SSI welcomes government’s vaccine campaign supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities

Settlement Services International (SSI) welcomes the announcement by Federal Government to roll out a $31 million COVID-19 vaccination public information campaign.

SSI applauds the decision to include an additional $1.3 million targeted at peak multicultural organisations to help reach culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities across the country.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon. Greg Hunt, said that making safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines available to everyone in Australia is a key priority for the  Australian Government, including extending free access to all visa-holders in Australia.

This will include refugees, asylum seekers, temporary protection visa holders and those on bridging visas. People currently residing in detention facilities will also be eligible, including those whose visas have been cancelled.

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said, “As a community-based organisation supporting new migrants and other vulnerable communities who often grapple with the English language, we wholeheartedly agree that the government’s new COVID-19 vaccination campaign will help reach diverse audiences.”

Ms Roumeliotis said, “It’s reassuring to hear that the government’s campaign is intended to reach Australians across multiple online and traditional channels, including working with grassroots organisations to ensure that CALD communities that are harder to reach, will be targeted through direct messages.”

“We welcome the government’s efforts to have materials appropriately translated, which are also culturally sensitive, ensuring everyone in Australia has a full understanding of the vaccination program.”

Media enquiries: SSI Senior Communications Officer Rebeka Selmeczki; 0468 998 300 rselmeczki@ssi.org.au