Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities comprise a significant proportion of Tasmania’s population. According to the ABS 2016 census Tasmania has a population of approximately 509, 000 people. 61,044 people were born overseas (12%) 29,248 were born from a non-English background (5.7%)   According to the Australian Government Department of Social Services, 3,079 people migrated […]

  Settlement is the process of developing skills and social/cultural capital to understand and navigate Australian society. The time of adjustment as migrants seek to become orientated, established, integrated and independent in their communities is multifaceted and complex. Many new arrivals have limited or no relevant (ie. Australian) social capital and lack the culturally and […]

  Refugee status is determined by the UNHCR. The UNHCR refer people for resettlement to the Australian High Commission. Refugees often have little idea about where they are going. They are running away, not running to. Those who come to Australia often have little understanding about our country and the nature of society here. They […]

People from refugee backgrounds resettling in Australia tend to come from collectivist cultures while in the dominant Australian culture people identify with an individualist culture. It is important to understand the differences between the two and to consider how this may impact interactions and service delivery. It is also important to remember that these classifications […]