Working with the vulnerable but meritorious: the non-governmental and public sectors and African refugees in Melbourne

Abstract

Since the early 1980s, Australia has resettled more than 5000 African refugees. The purpose of this article is to report preliminary findings from a survey of the 56 non-governmental and public organizations that assist African refugees in Melbourne. The macro-organizational configuration that has emerged for aiding Africans is described. Various generalist organizations and ethno-specific associations’ primary objectives and principal projects, initiatives and programmes are also analysed. The strongest finding is that generalist organizations and ethno-specific associations offer a wide range of programme goals, aid schemes, assistance packages and relief operations for newly arrived and longer-term resident African refugees. Programmes for social development and cultural maintenance constitute but one crucial area of support. The article also comments on the implications of the findings and makes suggestions for future research.