Support for new families in Australia: services and resources to know

Many migrant families newly arrived in Australia don’t know what support services are available to them — and because they don’t know, they don’t ask. This guide does not list specific organisations one by one, because services change by area and over time. Instead, it describes the kinds of support that exist so you know what to look for and who to ask.

Settlement services

Australia has a federally funded settlement services system for new arrivals — especially for those who come through humanitarian and migration streams. Organisations providing settlement services usually offer:

• Practical guidance: opening a bank account, registering for Medicare, finding a school, applying for a TFN
• Interpreting and translation: language support for meetings with government agencies, schools and hospitals
• Community connection: referrals to community groups, clubs and support services

The government portal settlement.gov.au is a good place to start when looking for settlement services in your area.

A note on eligibility: Not all visas are eligible for all funded settlement services. Confirm with the service provider which services apply to your visa.

Language support in education

Beyond the EAL/D program at school, some states have additional language-support programs for newly arrived students. For example, some states have an Intensive English Centre (IEC) or similar programs — short-term, intensive English classes for new students before they enter a mainstream school.

Ask your state’s education department about the language-support programs currently available — not every state offers the same kind of program.

Mental health services for families

Migration is an event with a significant psychological impact — on both parents and children. Some common resources:

GP (family doctor): This is the first point of contact when you have concerns about your own mental health or your child’s. A GP can refer you to a suitable specialist and, in many cases, there may be financial support through Medicare.

Head to Health: The federal government’s mental health portal — with information and services available in many different languages, including Vietnamese.

Multicultural services: Many mental health organisations have special programs for migrant communities, including counselling through an interpreter.

Asking for mental health support is nothing to be ashamed of — it is a health service like any other.

Support at school

A school is not only a place where children learn their lessons — many schools have support services that parents are often unaware of:

School counsellor: Most high schools and some primary schools have a school counsellor. This service is free and confidential — your child can talk to the counsellor without a parent present.

Student welfare coordinator / Pastoral care: Many schools have a dedicated role supporting student welfare — this is the person you can contact when your child has a social or emotional difficulty.

Support for new students: Some schools have a program to welcome newly arrived students — a buddy program, or dedicated language-support staff.

Ask the school about these services when you enrol — not every school will offer them proactively if you don’t ask.

The Vietnamese community as a support network

The Vietnamese community in Australia is a practical resource you should not overlook. Community networks often provide:

• Practical information from people who have been through it — which schools have good EAL/D teachers, which areas have quality childcare, which services are reliable
• Social connection for both parents and children
• Emotional support during difficult times

Weekend community Vietnamese-language schools, local Vietnamese associations, and the Facebook or Zalo groups of the Vietnamese community in your city are good starting points for connecting.

When you don’t know what to look for

If you know you need support but don’t know where to start, three reliable starting points:

1. Your GP — a family doctor usually knows local services and can make a suitable referral
2. Your child’s school — ask to see the pastoral care coordinator or student welfare staff
3. settlement.gov.au — find settlement services by state and your area’s postcode

Asking questions and seeking support is not a weakness — it is how a wise family builds a strong foundation in a new homeland.

Next steps

To understand more about children who struggle to fit in, see the related guide on the signs to watch for when a child struggles at school.

For childcare and early education, see the guide on childcare in Australia and what parents need to know before choosing.