November 2003

Report promotes fair go for settlers

A VicHealth report has found that giving new arrivals to Australia a ‘fair go’ will have significant health benefits.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing of New Arrival Communities report was launched by Professor Sir Gustav Nossal.

It reviewed several VicHealth-funded pilot projects.

New arrivals to Australia—experiencing social isolation, discrimination and poverty—made up one of five population groups identified as having potentially higher rates of mental health problems by VicHealth in its Mental Health Promotion Plan.

Since 1999, VicHealth has funded 11 projects aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of these people.

‘The health and wellbeing of new arrival communities can impact on their ability to contribute socially and economically,’ said VicHealth Chief Executive Officer Rob Moodie.

‘If we welcome and support them, that benefits these people directly and the broader Australian community.’

Dr Moodie said without strong social networks, economic support and skill development, the long-term health and wellbeing of new arrivals could be jeopardised—with a high cost to individual and community.

‘There is no doubt the best way to incubate mental illness in any population is to discriminate, isolate and marginalise people.

‘On the other hand, there is growing evidence that well-connected communities with strong social networks are more likely to have lower crime figures, better health, higher educational achievement and better economic growth.’

Promoting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of New Arrival Communities found a number of factors were critical in facilitating the successful settlement and positive health and wellbeing of new arrivals.

These included family reunion, support to learn English, skills development, access to work and the integration of children into a welcoming educational environment.

• For a copy of Promoting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of New Arrival Communities email amcmanus@vichealth.vic.gov.au.