About
The Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) supports humanitarian entrants and eligible visa holders in integrating into Australian life. It helps new arrivals build the skills and knowledge needed to become self-reliant and active community members. The program focuses on English learning, employment, education, and training.
HSP provides early practical support upon arrival and continues for up to 18 months. Those with complex settlement needs may qualify for Specialised and Intensive Services (SIS).
Range of Support Through HSP
Support is delivered through an individualized case management approach tailored to each client’s needs, strengths, and goals. Types of support include:
- Airport reception
- Short-term accommodation
- Referrals to mainstream and specialist support services
- Connections to local community groups and activities
- Assistance in finding long-term accommodation
- Help with learning English, gaining employment, and accessing education and training
- Orientation to Australia, including understanding values and laws
Clients with complex settlement needs receive additional case management through Specialised and Intensive Services.
Note: Australian Citizens are not eligible for the HSP.
In Tasmania, the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (MRC Tas) delivers HSP services in collaboration with AMES Australia. Contact the HSP team at:
- Hobart: (03) 6221 0999
- Launceston: (03) 6724 2820
HSP Team Contacts
| Name | Position | Location | |
| Sally Thomson | Executive Manager (Settlement Services) | Statewide | sthompson@mrctas.org.au |
| Md Imadul Islam Rahat | Manager (HSP) | Statewide | imadul.rahat@mrctas.org.au |
| Vijay Motharapu | Team Leader | Statewide | vmotharapu@mrctas.org.au |
| Ejaz Ahmed | Program Support Officer | Statewide | eahmed@mrctas.org.au |
| Ameneh Gholami | Case Manager | South | agholami@mrctas.org.au |
| Sima Yousif-Osman | Case Manager | South | syousif-osman@mrctas.org.au |
| Katarzyna Lagodzka | Case Manager | North | klagodzka@mrctas.org.au |
| Tial Siang | Case Manager | North | tsiang@mrctas.org.au |
| Yahya Jafari | Housing Support Worker | South | yjafari@mrctas.org.au |
| Julian Cangmah | Housing Support Worker | North | jcangmah@mrctas.org.au |
| Fatima Nawrozi | Support Worker | North | fnawrozi@mrctas.org.au |
After-Hours Support for HSP Clients (Including Weekends, Public Holidays):
- Launceston: 0429 699 465 (Humanitarian Settlement Program Only)
- Hobart: 0447 188 054 (Humanitarian Settlement Program Only)
Specialised and Intensive Services (SIS)
Specialised and Intensive Services (SIS) is a component of the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) available to humanitarian entrants and other eligible visa holders with complex needs. SIS provides short-term, needs-based support to help clients access appropriate mainstream services and develop skills for independent management of their needs.
Delivered by HSP service providers on behalf of the Department, SIS supports eligible visa holders who face multiple and complex barriers, including:
- Disability
- Severe, critical, long-term, and/or unmanaged health needs
- Mental health issues
- Homelessness or housing instability
- Domestic and family violence
- Child and youth welfare concerns
- Family and/or relationship breakdown
- Social isolation
- Financial hardship
- Legal issues
To learn more about eligibility, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
To refer someone for SIS, please complete the online SIS Referral Form.
If you experience technical difficulties, contact the Department for assistance by emailing SIS@homeaffairs.gov.au.
Volunteering
We value the support and assistance offered by the Tasmanian community in welcoming new arrivals in Hobart and Launceston. Our volunteer program provides critical additional support for clients through their initial settlement. For more information, please contact:
Kate Dostalek, Volunteer Coordinator: volunteers@mrctas.org.au
Other Ways to Assist New Arrivals
There are many other ways to assist new arrivals. For more information, please contact us via email at hsptas@mrctas.org.au.
Further Information
For further information on the Humanitarian Settlement Program, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
For more details on the Tasmania contract region, see the AMES Australia website.