HSP has very experienced staff that deliver personalised and structured support to build an individual’s knowledge and self-agency.
HSP includes an orientation program for those aged 15 years and above. The program covers the National Settlement Framework learning modules of housing, health, education, Australian law, transport, employment, legal, money matters, family functioning, and social support and community participation.
This service is for people who arrive on the following visas:
- Special Humanitarian – subclass 202
- Refugee – subclasses 200, 201, 203 and 204.
The highly skilled case managers within HSP also provide the Specialised Intensives Service (SIS), where approved by the Department of Social Services (DSS). This service is for people impacted by complex circumstances including:
- Significant mental health impacting quality of life
- Risk of homelessness
- Family violence including elder abuse
- Disability and/or aged care
- Developmental delays in children.
This service is for people who arrive on the following visas:
- Refugee – subclasses 200, 201, 203 and 204
- Special Humanitarian – subclass 202
- Permanent Protection – subclass 866
- All Temporary Protection – subclasses 785, 449, 786, 790 – subject to approval of DSS.
Service providers, community organisations and self-referral is via SIS Referral Form. If you are unsure of whether a person is eligible for SIS, please contact the department for assistance by emailing .
BCHS has delivered SETS since 2012. This free service assists our clients with meaningful connections in their language. This may include assistance with documents, information, introductions and referrals.
The team works with people within their first five years in Australia, advocating for them and ensuring they have access to information to decide on referral to appropriate services.
SETS supports people to create meaningful connections and participate equally in the social, economic and cultural life of their new home. A key part of the program is helping people learn English, access education and training, and secure employment. The program is holistic with flexible services designed to meet the individual needs of clients, and to deliver sustainable settlement outcomes.
The team work collaboratively with community leaders and other Bendigo Community Health Services programs including sports inclusion, health and wellbeing, education, road safety, cultural experiences, and social connections.
There are interesting volunteer experiences available for community members and community leaders. Where appropriate this may include assisting with student placement opportunities for our clients.
Contact us to:
- Find out if you, or someone you know, is eligible for support
- Offer to volunteer with our service
- Offer to donate goods to our clients
- Enquire about renting homes to our clients
- Enquire about employment or work experience opportunities for our clients.
Call (03) 5406 1200 or email