Refugee health

Two happy refugee women sitting at table in conversation

Our region is home to migrant and refugee populations, both recently arrived and those who have been settled for generations. We know that the health needs of people who are displaced from their homes, whatever the reasons, are complex and often include both physical and mental health needs.

The range of languages spoken in our region shows communities of old and new, with different backgrounds and experiences, and different needs. Common non-English languages spoken include Punjabi, Italian, Mandarin, Arabic, Greek and Tagalog. Other emerging languages include Malayam, Vietnamese, Nepali, Karen and Hazaraghi.

Despite the challenges, refugee and asylum seeker communities consistently demonstrate strength and resilience in overcoming adversity to start a new life.

For people requiring assistance, there are a range of dedicated services available locally to support refugee health needs.

Health System Navigators

Knowing who to see or where to go to get the care you need can often be confusing or overwhelming, particularly if you are not well, English is not your first language and you are not familar with the Australian health system.

Murray PHN funds local Health System Navigator organisations, to assist people from underserviced groups, including refugees and people from cultural and linguistic diverse backgrounds, and those with multiple and complex, chronic conditions who repeatedly present to hospital or experience barriers in accessing health services. Local Health System Navigator organisations – Primary Care Connect Shepparton, Bendigo Community Health Services and Robinvale District Health Services – work closely with general practice and community services to provide direct, non-clinical support, health education and primary healthcare referrals.

Other refugee health services in our region

Additional local support services

Key resources and support

  • Health Translations – A free library of Australian multilingual health and wellbeing information funded by the Victorian Government.
  • The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) – An interpreting service provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people with limited English proficiency and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.
  • Victorian Refugee Health Network – A platform for collaboration, service coordination, resources, training and advocacy to address the health needs and challenges experienced by Victorians from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

Last Update: June 28th, 2024

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.