PICTURED: Mr Joyce with newly resettled refugee Salim Hussein and family and interpreter at the official opening of Settlement Services International (SSI) Armidale office.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, was pleased to officially open Settlement Services International (SSI) regional office at Armidale.

The not-for-profit organisation is providing settlement support to refugees arriving in Armidale as part of the Federal Government’s initiative to establish resettlement hubs in regional Australia.

The new office on Beardy Street in Armidale complements the Government’s commitment to the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) which provides individuals with tailored from a case manager, who enhances self-reliance with a focus on English language skills, education and employment.

“Armidale has much to offer families resettling here from overseas and I’ve been a vocal supporter of this initiative from the beginning,” Mr Joyce said.

“A number of families have already made the move here to the New England to make a new start and build a safe, stable future which provides them with the same opportunities that all Australians enjoy.

“I’m positive the Armidale community will welcome the new residents with open arms.”