Peer-to-peer support for young migrants and refugees through Multicultural Youth Linker

Young people from refugee, migrant and similar backgrounds who are settling in New South Wales can now access a new peer-to-peer appointment service which will help them navigate their way through government services and community support.

The Multicultural Youth Linker program offers free 45-minute appointments with dedicated frontline Service NSW staff and is designed to empower migrants and refugees aged 16-25 in accessing the government services available to them.

The program provides access to information, support services and training that helps meet their economic, educational, social and health needs.

Youth Linker staff also come from a refugee, migrant or multicultural background so they share a deep understanding of the settlement needs of young people and can draw on their strong relationship within the local community to tailor advice suiting the needs and situation of the customer.

Available support may include assistance in obtaining a driver licence and other identity documents, accessing grants and rebates, enrolling in study, vocational training or linguistic support, as well as connecting them with local non-government and community organisations.

With overseas migration returning to pre-COVID levels and more than 35,000 people settling in NSW on humanitarian grounds since 2015, the Multicultural Youth Linker program provides a critical service to some of the newest and most vulnerable members of our community.

Multicultural Youth Linker appointments are available on the phone or face-to-face at the Bankstown, Auburn, Liverpool, Wetherill Park, Newcastle and Wallsend Service NSW Centres.

Customers can book an appointment and request an interpreter if needed through the Service NSW website, at their local Service NSW Centre or by calling 13 77 88.

The Multicultural Youth Linker program is a joint initiative of Service NSW and Multicultural NSW.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit the Service NSW website.

Minister for Customer Service, Jihad Dib said:

“For people who have chosen to make Australia their home, just like my family did, knowing what government services are available can be a mystery. This program will take away the difficulty around the adjustment to a new life and make the transition as smooth as possible.”

“What this program does is tell our young arrivals that they belong here. A free Youth Linker appointment is personalised to their needs, whether it be help in applying for a driver licence, enrolling in study, vocational training or simply connecting with local community organisations.”

“Making life easier is what government is all about and this program delivers on that by helping those who may not speak English as a first language, access the services and support they need to build new lives here in New South Wales.”

Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper said:

“Almost 30 per cent of Australians were born overseas and have helped build our country and New South Wales into one of the most vibrant, diverse and successful multicultural societies in the world."

“The Multicultural Youth Linker program provides critical grassroots support to help young migrants and refugees not only access services but connect and contribute to their local community in a way that makes us all culturally richer and stronger.”