Annual General Meeting Report 2023/2024 – 2024/2025
Afghan Australian Community and Settlement Support (AACASS)
July 2023-December 2024
The “Newly Arrived Afghans’ resettlement and integration support project” was originally funded by the Home Affairs Department in early 2022 under Afghan Australian Community and Settlement Support (AACASS) grant through the Social Policy Group formerly known as the Migration Council Australia to assist a large group of evacuees who have arrived in Australia and are being settled in Victoria since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban on 15 August 2021. This target group includes individuals and families from diverse backgrounds in terms of their ethnicity, religious affiliation, socioeconomic situation, degree of persecution experienced in Afghanistan, health, education, and level of English.
As part of the project an Afghan Community Hub in Dandenong was established as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the target group to facilitate their access to essential information on support services in Southeast Melbourne. The Community Hub was a dedicated office facility staffed by a Project Manager,
community guides, VAAN volunteers and other stakeholders to assist individuals and families in a culturally appropriate way and in their language.
VAAN was one of the few organisations that had its funding extended allowing VAAN to continue the delivery of our activities until end of 2024. The extension of the funding was because of our success in delivering the activities that met the demand within the community.
Our organization continued to actively provide support to refugees in filling out their necessary forms, ensuring they have access to essential services and benefits. In particular, we have assisted them in completing forms related to Medicare, Centrelink payments, and housing.
The primary aim of our assistance is to ensure that language barriers do not hinder newly arrived refugees from accessing government services they are entitled to. By offering support in form completion, we strive to empower the newly arrived Afghan refugees to navigate the system effectively and receive the necessary assistance for a smoother transition into new life in Australia.
Our efforts in this area have resulted in improved access to crucial services and benefits for the cohort, enhancing their overall well-being and integration into Australian society.
We have also managed to run multiple community awareness sessions and workshops on subjects such as mental health, Australian education and rental systems, family violence and parenting and Australian migration system.
We managed to run two rounds of driving education program for the Afghan women who arrived as refugees in the past three years.
We had a total of 212 applicants for the first round of Driving which started in mid-January 2024. A total of 33 women were selected based on their applications and the selection criteria. Priority was given to the most disadvantaged individuals. At the first stage of the program the participants attended three information sessions on 4th, 11th and 18th of February 2024 to learn the traffic rules based on a book published by Vicroads.
In the second stage of the program the participants were paired with local Afghan driving instructors for ten driving lessons. Some participants were offered extra professional driving lessons and/or supervised driving practices to gain better driving skills.
In the second round of the driving program, we had 50 successful candidates in total. We divided the participants into two groups.
Group 1 started their sessions and had a total of 4 sessions on the 19th and 26th May and 2nd and 9th June 2024.
Group 2 started their lessons on 26th May 2024 followed by two more sessions on 2nd and 9th June 2024.
The second stage of round 2 was like the first round when the participants were introduced to local Afghan driving instructors to receive professional driving lessons.
Furthermore, we facilitated the participation of the Afghan newly arrived youths in Football (soccer), Volleyball, and Swimming through local clubs and facilities.
Based on an agreement signed with Greater Dandenong FC and Melbourne Storm Volleyball Club and Hope Football club, we helped some of the newly arrived Afghan children and teenagers to join local soccer and volleyball group. Also, acknowledging the importance of water safety for the newly arrived refugees we organized nine free swimming lessons for 24 children aged 7-12 years over 10 weeks in Dandenong Oasis. Like the previous round of AACASS the swimming lessons aimed at equipping the participants with basic water safety skills.
The Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS)
July 2024-June 2025
Executive Summary
The Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program is one of VAAN’s most significant project, supporting over 1,850 individuals between July 2024 and June 2025. Through structured intake assessments, 784 clients were formally assessed, with 181 clients receiving medium-intensity case management and 603 clients supported through low-intensity services.
This is a 3 year project starting in July 2024 and ending in June 2027.
Key Milestones and Achievements
- Driving Program: 37 women participated, with 11 obtaining their driver’s licences and 18 booking VicRoads tests. This initiative reduced social isolation and increased women’s independence, mobility, and job readiness.
- Structured Programs: Parenting, Emotional Management, Digital Literacy, Citizenship Classes, and the Male Club Program engaged more than 100 participants. These programs built stronger family relationships, improved wellbeing, enhanced digital literacy, and promoted respectful relationships.
- One-Off Information Sessions: Over 250 participants attended sessions on tenancy, consumer rights, taxation, health, safety, gambling harm, and immigration. These sessions increased awareness and provided practical tools for navigating Australian systems.
- Domestic and Family Violence Support: Approximately 20% of clients disclosed DFV experiences, and VAAN provided culturally sensitive referrals, support, and prevention programs, including Healthy Relationships and Male Club initiatives.
