Participants given tips on resume writing and support systems available in Australia
Since its inception the Pakistani Australian Connections of South Australia (PACSA) has been providing support to new arrivals/migrants to establish connections and integrate into Australian society.
The PACSA Welcome Dinner on 12 May was the most recent initiative towards this end. The evening commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran by the two children, the youngest members of the team so to speak, after which PACSA president Nasir Hussain addressed the room with a warm welcome and gave an overview of the objectives of the organisation.
“At PACSA, volunteers provide ongoing friendly support for newly arriving Pakistanis—families, individuals and students, making them feel welcome and helping them to overcome the initial challenges of the transition and the adjustments required for settling into a new country. They are given opportunities to foster social and business connections with other Pakistanis as well as members of Adelaide’s wider community,” explained Nasir about the role of PACSA.
“Our assistance can start before arrival in Australia, on arrival or once arrived, the choice is up to them,” she added. She is supported by other management committee members such as vice president Uzair Masood, treasurer Faheem Samejo, general secretary Shazia Choudhry and additional secretary Ishtiaq Ahmed as well as several members of the executive committee.
The evening was filled with informative and inspiring people, who gave presentations on topics that ranged from the health system in SA to school support services available for new migrants. Imtiaz Ali, an educator, gave tips on writing resumes according to Australian standards. Shaun Osborn, a detective from SAPOL, spoke about building relationships between the police and the CALD community.
Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Katrine Hildyard welcomed the new arrivals to Adelaide and said she hoped the community will embrace South Australia and all it has to offer. “The rich cultural diversity makes South Australia the most welcoming State for new arrivals as they settle into their new home. New migrants bring strength and variety of skills to SA,” said Katrine as she praised the PACSA Team for supporting new arrivals in the settlement process.
Katrine extended her support for the new arrivals to contact her if they needed help at any stage with; housing, education, health care, Medicare, Centrelink or support relating to admissions for their children. She also offered participants to contact her or other members of parliament if they needed connections that may help them find employment.
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