Dr David Radford is Associate Professor (Sociology) at UniSA Justice and Society. For over ten years David has investigated migration, diversity and multiculturalism in regional and urban Australia. His research emphasises the importance of the micro, everyday lived experiences of migration while drawing on macro factors impacting these experiences. David's recent research projects include investigating refugee-background settlement in rural Australia and exploring how the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities model and interculturalism is unfolding in different regions of the world (Australia/Canada/Spain). David has previously researched the role of local government leadership in managing and promoting cultural diversity.

Many rural and regional communities in Australia struggle to sustain their population and economic growth. Attracting and retaining international migrants and refugees is viewed as one critical pathway to address these challenges. The key issues are well documented: limited employment opportunities, available and affordable housing, insufficient migrant support services, access to health services and suitable education, and welcoming communities. Other challenges are equally pressing including maintaining social cohesion, racism and experiences of structural inequalities.

While state and federal governments in Australia play a significant role in the overall policy making around regional migration, it is inevitably rural communities that carry responsibility at a local grassroots level for the consequences of these policies – especially local government councils and civil society. Based on research with colleagues on refugee and migrant settlement this presentation will identify key factors that either facilitate or hinder integration of refugees and migrants and ultimately affect their choices to stay or leave regional communities. I will present an understanding of how a ‘Whole-of-Community’ approach can lead to positive integration experiences and longer-term settlement outcomes for migrants and rural communities.

Back in our cosy Macs Parlour Room for dinner and our meeting.  We will also be welcoming Sophie Bourchier, Project Manager at Substance Misuse LC, and Deborah Edwards A/Sergeant LC Crime Prevention for a discussion on the International Overdose Awareness Day Vigil. Our Club is again supporting the event to remember victims and support family and friends.

This is also President Neil's last week as Sergeant for the year, Is he planning on going out with a bang? or slinking quietly into the background? Come along to find out.