Guide for Recently Arrived Migrants & Refugees

This directory aims to cover topics that are among the most important for people trying to find their way in a new community and society. It is also for the people and organisations that will welcome and support these new members of our community. 

The directory has been translated into Serbian and Croation languages or you can request a copy to be mailed to you by calling Council's Community Development Officer on 9970 1170 or by emailing paul_hogan@pittwater.nsw.gov.au. Also available is a guide to local Pittwater Council Services in and  translations of Serbian, Croation, Italian and German. The directory and guides can be downloaded in PDF format via the Document Links box at the end of this page.

Interpreter Services

TIS is a government service providing language assistance in the various community languages. If you need to speak to someone at Council but have difficulty speaking English, ask a Council staff member to contact TIS on 131 450.

Northern Beaches Multicultural Network

The Northern Beaches Multicultural Network aims to improve access and equity in service provision for people from culturally diverse communities.

Over the years the Network has hosted a range of activities including:

• 'Leadership in Diversity' Conference in 2006 - This conference was a great success with over 60 attendants. The conference aimed at increasing the capacity and productivity of workers and organisations who provide services to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities. The Conference materials can be downloaded from the Document Links box at the end of this page. 
• Living in Harmony Grant - the Network was successful in receiving a $47,000 grant from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) to conduct the 'colour and culture' project which explores the experience of local high school students around multiculturalism and racism.
• Migrant Information Days - The aim of Migrant Information Day is for service providers to provide information about services available to people from CALD communities who are living in the area.
• Celebrations of Harmony Day - Harmony Day, held on 21 March each year, aims to provide an opportunity for Australians to get together and celebrate Australia’s multicultural society. In 2007 Harmony Day was celebrated at Bilarong Reserve with over 90 participants creating lanterns for the Bilarong Festival's 'parade of light'.

To find out more about the Network contact the Convenor, Harriet Lockwood, on 9971 4358.

Multicultural Worker

The Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs funds a Multicultural worker for the Northern Beaches. This worker provides general settlement services to a diverse range of migrant groups in the Manly, Warringah and Pittwater LGA’s including newly arrived migrants, refugees, humanitarian entrants and groups with additional settlement needs.  This service is free to clients.

Ethnic Community Liaison Officer, NSW Police

The role of the Ethnic Community Liason Officer (ECLO) is to facilitate communication between police and a linguistically diverse community.

Migrant Network Services

Migrant Network Services assists migrants and refugees to settle effectively in Northern Sydney, and to maximise the benefits of cultural diversity in the community, by:

• Providing settlement services to migrants and refugees in Northern Sydney under the Commonwealth Government's Migration and Humanitarian Programs, and

• Working with government, the community and business to facilitate the full participation in the community of people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Phone:   9987 2333
Email:     info@mnsnorth.org
Web:     www.mnsnorth.org