Settlement Services

Supporting new arrivals in Australia, including migrants, refugees, and humanitarian entrants, to feel supported, informed, and confident as they settle into life in a new country.

Starting a New Life in Australia Can Feel Overwhelming

If you are new to Australia, it is normal to feel unsure about where to start. You might be trying to find work, improve your English, understand local systems, or simply feel more connected to your community. Many people reach out to us because they need help settling in Australia, even if they are not sure what kind of support is available.

At Metro Assist, we offer support for migrants and refugees who are in their first years in Australia. You do not need to have everything figured out before you contact us. You can come to us with one concern, and we will work with you to understand what support may help you most.

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About our Settlement Program

Everyone’s settlement journey is different. Some people need help finding a job, while others need support with forms, services, or feeling less isolated. That is why our Settlement Program is flexible and tailored to your needs.

Our team provides personalised, respectful support that focuses on practical help, clear information, and advocacy when needed. We take the time to listen, explain things in a way that makes sense, and help you access the right services at the right time.

We support people living in Canterbury Bankstown, Inner West, Burwood, Strathfield, and Canada Bay, and surrounding areas.

More about Our Services

What type of support can you provide?

We support people with a wide range of everyday settlement needs. You do not need to know exactly what service to ask for. We will work with you to understand your situation and guide you from there.

Everyday Support and Essential Services

We help with accessing essential services and understanding how systems work in Australia. This may include support with health services, schools, housing, government agencies, and community organisations. We can also assist with help filling out forms in Australia, which can be challenging when English is not your first language.

English and Skill Development

If you are looking for English help for new arrivals, we can support you to build confidence in speaking, listening, and understanding English. We also offer programs that help with job readiness, communication, and understanding Australian workplaces and culture.

Employment Support

Finding work in a new country can be difficult, which is why we provide employment support for immigrants, including help with resumes, job applications, and understanding the local job market. If you have skills or qualifications from overseas, we can help you explore pathways to meaningful work in Australia.

Financial and Legal Guidance

We offer support with budgeting, understanding the cost of living, and building financial confidence. If legal issues arise, we can provide guidance and referrals so you can access appropriate help and feel informed about your options.

Community Connection and belonging

Feeling connected makes a big difference during settlement. We support community connection for new arrivals by linking you with local activities, groups, and events. These opportunities help reduce isolation and create a sense of belonging in your new community.
Culturally diverse group celebrates Settlement Refugee Week 2024 in traditional attire.

Support that Understands your Background

Our Settlement team is multicultural and multilingual. Many of our staff have lived experience of migration or settlement themselves. We support people from a wide range of cultural and language backgrounds, and we understand the challenges that can come with starting again in a new country.

All team members hold relevant qualifications, including a minimum Diploma of Community Services, and are trained in trauma informed practice and cultural safety. This means you can expect support that is respectful, understanding, and focused on your wellbeing.

How to Get Started

You do not need a referral to access our Settlement Services. If you are new to Australia and need support, you can contact us directly.

Calling or emailing us is the first step. Our team will listen to what you need and help you understand what support is available.

Call: (02) 9789 3744
Email: info@metroassist.org.au

If you are not sure where to begin, that is okay. We are here to help you take the next step.

What kind of help can you offer?

We help with everyday tasks like accessing essential services, understanding local systems, and navigating paperwork. This includes helping you connect with health services, schools, housing, and other important community resources.

Can you help me improve my skills?

We offer programs to develop skills such as speaking English, job readiness, and understanding Australian culture. Our goal is to make your integration into Australian society easier and more successful.

Can you help me to find a job?

Yes, we offer employment services, including job readiness training and assistance with job applications. If you have skills or qualification from your country, we can help you find meaningful work in Australia.  Our aim is to guide you through the process of finding and maintaining employment.

Can you help me manage my finances?

We offer financial literacy training and resources to help you manage your money, including budgeting, saving, and understanding the costs of living in Australia

How can I get involved in the community?

We encourage social engagement by connecting you with community activities and social networks. This helps reduce isolation and builds a sense of belonging, so you can feel more at home.

Does Metro Assist promote cultural understanding?

We assist with interactions between migrants and the wider community to encourage respect and mutual understanding, helping you and others appreciate each other’s cultures.

How do I make a booking?

Please make a book or for a self referral please contact reception on (02) 9789 3744 or email info@metroassist.org.au

More Settlement Programs

Love & Hope Hub

Multiple service providers come together weekly to provide comprehensive support in personal & family safety, legal support, housing & emergency accommodation, financial assistance, employment support, and access to Centrelink and other services.

Learn more

Settlement Youth

Metro Assist offers free one-on-one financial counselling, by providing essential support and valuable insights to help you take control of your finances.

Learn more

Settlement Events

More Ways We Can Help

Community Leadership

Uplifting community leaders, advocates, and CALD groups to grow, connect, and create lasting change.

Learn more

Families

Supporting families through early intervention programs, group sessions, short- and long-term casework and psychological support.

Learn more

Youth

Metro Assist supports youth, including migrants and refugees, with casework, social connections, and community engagement.

Learn more

Financial Wellbeing

Offering financial counselling, the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), Relief Assistance and Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) vouchers.

Learn more

Employment

Supporting migrants and refugees with overseas skills and qualifications in finding meaningful employment.

Learn more

Tenancy Advice and Advocacy

Free telephone advice and assistance for private and public housing tenants.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

I am new to Australia and need help. Where do I start?
If you are feeling unsure about where to begin, you are not alone. Many people contact us because they need help settling in Australia but are not sure what support exists. You can start by reaching out to Metro Assist and telling us what you are currently dealing with. From there, we can help you understand your options and guide you step by step.
Yes. We provide employment support for migrants who are looking for work or trying to understand the Australian job market. This support can include help with resumes, job applications, interview preparation, and understanding workplace expectations. If you have overseas skills or qualifications, we can also help you explore pathways to use them in Australia.
Yes. Many people reach out because they need help filling out forms in Australia. Forms for services, applications, or government systems can be confusing, especially if English is not your first language. We can help you understand what is being asked and support you through the process.
We provide guidance and education to support financial help for immigrants, including budgeting, understanding everyday expenses, and managing the cost of living. If you are facing financial stress, we can also help you access the right support services and referrals.
If legal or housing concerns arise, we can provide information, advocacy, and referrals to appropriate services. Our role is to help you understand your rights and options so you can make informed decisions and feel supported.
Yes. Feeling disconnected is common when you are new to a country. We support community connection for new arrivals by linking people with local groups, activities, and events. These opportunities help build friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
We work with individuals, families, and young people who are new to Australia. If you are aged 12 to 25, or supporting a young person who is settling into a new community, we can help you access youth specific programs and support through our Settlement Youth services.
No referral is needed. You can contact Metro Assist directly for support for migrants and refugees. We welcome self referrals and will take the time to listen and understand what support may be helpful for you.
We support people living in Canterbury Bankstown, Inner West, Burwood, Strathfield, and Canada Bay. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, you can still contact us and we will guide you.

When you call or email us, a team member will listen to your situation and talk through what support is available. You do not need to prepare anything in advance. Our goal is to make the process clear, respectful, and supportive from the very first conversation.