Photo (L-R)Front Low: Prasen Karleka, Inaam Barakat, Cristina Marras, Lena Chamoun,
Arthur Yong, Mark Palmer
Back Row: Neil Barlow, Lucy Gatto, Theresa Chamoun, Lirica Liu.
Information Session: Overseas Qualifications Recognition and Immigration Services
By Theresa Chamoun
On Thursday 13 November, an information session on Overseas Qualifications Recognition and Immigration Services was held at the Thomastown Library. Arthur B.W Yong, JP, Chairperson of the Linked Interconnect Strengthen Activities and President of the Whittlesea Chinese Association, organized this event.
Mr. Yong commenced the evening by introducing the participants in the presentation. Firstly, Cristina Marras, Communications and Public Relations Adviser at Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre (SMRC), presented information on the immigration services provided by the SMRC through Spectrum Immigration Services (SIS).
SMRC is a not-for profit organisation that supports migrant and refugees in Victoria to reach their full potential. The SMRC offers a “one stop-shop” for migrants and refugee families and individuals that are new to Australia, through many re-settlement and integration services and programs such as employment, education and training services, aged and disability services, culturally and linguistically specific aged home care, personal support for carers’ families, youth and parenting programs and immigration services.
During the evening, Cristina Marras presented the work done at Spectrum Immigration Services, with an overview of the main categories of visa existing to enter Australia both as a migrant and as a visitor.
Following Cristina Marras’ in depth presentation, Inaam Barakat, manager of the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU), spoke about the services that the OQU offer to assist permanent residents in Victoria. This organization works to help migrants seek recognition for their qualifications and skills. They provide academic assessment of overseas qualifications, career/vocational guidance and information and referral services.
Both the Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre and the Overseas Qualifications Unit are beneficial organizations that strive to assist new residents in Victoria with the often difficult process of settling in.
The session proved to be a success with both informative speakers and an eager audience.
By Theresa Chamoun
On Thursday 13 November, an information session on Overseas Qualifications Recognition and Immigration Services was held at the Thomastown Library. Arthur B.W Yong, JP, Chairperson of the Linked Interconnect Strengthen Activities and President of the Whittlesea Chinese Association, organized this event.
Mr. Yong commenced the evening by introducing the participants in the presentation. Firstly, Cristina Marras, Communications and Public Relations Adviser at Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre (SMRC), presented information on the immigration services provided by the SMRC through Spectrum Immigration Services (SIS).
SMRC is a not-for profit organisation that supports migrant and refugees in Victoria to reach their full potential. The SMRC offers a “one stop-shop” for migrants and refugee families and individuals that are new to Australia, through many re-settlement and integration services and programs such as employment, education and training services, aged and disability services, culturally and linguistically specific aged home care, personal support for carers’ families, youth and parenting programs and immigration services.
During the evening, Cristina Marras presented the work done at Spectrum Immigration Services, with an overview of the main categories of visa existing to enter Australia both as a migrant and as a visitor.
Following Cristina Marras’ in depth presentation, Inaam Barakat, manager of the Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU), spoke about the services that the OQU offer to assist permanent residents in Victoria. This organization works to help migrants seek recognition for their qualifications and skills. They provide academic assessment of overseas qualifications, career/vocational guidance and information and referral services.
Both the Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre and the Overseas Qualifications Unit are beneficial organizations that strive to assist new residents in Victoria with the often difficult process of settling in.
The session proved to be a success with both informative speakers and an eager audience.
Mr. Yong acknowledged the sponsors: Victorian Multicultural Commission, Plenty Community Credit Union and Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre. Further information on the topics discussed can be accessed from both the following websites, http://www.spectrumvic.org.au/ and http://www.business.vic.gov.au/BUSVIC/STANDARD//PC_62607.html
