Message key in migrant decisions
AWimmera development leader is confident the region could play a prominent role in Australian immigration with a dedicated promotion and information program.
Wimmera Development Association executive director Ralph Kenyon said getting a timely and accurate message to new arrivals about regional opportunities was as much essential as it was progressive.
He said there had been considerable discussion about ways of steering immigrants to the region, including through legislation, but it was always better if people made the move through choice.
“Most people going through migrant centres and agents in this country are probably unaware of regional options and opportunities open to them,” he said.
“I’m sure if they had a greater understanding many would make the move this way.
“It is all about choice and if you have choices where you are confident you will have community support and acceptance and a chance to thrive, you are more likely to accept and embrace opportunities.”
Mr Kenyon said Wimmera communities were developing a migrant-integration track record that was second to none, which had also captured national attention.
“We’ve had a good experience with migration where circumstances have been outstanding for both new arrivals and communities involved,” he said.
“We have great examples of how communities have embraced migration – certainly the Nhill experience with Karen immigrants is a positive story – and we also have great examples of how things can work with migrants in Stawell and businesses such as Australian Wildflowers at Laharum.
“And while we know and celebrate these positive outcomes in our region, we need to share the experience with new migrants – not after they have become entrenched in metropolitan areas or large provincial cities, but before and as soon as they get here. This has to happen.”
Mr Kenyon said apart from Wimmera communities generally understanding a need to attract migrants to the region for socio-economic growth and health, they also had a reputation for being welcoming and willing to help people integrate into mainstream society.
“We have great communities here that welcome people on exploratory visits that allow them to meet the locals, share a meal or something similar,” he said.
“This allows them to get a feeling of being welcome in the community and that’s fantastic.
“We know there is a positive experience awaiting new migrants in the Wimmera.
“As a region we need to embrace new arrivals and help them understand our way of life and the potential this offers.
“What’s so encouraging is that we have so many positive examples of that happening right across the Wimmera.
“But again, while this is important for us to know, it is critical that this information is readily available and clearly spelt out to migrants in a timely manner.
“We need to let them know everything about how the costs of living in the country are cheaper than metropolitan or even provincial and regional cities and that settling in our part of the world is a great way to establish foundations in a new country.”