Settlement Services
Free support for migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants. We support your settlement journey in Australia, including with everyday life, employment, English language, education & training, health & wellbeing, financial & digital literacy, housing & transport, legal assistance, civic participation and community connection.
What to expect
Make contact
Call, email, or fill out the form below. We have bilingual workers. We also use phone interpreters. Tell us your preferred language when you contact us.
Initial assessment
We check your eligibility. We complete a screening assessment. This shows us how we can help you. Bring your ID and current visa grant.
Ongoing support
We start one-on-one casework, referrals, and advocacy, and connect you to the right programs. This may include English classes, employment support or community activities. Support continues for as long as you are eligible, becoming an Australian citizen or you pass your citizenship test.
- You hold an eligible permanent or temporary visa granted in the last 5 years (see visa lists below)
- You are a refugee, humanitarian entrant, family visa holder or skilled migrant
- You reside, study or work in Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Inner West or Strathfield
Programs within Settlement Services
You choose what suits you — and how often. Many people use us as a backup for the days cooking is hard, not every day.
Dress for Work
Love and Hope Hub
Youth Programs
Upcoming Settlement events
About our Settlement Program
Moving to a new country brings a lot of unfamiliar systems, language and expectations all at once. Whether you've just arrived or became eligible for support more recently, our team is here to make that process feel manageable, one step at a time.
What type of support can you provide?
Our support wraps around each person's whole situation rather than addressing just one issue at a time. Depending on what you need, this can include:
Everyday support and essential services
Help understanding health services, government systems, forms and how to access community organisations.
English and skill development
English language programs and workshops to help build the skills you need for daily life and work.
Employment support
Resume support, job applications, and help recognising overseas skills and qualifications.
Financial and legal guidance
Budgeting support and referral pathways for legal matters.
Community connection and belonging
Social groups, local activities, and community events for families and young people, to help reduce isolation and build a sense of belonging.
Support that understands your background
Our Settlement team includes Client Support and Community Engagement Officers working directly with specific communities, including Chinese and Asian, South Asian, Arabic speaking and emerging communities, alongside specialists in domestic and family violence and youth.
We also have bilingual health navigators and an Employment Pathways Specialist supporting skilled migrants. All roles require a minimum Diploma in Community Services, social work or a related human services qualification.
Settlement Services are delivered by Stepwise in partnership with the Lebanese Community Council (LCC) and Canterbury City Community Center (4Cs), as the established Canterbury Bankstown and Inner West Settlement Partnership.
This allows our team to provide comprehensive and thoughtful settlement services, no matter your language or background.
Get in touch - Settlement Services
Get in touch — Settlement Services
Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll be in touch. All enquiries are confidential.
Not ready to fill in a form? Call us on (02) 9789 3744 — our team can answer questions confidentially.
Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll be in touch. All enquiries are confidential.
Not ready to fill in a form? Call us on (02) 9789 3744 — our team can answer questions confidentially.
Prefer to talk? Call (02) 9789 3744, Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Financial issues can carry stigma — a phone call is often an easier first step, and everything you tell us stays confidential.
"When I arrived in Australia I didn't know where to start. Stepwise helped me understand my visa, find work, and enrol my children in school."
— Fatima, Settlement client
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to access Settlement Services?
No. You’re welcome to contact us directly, and we also accept referrals from schools, health services, community organisations and other agencies.
Where do I need to live to access this service?
We support people living, studying or working in Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury Bankstown, Inner West and Strathfield. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, contact us and we’ll guide you.
What happens when I contact Stepwise?
A team member will listen to your situation and talk through what support is available. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance, we’ll guide you through the process from the first conversation.
Can you help me find a job in Australia?
Yes. We offer employment support including resume help, job applications and interview preparation. If you have overseas skills or qualifications, we can also help you explore pathways to use them here.
Can you help me manage my finances?
We offer guidance and education to support financial wellbeing, including budgeting and understanding the cost of living. If you’re facing financial stress, we can also help you access the right support services.
Can you help with legal or housing issues?
We can provide information, advocacy and referrals to the right services. Our role is to help you understand your rights and options so you can make an informed decision.
I feel isolated and don't know anyone here. Can you help me connect with others?
Yes. Feeling disconnected is common when you’re new to a country. We link people with local groups, activities and events to help build friendships and a sense of belonging.
Do you support young people and families?
Yes. If you’re aged 12 to 25 or supporting a young person settling into a new community, our Youth Programs can help alongside our broader family and settlement support.
Can you help me fill out forms and paperwork?
Yes. Forms for services, applications or government systems can be confusing, especially if English isn’t your first language. We can help you understand what’s being asked and support you through the process.
Will you help me apply for a visa?
No. We’re not immigration agents, so we can’t complete visa or immigration applications, including for extended family. We can point you toward a registered migration agent if that’s what you need.
Resources
Department of Home Affairs
Eligible permanent visa subclasses
Department of Home Affairs
Eligible temporary visa subclasses
STARTTS
for trauma support
Settlement Portal
run by Multicultural NSW
