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Refugee Health

In 2007-08, over 3500 refugees were welcomed to Victoria. Most refugees come from circumstances where even the most basic resources and services are scarce. Many will have experienced traumatic events such as prolonged periods of deprivation, loss of identify and culture, human rights abuses and the loss of family members.

Despite these challenges, in time refugees settle very successfully in Australia which is evidence of their strength and resilience. Most problems can be addressed through care and support in the early periods of settlement.

A new Refugee Health and Wellbeing Action Plan for Victoria!

The new Refugee Health and Wellbeing Action Plan 2008-10, launched by the Minister for Health, Hon Daniel Andrews on 16 December, describes issues and initiatives ranging across the human services portfolio, from hospital and community health services, to housing and mental health support, and child, youth and family wellbeing.

The Action Plan presents a diversity of programs and initiatives that respond to the needs of people of a refugee background, as well as providing a useful and accessible information resource about refugee health and wellbeing.

Downloads

The action plan is a large file. Chapters of the plan can be downloaded separately below.

Refugee health and wellbeing action plan 08-10 (2.58mb, pdf)

Section A: Background - Refugee health and wellbeing action plan 08-10 (597kb, pdf)

Section B: Refugee health and wellbeing action plan (1.4mb, pdf)

Section C: Appendices - Refugee health and wellbeing action plan (281kb, pdf)

For more information please contact:

Sally Richardson
Refugee Health Senior Policy Advisor
Diversity Unit, Social Policy Branch
20/50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000
Phone: (03) 9096 7371
Email: diversity@dhs.vic.gov.au