Statements
Tasmania welcomes refugee arrivals
The Tasmanian community has warmly welcomed the first eight families who will begin their lives anew after fleeing the current violence in Syria and Iraq.
I am proud that as a Government, and as a community we can now welcome these families to Tasmania. It is anticipated around 20 families will have arrived on our beautiful island by Christmas.
I understand the new arrivals have said that they have been delighted by the welcome they received, and are very appreciative of the offers of help and support from the community.
Settlement service providers and volunteers are already providing great support.
The Government’s Safe Haven Hub is operational and the Department of Education has established an Intensive English program for new arrivals, running until mid-December.
Our new arrivals join an existing Syrian community of around 300 people, many who arrived in the 1970s and 80s.
We will be doing all we can to help these families settle into their new lives.
Will Hodgman, Premier