This can be made even more challenging when you don't speak the language and you have different cultural practices to live by.
These basic challenges are faced by migrants every day in Australia, and one source of support in Western Sydney is the Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC).
CMRC Executive Director, Melissa Monteiro, said the core of the organisation is meeting the needs of the different communities coming from all parts of the world.
Melissa joined the organisation in 2000, and now leads the active team across all programs serving communities in Sydney’s Western and Northern regions. In 15 years she has grown the team from seven staff to over 50.
The organisation has also grown from operating on an annual budget of $149,000 to $5 million. The CMRC is a key settlement provider for information and referral to over 20,000 clients annually.
Melissa said: “We operate within a community capacity building framework that promotes independence, supports clients to help themselves, provides practical assistance, knowledge and skills to become self-reliant, develop support networks, promote inclusion and participation, and assists members to become vibrant, participating members of the Australian community.”
The CMRC was established as a migrant resource centre over 18 years ago.
“Now as a leading agency in this sector, we see the Western Sydney region’s population growing, and many of our clients delivering small business opportunities in hospitality, retail, restaurants, hairdressing and real estate,” said Melissa.
Being a female leader working at a strategic level in partnerships with business and government agencies, as well as dealing with some communities where women are often marginalised are all part of her daily work. In Melissa’s gentle demur and winning attitude, she says it’s simply part of the role.
“I have a good team and fortunate to get a lot of support. It’s all about managing those challenges when they arise, having the right people to support you, and the work and programs to back you,” she said.
With a passion for working with different communities, Melissa has a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in this business sector. The mother of two holds a Masters in Social work and a Masters in Environmental Sciences.
Coming to Australia from India just over 15 years ago, Melissa knew she wanted to work in an organisation to help people settle and adjust to life in their new country.
“As a migrant myself, I understand some of the challenges these families face. So I am very fortunate to work with what I love doing to make people’s lives better.
“Over the years I have established productive and strong working relationships with a large number of human service agencies. These include community groups, ethno-specific organisations, government departments and agencies, peak bodies in the Local Government areas of the Hills, Holroyd, Ryde and Parramatta regions.
“These are valuable relationships for our organisation, and the clients we work with daily. I am very fortunate to work with some wonderful people and contribute to maintaining these strong relationships that enhance our programs,” she said.
Despite her busy schedule, she still serves on various local and national committees. She is currently a Board Member of the Western Sydney Community Forum and Director of the Hill Domestic Violence Services and Shelter. In 2013 she won the University of Western Sydney Community Services Award.
Melissa is currently the NSW settlement Council of Australia representative and is on the Minister for Immigration Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council.
“Working with bilingual community groups is rewarding, and my vision for CMRC is to enhance and integrate services and programs to better support our clients. It is very fulfilling to see some of our clients resettle, and then go on to do wonderful things in business; communities and education.
“I will continue to build and develop stronger relationships with key stakeholders to meet the diverse and emerging needs required for the settlement of refugees and migrants into Australia,” she said.
