RDA ORANA THRILLED WITH $49,500 GRANT FOR 'THE WELCOME PROJECT'

13 February 2019

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana Chairman John Walkom is thrilled that RDA Orana were the recipient of a $49,500 grant this week for 'The Welcome Project.'

"This grant will allow RDA Orana to provide a series of initiatives for migrants to feel more welcomed and encourage social inclusion into the 12 local government areas within the Orana region," Mr Walkom said.

Director of Regional Development, Megan Dixon said the project was developed based on feedback the organisation had received from skilled migrants. "The Welcome Project will include a series of activities and workshops in partnership with the Orana Residents of Indian Sub-Continent Heritage (ORISCON), education on employment for migrants, developing resources to support migrant entry into remote and rural communities and an annual welcome to the Orana event,"

"This funding couldn't have come at a better time, with the Federal Government also announcing this week regional employers and skilled migrants wanting to work in the regions will be given access to priority processing on visa applications."

"RDA Orana are now aiming to become the most successful inland regional area for migration," Mrs Dixon said.

Chair of ORISCON Mano Manorathan said ORISCON members currently actively assist new migrants settling into the Orana region by availing a sound social and cultural platform, but working collaboratively with RDA Orana will allow them to go one step further and increase their capacity to meet migrant needs as they come and retain them in the Orana region to foster sustainable development.

The Federal Government's Fostering Integration Grants program provides up to $50,000 to not-for-profit organisations to help migrants better integrate into the community.

Stay up to date with The Welcome Project HERE