Responding to Requests to Relocate #
If a Refugee Household expresses a desire to relocate, Community Supporter Groups should take a measured, supportive approach that explores the reasons behind the request before making assumptions or decisions.
At a glance #
- Use CRSA resources to reinforce consistent information for newcomers.
- Print the Newcomer Orientation Booklet before arrival.
- Keep key orientation resources available throughout the first weeks of settlement.
Understand the reasons for relocating #
When a Refugee Household asks about relocating, Community Supporter Groups are encouraged to avoid making immediate decisions. Instead, take time to understand what the newcomers feel is missing from their current location and explore whether those needs can be met without relocating.
Explore local solutions #
Before supporting a relocation, consider whether practical alternatives could address the Household’s concerns, including:
- Showing newcomers how to visit other parts of Australia without permanently relocating.
- Connecting them with people who share a similar cultural or linguistic background.
- Arranging remote connections if there is no local community with a similar background.
- Helping identify shops that sell familiar and culturally appropriate food.
- Discussing whether regular visits to another region would meet their needs.
If the Household relocates #
If the Refugee Household decides to relocate, CRSA will work with both the Community Supporter Group and the Household to assess what settlement support is required in the new location.
Following this assessment, CRSA may either refer the Household to the Humanitarian Settlement Program for casework support or direct them to other available settlement services, such as the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program.
Resource: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/sets-program
“Exploring solutions together before relocating helps ensure decisions are informed, respectful and guided by the newcomers’ own priorities.”
