Community Forum on Australia’s Visa System and Settlement Services

On Friday 22 November 2024, Africause, in collaboration with Victoria University, hosted a vital community forum addressing Australia’s visa system and settlement services. This event brought together participants from Melbourne’s African communities to discuss key challenges and propose meaningful solutions. The Malak Foundation extends its gratitude to Dr. Berhan Ahmed and the dedicated team at Africause for organizing this impactful event.

Melbourne is home to people from numerous African countries, each with unique experiences and needs. Ensuring clear communication about Australia’s visa system and providing settlement services that are flexible and inclusive is critical for fostering successful integration and community well-being.

The forum was honoured by the presence of Julian Hill MP, Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, who engaged with attendees for over an hour and a half. Minister Hill answered thoughtful questions, listened to real-life experiences, and received constructive feedback on how to improve government processes and communication strategies. His participation demonstrated a genuine commitment to inclusivity and transparency in Australia’s immigration and settlement systems.

The event attended both in person and online, showcased the strong sense of community and active civic engagement within Melbourne’s African diaspora. Participants travelled from across the city to share their insights, ensuring the forum captured a wide array of perspectives.

The Malak Foundation thanks all who contributed to making this forum a success, from the organizers and hosts to the attendees who shared their stories and ideas. It was an educational and empowering gathering, reaffirming the importance of collaboration between community organizations and government to build a more inclusive Australia.

We look forward to seeing the positive changes inspired by this discussion and to supporting future initiatives that amplify the voices of African communities in Australia.