Dr Yapa Bandara paid our Club a visit this week not only as a fellow Rotarian from the South Wagga Club but also as our guest speaker. Bandara originally from Sri Lanka is a lecturer at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga and will shortly undertaking work for Camden Council.
Presently Dr Yapa Bandara alongside a team from the University of South Australia (UniSA), Muticultural Council of Wagga Wagga (MCWW), Leeton Shire Council and Charles Sturt University (CSU), are putting together a Migrant Settlement and Economic Impact Report on Leeton. The case study with particular reference to Afghan hazara community explores the Socio-Economic and Cultural impact of refugee settlement in rural/regional Australia.
Positives (Pull Factors)
• visa requirements,
• employment opportunities,
• the country lifestyle and affordability,
• support available in the country towns,
• welcoming regions and
• sense of belongingness.
Challenges
• Employment related barriers: Language/skills
• Social and Cultural Isolation
• Tertiary education opportunities.
Economic Contribution
• Income
• Expenditure
• Employment: Labour for regional businesses/industries (Agriculture, manufacturing)
• Vibrant communities and places
• Entrepreneurial activities
• Enhanced business and economic opportunities
• Growth in regional economies.
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Director’s Roundup
Laurie’s Quote of the Week