The electorate of Farrer has received $1.26 million in funding to help newly arrived migrants and refugees form a stronger connection to their new community.

According to local MP Sussan Ley, Albury Wodonga’s Volunteer Resource Bureau has been awarded over $810,000, with Centacare South West (Griffith/Leeton) receiving over $450,000 through the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program.

“This will assist around 600 new or recent arrivals over the next few years; funding that is extremely important for migrants who do not have family or other community support to rely on.”

“Our region is well-known for its ethnic diversity, and it is important to Australians that our newly arrived migrants feel a strong connection and sense of belonging.”

“Lowering barriers to being involved in communities builds wellbeing, safety and prosperity; attributes which enrich the whole nation,” Ms Ley said.

The Resource Bureau and local Centacare at Griffith are among 79 organisations across the country receiving a total of $163m to deliver services in engagement and integration for newly arrived migrants and refugees.

Replacing the Settlement Grants program, SETS will focus English language proficiency, education and employment; increased community capacity; and work to service the most vulnerable clients, including youth.