To celebrate Refugee Week 2017 we introduce you to some of our staff who after making their own journeys to a new life in Bendigo now give their time to help and support others following the same path.

Learn what events we have planned for Refugee Week: http://bit.ly/RefugeeWeekBendigo

Today we meet Humanitarian Settlement Services support worker Salwa Dastgeer.

What is your role with BCHS?

I support the work of the Humanitarian Settlement Services team and assist new arrivals (refugees) with their day to day needs during the first year of their settlement in Bendigo. I also assist with the work of the Complex Case Support Program that supports families with complex needs. I run a refugee-based Women’s Group on a weekly basis where Afghan and Karen women get together and socialise, learn new skills, and gain new information about various topics pertaining to their new living environment.

What is the best thing about your role?

The best thing about my role is that I get to meet so many new and wonderful people from diverse backgrounds; know their stories and cultures; and have the privilege to work with them and support them in their settlement journey in Bendigo.

How has Bendigo Community Health Services helped you?

BCHS has helped me find my ideal career. For years, I had been in search of a career that would feel satisfying and fulfilling. After joining BCHS Settlement Team, I realised that there is so much joy and satisfaction in working with people in need and supporting them overcome their challenges so I decided to become a social worker. I am now studying Master of Social Work at the La Trobe University and looking forward to having a successful career as a social worker.

What are the most important highlights of your first few months in Bendigo after arrival?

When we decided to move to Bendigo after living in Canberra for 3.5 years, I did not have a positive outlook on living in this city given the media coverage of the anti-mosque protests. However, soon I found Bendigo a very warm, welcoming, and liveable city filled with such beautiful people. Its great community spirit took me by surprise and changed my perspective totally. Not to mention, its low cost of living is another highlight as I rent a spacious three-bedroom house for the same weekly rent that I used to pay for a tiny two-bedroom unit in Canberra.

What do you hope to achieve in the future through your role with BCHS?

I hope to support refugees residing in Bendigo even further, advocating for their needs and fighting for their rights. Particularly, I would like to support young refugees in their journey to learn English and engage in meaningful employment to ensure their successful settlement and social inclusion in Bendigo.

What is your favourite place in Bendigo and why?

My favourite place in Bendigo is its CBD. I love the ancient look of the city centre and the magnificent architecture of its historic and elaborate buildings that speak to you of history. I also enjoy the restaurants in CBD with variety of cuisines from many countries. I love the convenience of having parks, shops, and eateries in such close vicinity which makes my family life quite easy and enjoyable.

Learn more about BCHS

To learn more about the refugee and settlement services offered by BCHS please visit www.bchs.com.au

You can also connect with us through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.