Newsletter – TRACK AUSTRALIA

Current Projects

Companion Project

COVID Emergency food relief

Social Cohesion

COVID related public health promotion

Who we are… What we do— in Western Sydney has impacted accessibility to services, employability, and socioeconomic status, further exacerbating their needs. Many of them have been isolated from their families indefinitely, and from the mainstream community in Australia due to multiple factors; socioeconomic status, emerging psychosocial issues, and language barrier. Providing care for vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees requires a rights-based approach with inclusiveness that recognises the vision and capacity to serve the isolated communities. A significant number of volunteers from the mainstream Tamil community have come forward to reach out to this vulnerable group of people to ensure that the people of Tamil heritage resettling in Australia are supported by the Tamil community in a culturally safe manner.

Companion Project

Since its inception in November 2020, Tamil speaking volunteers have been paired with vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees to assist and improve the life and mental health of this group by providing one-on-one friendship and care through a volunteer companion.

This project has been supported in partnership with Anglicare and STARTTS. Over 25 individuals are in this project.

COVID Emergency Food Relief

TRACK Australia has responded to the call for help from the asylum seeker community who are affected by the consequences of the recent pandemic. Over 120 households (450 people) have been receiving culturally appropriate dry food parcels regularly since July 2021. Those who are unable to cook for themselves due to COVID infection, have been provided with daily fresh cooked food.

This has been possible due to the generous well-wishers from the community at large to the fundraising drive that was commenced by TRACK in early July.

Social Cohesion

Addressing the serious issue of isolation experienced by this vulnerable group is imperative. Connecting the mainstream community with the isolated community of asylum seekers and refugees.

The creation of a WhatsApp group aptly named “Anpukkarangal” (Loving hands) in early August 2021, connected over 140 individuals with community influencers. This enabled access to clear, concise reliable timely information regarding COVID related updates, and information. It allowed people to share information in a culturally and linguistically in a safe manner. We believe that through this process not only the communication at the grassroot level was established, but this communication channel also enhances trust, community connectedness and inclusiveness which in turn improves their psychosocial health.

Public Health Promotion

Reaching out to share COVID related information with asylum seekers and refugees of Tamil speaking background in Tamil.

In view of the recent surge of COVID infection and exposure amongst this community the following grassroot communication channels have been established.

1. Anpukkarangal WhatsApp group
2. Distribution of information sheets (with the food delivery)
3. Regular community awareness zoom meetings – Thanks to our healthcare providers who volunteer to be on the panel.
4. Using digital resources and community video promos on COVID information prepared by community leaders and Multicultural NSW using social media – WhatsApp group and Facebook.