The Western Bulldogs SpiritWest Services (SWS) have received recognition of their work with the recent announcement that their Settlement Grants Program will continue to be funded for an additional three years. 

The funding, from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) will assist the Club to deliver programs aimed at increasing integration, participation and inclusion of refugees and humanitarian entrants that have arrived in Australia in the past 5 years.  SpiritWest Services use sport and recreation as a vehicle to assist refugees and humanitarian entrants into their settlement in Western Melbourne.

The project aims to assist humanitarian entrants and family stream migrants with low English proficiency in Western Melbourne to develop self reliance and integrate successfully into the broader community.  This will be achieved through practical group information sessions, referrals, local community tours, school-based activities, sports programs, mentoring and youth leadership group activities. 

Western Bulldogs Engaged Communities Manager, Kiemi Lai says that “by engaging refugees and humanitarian entrants in sport and physical activities, it enables them to form relationships, learn more about Australian culture and feel more accepted in the mainstream.” 

“The project aims to assist with the integration of clients through employment and volunteering, sports and school based activities, and advocacy to mainstream agencies,” she said.

The project uses a variety of tools to engage with refugee communities and address settlement needs and develop self reliance, including tours of local sports clubs and facilities, publications, school based activities at the Western English Language School (WELS), community sports programs and health promotion activities, mentoring and youth leadership camps.

The setting of a sporting club and environment are cornerstone to the Australian culture. The opportunity to open the doors of an iconic institution such as the Western Bulldogs to offer the ability for individuals, families and groups to use it as a social networking and integration medium can provide substantial opportunity to allow these new communities the ability to engage in the everyday activity of Australian life as they establish themselves in their new environment.