Alice Geary
15:58, Feb 16 2020
A new Multicultural Hub is opening at 3 Sophia St.
A multicultural hub has been created in Timaru as part of a new project called Connecting Aoraki.
The hub, and a network of volunteers, has been established ahead of the April arrival of Timaru's first intake of refugees under a new project called Connecting Aoraki.
The project, run by South Canterbury Neighbourhood Support (SCNS) and the Aoraki Migrant Centre, received a $6695 grant from the Aoraki Foundation South Canterbury Health Endowment Fund in September 2019.
"The funding will enable SCNS/Aoraki Migrant Centre to work in collaboration to welcome and support newcomers in our local neighbourhoods and support them to feel happy, safe and resilient as well as better connected in their new communities," Betty-Ann Smart, of SCNS, and Katy Houstoun, of Aoraki Migrant Centre, said in their application.
"This need has been identified due to the increase in migrants, refugees and newcomers resettling in the Aoraki district due to employment, lifestyle, the cost of living and the fact that Timaru has recently been named as an official Resettlement Centre and will be welcoming up to 110 refugees each year for the next three years."
"This need has been identified due to the increase in migrants, refugees and newcomers resettling in the Aoraki district due to employment, lifestyle, the cost of living and the fact that Timaru has recently been named as an official Resettlement Centre and will be welcoming up to 110 refugees each year for the next three years."
The project also includes identifying, training and supporting "local volunteer buddies" who will welcome and assist newcomers to the area.
Presbyterian Support South Canterbury was approached for comment.
Applications for the health endowment funds' first funding round for 2020 close on March 31. For further information contact executive officer Leah Bradley on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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