Moving to a new area can be hard, particularly if you’ve come from another state or country.
Enter City of Onkaparinga’s ‘New residents’ webpage and welcome brochure, which were launched this month to provide valuable information about living in the council area, to anyone who’s recently arrived.
The new resources aren’t just aimed at people who’ve recently moved from another council area or state, but those who might’ve arrived from overseas such as migrants, whose contributions and challenges are being highlighted on International Migrants Day (Sunday 18 December).
The idea came from a new Onkaparinga resident, Pierre, and the challenges he faced upon moving to Australia.
“In a discussion with previous mayor, Erin Thompson, Pierre spoke about his experience of moving to Australia and receiving a welcome pack from City of Marion when he arrived in the area,” said City of Onkaparinga Community Connections Officer, Leeza Peters.
“The welcome pack provided him valuable information about the area and council resources available.
“A few years later, when Pierre moved to City of Onkaparinga, he found no welcome pack, and struggled to find information through the website.
“This led council’s Community Connections team to investigate the best way to provide information and help new arrivals feel welcome, and to settle into the area.”
The new page and brochure contain tonnes of useful information on themes such as meeting new people, getting active and outdoors, supporting local businesses, exploring the sites, arts and culture, First Nations history, learning something new, requesting council services, and contact information.
There are sections on common topics such as bin collection dates, finding out who your local elected members are, and registering a dog; through to a specific webpage section for new arrivals and refugees, which contains info on topics such as finding local community and sporting groups to connect with, and accessing translation and interpreting services.
Council developed the resources by liaising with key stakeholders such as libraries, community centres, and English as a second language tutors; researching what other councils provide new residents; and working closely with its marketing and communications team.
Leeza says Pierre was also instrumental in the development of the welcome information.
“We discussed plans for the site with him, and heard what he found would be important information to be included,” she said.
“When we had a draft webpage to present, we met with Pierre again for further feedback, and he informed additional changes.
“It’s really pleasing that we’ve both been able to turn the challenges he faced into a positive with this really fantastic resource for Onkaparinga’s communities.”
Head to council’s website to see the new webpage, where you can download a digital version of the welcome booklet. A printed version can be arranged by contacting council’s customer service team.
Postcards with a QR code that links to the webpage will be available at council’s customer service centres, libraries, community centres, arts precinct, and visitor information centre, and they’ll also be available at citizenship ceremonies and events.
A place to call home
The introduction to the new booklet reads, 'We may be biased, but we think the City of Onkaparinga is the best place to be.' Hard to argue with views like this at Port Noarlunga.