Entering a new city, far from home can be a daunting experience.
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But a group of local residents have band together and are working to make the experience easier for people of varied backgrounds to call Ballarat home. More than 30 people attended the Migrants Morning Tea at the Ballarat Library on Saturday.
City of Ballarat cultural diversity coordinator Frances Salenga said the aim of the morning tea was to provide a place to welcome new migrants to the city and help them find their feet.
“If you’re new you’re basically isolated and don’t have any friends or don’t know what services are available to you,” she said.
“The main objection of the morning tea is to promote social inclusion. Some people create contacts in relation to work … others make new friends.”
Ms Francis said the quarterly event gave new migrants a chance to ask any questions about visas, services available in the community and Ballarat.
“It’s so they can navigate their way around an Australian community.”