- Women’s Social and Economic Inclusion: Targeted training and workshops in digital skills, financial literacy, English language, and employment support created stronger pathways for women to engage in education, employment, and civic life.
- Partnerships and Networks: VAAN strengthened collaborations with agencies such as AMES, SECL, InTouch, Foundation House, WAYSS, Launch Housing, and local councils, ensuring improved referral pathways and integrated service delivery.
- Community Capacity Building: Supported sports clubs, women’s groups, and youth organisations, and trained community leaders and volunteers to promote social cohesion and cultural pride.
The SETS program continues to deliver life-changing outcomes, fostering independence, wellbeing, and social participation across the Afghan and broader CALD communities in South-East Melbourne.
Overview
The Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program is one of VAAN’s key projects, providing settlement support to newly arrived humanitarian entrants and vulnerable migrants in South-East Melbourne. The program delivers a broad range of tailored services designed to enhance independence, strengthen social participation, and build pathways to long-term integration. This report outlines the SETS program’s activities, outcomes, and key achievements during the 2024–2025 period.
Intake and Needs Assessment
Between July 2024 and June 2025, VAAN supported 1,850 individuals, with 784 undergoing structured intake and needs-based assessments. Assessments were conducted in culturally sensitive one-on-one sessions, exploring client goals, challenges, and service needs. Based on assessments:
- 181 clients required medium-intensity case management.
- 603 clients received low-intensity support.
All clients were registered in the Data Exchange (DEX) portal for accountability and outcomes tracking. VAAN’s bilingual staff created trust and ensured culturally responsive service delivery.
Low-Intensity Case Management
VAAN delivered low-intensity support to 603 clients, focusing on early intervention and short-term assistance. Services included:
- Information on housing, education, employment, legal rights and others.
- Referrals to mainstream services (Centrelink, Medicare, TAFE, Headspace, Foundation House, Orange Door, WAYSS, Launch Housing and other services).
- Practical help with forms, MyGov, resumes, housing applications, and bill payments and others.
Outcomes: Clients gained confidence in navigating Australian systems, improved knowledge of services, and demonstrated increased independence.
Medium-Intensity Case Management
A total of 181 clients with complex needs were assigned caseworkers for tailored support. Services included:
- Individualised case plans with fortnightly check-ins.
- Referrals to housing, health, mental health, family violence, education, employment supports and other relevant services
- Advocacy for clients at risk of homelessness.
Outcomes: Clients achieved greater independence, secured housing, accessed mental health services, engaged in education, and strengthened family relationships. Many continued to stay connected with VAAN for ongoing support.
Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Support
Approximately 20% of clients disclosed DFV experiences. Our staff, trained in assessing family violence cases, managed to support clients via providing:
- Referrals to The Orange Door, InTouch, Child Protection and Victoria Police.
- Emotional and practical support in a culturally safe environment.
- Engagement in prevention programs such as Healthy Relationship sessions, Tuning into Kids, Male Club, and Active Bystander training.
Impact: Improved safety, greater community awareness of DFV, and evidence of behavioural change in male participants.
Women’s Social and Economic Inclusion
Targeted initiatives strengthened women’s independence and participation:
- Driving Program: 37 women participated; 11 obtained licences, 18 booked tests.
- Digital Literacy: Two rounds of training, 16 participants each.
- Employment Workshop: 31 women trained in job search, resumes, and interview skills.
- English Support & Citizen: Over 50 referrals to language classes; 40 women joined citizenship classes.
Outcomes: Enhanced mobility, digital independence, employment readiness, and civic engagement.
One-Off Information Sessions
Between October 2024 and June 2025, VAAN delivered a series of targeted one-off information sessions. Topics included:
- Australian Education System: Helping parents understand enrolment processes and pathways.
- Tenancy Laws: Educating tenants about their rights and dispute resolution.
- Consumer Rights: Raising awareness of protections against scams and unfair practices.
- Taxation: Explaining tax obligations, TFNs, and returns.
- Occupational Health & Safety: Highlighting workplace safety and rights.
- Gambling Harm: Addressing risks, stigma, and available supports.
- Gambling Harm: Addressing risks, stigma, and available supports.
- Health & Wellbeing: Focusing on nutrition, exercise, and preventive care.
- Visa and Immigration: Clarifying processes and sponsorship pathways.
- Healthy Relationships: Promoting respect and awareness of family violence supports.
Impact: These sessions increased community members’ awareness, built confidence in navigating services, and encouraged immediate practical action, such as applying for TFNs or seeking tenancy support.
Structured Programs
VAAN also delivered structured, multi-session programs for deeper engagement and skill-building:
- Parenting Program (8 weeks): Delivered by trained facilitators, this program focused on building respectful and supportive relationships with children, effective discipline techniques, and understanding children’s emotional needs. Parents reported stronger communication, more patience, and better confidence in handling challenges while reducing reliance on negative discipline.
