Strategic Framework for Coordinated Settlement Support
The Southern Melbourne Area Refugee Settlement Think Tank has released its final report, Strategic Framework for Coordinated Settlement Support.
The report discusses the formulation of a strategic framework to strengthen coordination, collaboration, and long-term support for refugees and humanitarian arrivals across Greater Dandenong, Casey, and Cardinia.
Established in December 2023, the Think Tank brought together more than 30 established networks and committees to examine the settlement experience across Southern Melbourne.
The report reflects extensive consultation and identifies opportunities to improve how services, governments and communities work together. It highlights challenges experienced by people navigating settlement, including access to housing, employment, education and health services, as well as the need for culturally responsive and longer-term support.
The report also recognises the valuable work already being undertaken across the region. Its findings point to the need for stronger connections between existing services, clearer referral pathways and sustainable investment that responds to people’s needs over time. It also reinforces the link between effective settlement support and broader social cohesion outcomes, positioning this work as a contribution to community wellbeing across the region as a whole.
The report proposes actions across three timeframes:
- Immediate actions
- Medium-term actions
- Long-term Strategic Vision
The framework is intended to support continued collaboration across government, services and communities. It provides a foundation for further discussion about how the region can work together to improve settlement outcomes and reduce duplication and service gaps.
Contact
For further information about the report or future opportunities to contribute, please contact: Sadia Ali at Sali@casey.vic.gov.au