New migrant to South West praises community volunteer program, encourages others to get involved

A new migrant to the South West region has described a new initiative to help her transition into the South West community as a “beautiful” experience. Last year, Volunteer South West introduced the Engage program to help new migrants in the region find work and get involved in their community. One of these migrants was Lidia Urdinez, who moved to Australia seven months ago from Argentina to be closer to her family. With a rich history of working closely with people, she was placed with Community Home Care Bunbury for eight-weeks where she worked in the social centre helping clients by playing games or doing crafts with them. Eager to lend a hand in the community, she described the experience as a “two-way exchange” that was extremely rewarding for all involved. “It’s an exchange,” she said. “I’m not only giving but receiving — receiving love and help from people, they help to improve my English, with the ladies we play these crosswords, and they helped me to learn about words I don’t remember. “It’s very beautiful and though I am happy to help, I feel I receive more than I give. “It’s a very great opportunity and I’d encourage all new (migrants) to get involved and engage with Engage.” She enjoyed the experience so much, she has continued to stay on as a volunteer even after completing the Engage program. Community Home Care volunteer coordinator Wendy Newell said Ms Urdinez’s skills had been a great asset to the CHC team. “We’re becoming much more of a multicultural society,” she said. “It’s great to have someone like Lidia come on board and I’m glad we are able to give her that opportunity, it’s great for our current volunteers as well. “They get a lot out of it, and I know our clients certainly do as well, sharing stories with Lidia on their lives growing up in different parts of the world.” VSW program coordinator Susanne Becker-Hamersley said Engage was all about using the skills people had to find the right fit for them. “It’s important to Volunteer South West that we place new migrant volunteers in a position that suits them so they have a meaningful experience,” she said. “Volunteering is very good for building confidence and we want volunteers to enjoy their volunteer experience and feel confident to participate further in their community.”