- Emotional Management Program (6 sessions): Aimed at reducing stress and anxiety, this program introduced mindfulness, coping strategies, and goal setting. Participants learned to identify triggers, regulate emotions, and adopt healthier ways of thinking. Many reported reduced anxiety and a willingness to talk openly about mental health.
- Digital Literacy Program (10 sessions, two rounds): Focused on essential computer and online skills, such as setting up emails, paying bills online, job searching, and using mobile applications. Participants gained independence in digital tasks and felt more capable of managing day-to-day activities without relying on others.
- Citizenship Classes (12+ weeks): Prepared 56 participants for the Australian citizenship test. Sessions covered Australian history, values, and responsibilities. Participants expressed pride in gaining knowledge and confidence, and many successfully passed their test.
- Male Club Program (10 sessions): Targeted Afghan men to promote respectful relationships, gender equality, and shared household responsibilities. Participants reported meaningful changes in behaviour, including better anger management, helping with domestic duties, and more respectful communication with family members.
Outcomes: These structured programs provided long-term benefits, equipping participants with practical knowledge, stronger life skills, and greater confidence to participate fully in Australian society.
Driving Program (Flagship Initiative)
The Driving Program was a major initiative designed to empower women, particularly those from Afghan backgrounds, to achieve greater independence. Lack of access to transport is a significant barrier to employment, education, and daily responsibilities for many newly arrived women.
Program Design:
- Participants: 37 women, prioritised if they were single mothers, had no driver in the family, or were from low-income households.
- Theoretical Training: 5 classroom sessions delivered in Dari and Hazaragi, covering road rules, safety, hazard perception, and child restraint laws.
- Practical Training: 10 one-on-one lessons with accredited instructors, tailored to each participant’s confidence level and learning pace.
Results:
- 11 women successfully obtained their driver’s licences.
- 18 women booked VicRoads driving tests.
- 3 women requested further lessons due to ongoing challenges.
Impact:
- Women reported increased confidence, independence, and freedom in managing family responsibilities.
- Many could attend job interviews, enrol children in school, and manage medical appointments without relying on others.
- The program reduced social isolation by enabling women to connect with wider community networks.
- Feedback indicated overwhelming demand, with a long waiting list for future rounds.
This program directly supported women’s economic participation, improved family wellbeing, and strengthened long-term settlement outcomes.
Partnerships and Networks
VAAN strengthened its partnerships with key agencies, including AMES, SECL, Orange Door, Foundation House, Headspace, TAFE, WAYSS, Launch Housing, and local councils. Formal agreements with InTouch, City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong, Wellsprings for Women other organizations and services ensured stronger referral pathways and culturally responsive service delivery.
Community Capacity Building
VAAN supported emerging organisations, leaders, and sporting groups:
- Supported Melbourne Storm Volleyball for Afghan girls and Greater Dandenong Football Club.
- Assisted women’s and youth groups with governance, insurance, and registration.
- Delivered leadership and bystander training for community leaders.
- Mobilised volunteers for large-scale events, including Nowruz Festival and Refugee Week.
Impact: Strengthened community engagement, leadership, and social participation.
Community Connection and Cultural Engagement
The Victorian Afghan Associations Network (VAAN) has prioritised connecting newly arrived Afghan humanitarian entrants and other migrants in the Dandenong region to the community, addressing isolation and promoting social inclusion. VAAN staff identified participants mainly new arrivals who were not connected to community networks and actively facilitated their introduction to relevant groups, services, and events based on their interests and requests.
Throughout the year, VAAN organised a range of cultural and community events, including the Iftar Dinner, Refugee Week Event, Youth Week Event, Nowruz Festival, and Nowruz Gala Dinner. For each event, staff maintained a targeted list of socially isolated clients, ensuring that a proportion of attendees were newly arrived community members. This approach provided a culturally safe and welcoming environment that fostered relationship-building and strengthened participants’ sense of belonging. The Nowruz Festival organised annually by VAAN is the largest Afghan cultural celebration in the world, held in Southeast Melbourne. This year, it attracted over 10,000 attendees, including more than 500 newly arrived clients who participated and enjoyed the event. The festival offers an unmatched opportunity for new arrivals to engage with Afghan culture, music, art, and community on a large scale, significantly enhancing cultural connection and integration.
Outcomes:
These activities have strengthened social connections, reduced isolation, and promoted active community participation among new arrivals. Feedback collected at events consistently reflects increased confidence, improved cultural awareness, and a stronger sense of belonging. The events have proven to be a key entry point for connecting clients to ongoing community networks and activities.
Assessment & Measurement:
- Attendance records at each event
- Feedback forms completed by participants
- Engagement tracking of new arrivals with community networks post-event