BATHURST Refugee Support Group and Settlement Services International joined forces this week to bring people seeking asylum out to Bathurst as part of a regional settlement project.
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The project is designed to highlight the opportunities that are offered in the Central West and some of the services that can be provided, including healthcare.
The people seeking asylum who visited Bathurst are currently waiting to be granted their Safe Haven Enterprise Visas, which requires a person to work in a designated regional area for the entire three-and-a-half-year term their SHEV is held.
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Catherine Wood from Settlement Services International said there were many employment opportunities for refugees in Bathurst.
“The men would like any type of work such as construction, which I know have gaps in employment,” Ms Wood said.
“The women have skills in sewing, knitting, embroidery, child work, aged care and healthcare which also have gaps.”
The availability of resources to help improve their English skills is another reason Bathurst is an attractive option for refugees.
“There are opportunities to study English for children so they can attend school, and adults can take advantage of work opportunities,” Ms Wood said.
The Bathurst Refugee Support Group offers practical support to asylum-seekers who wish to settle in Bathurst.
“I would like to thank the Bathurst Refugee Support Group for giving the opportunity to see first-hand what the region is all about,” Ms Wood said.
