Busselton group offers outreach to new Australians

A new organisation is aiming to provide connection and community to new Australians in the Busselton area.

Chairperson Ray Gannaway said the Busselton International Friendship Incorporated (BIFI) committee consisted of nine members of the local community, all with different countries of origins, including Kenya, Holland, Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan and Australia.

“Our members include business professionals, mothers, a TAFE lecturer and individuals involved in the hospitality, tourism and aged care sectors in Busselton,” he said.

The group was formed in April this year, with the intention of providing a foundation for a range of settlement services including resources, facilities, and program support, while improving and enriching the lives of new Australians and celebrating their cultures and customs.

“According to the 2021 Census, 24 percent of Busselton residents were born overseas and 45 percent have at least one parent born in another country.

“These statistics highlight the significant portion of our population with foreign heritage.

“Many of these residents arrive without family or friends.”

The group is planning to hold coffee, lunch and dinner sessions – known as ‘Hello Days’ to offer a wide range of locals the chance to join in.

Mr Gannaway said more members meant a more diverse group to support different needs and challenges.

“Broader membership of the BIFI database will be vital to support future residents with little English language skills.

“This we hope will assist them as they become part of our community in all aspects from sport, education, cultural and social events.

“We also aim to provide information on all services that exist in our region so they better understand the Australian way of life.”

The first Hello Day will take place at the People Place in Kent Street from 12:00pm to 3:00pm on Saturday August 31. Attendees are encouraged to bring a plate of food to share with the group.

“These meet and greet days will be the opportunity for people to be provided with useful information about all the things our region has to offer,” Mr Gannaway said.

To find out more and register for the event, visit events.humanitix.com/hello-day