First weeks made easier

Cannington-based organisation Communicare opened its Humanitarian Settlement Services hostel at the old Gosnells Family Hospital site last Monday, with a community celebration and multicultural morning tea.

After spending more than two years transforming the hospital for its new purpose, its doors are open and staff, some of whom are themselves from refugee backgrounds, are ready to welcome tenants.

Residents can spend their first 12 weeks there while they find jobs, homes, register for Medicare or find schools for their children, and do cultural activities to give them an idea of what to expect from Australian society.

‘The Australian way of life can be quite a challenge for those who have come from places without all the things we take for granted,’ Communicare board chairman John Morine said.

‘We are looking forward to helping them.’