Victorian State Opposition leader, Daniel Andrews, is committing $400,000 for the provision of services to new arrivals from Greece, by the Australian Greek Welfare Society in collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria.
The announcement is the culmination of extensive discussions of the leadership of the Labor Party with community organisations and individuals, about the needs of the new arrivals and the ability of community organisations to respond effectively to these needs.
While primary responsibility for settlement funding rests with the Commonwealth government, Daniel Andrews believes that the state government can contribute, within its budgetary constraints, toward easing the burden of financially strapped community organisations.
Mr Andrews told NKEE if the Labour wins the November state elections will provide funding for the full time employment of a social worker stationed at the Greek Australian Welfare Society.
“Labor recognises that an increase in families arriving in Victoria from Greece is putting pressure on Greek service organisations.
“Australian Greek Welfare and the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne provide tremendous support to this proud community, but their work is largely self-funded.
“I have met with leaders of the Victorian Greek community and representatives of Australian Greek Welfare to discuss this issue.
“Victorian Labor will provide more funding to Australian Greek Welfare so they can better assist Greek migrants to settle in Victoria.”
The Director of the Greek Australian Welfare Society, Ms Voula Mesimeri, deems the commitment of the Labour Party “very exciting news”.
“We welcome with glee the commitment of the opposition” she told “Neos Kosmos”.
The past two years the Australian Greek Welfare Society relied on volunteers to provide much needed services to the new arrivals from Greece.
The provision of government funding for the full employment of a social worker will enable our organisation to work with and help the new arrivals to settle quickly and
become productive members of our society in our society and become. We commend highly this initiative from the leader of the opposition”.