Logan-based Access Community Services has taken home a national Settlement Innovation award at The Australian Migration and Settlement Awards in Canberra for The Access Gateway.
Hosted by the Migration Council of Australia and attended by the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, and senior members of the Australian Government, the award celebrated Access’ innovative model that supports new refugees, migrants and the greater local community through The Access Gateway.
Located in Logan Central at 91 Webley Road, The Access Gateway is a destination where service providers come together to provide holistic support and services, and no one is turned away without assistance or advice.
Access CEO Gail Ker OAM said the team was extremely humbled to receive this award.
“The Access Gateway is a one-stop shop for providers to come together and provide holistic support and services to the local refugees, migrants and greater community” Ms Ker said.
“Under one roof, new arrivals can access a host of programs offered by various organisations within the community, eliminating the barriers that come with navigating multiple systems and services.”
Current programs being run at The Access Gateway range from English classes, social and community connection programs, volunteering opportunities, legal advice, health services, family support and domestic violence services to employment and training opportunities.
As new needs arise, new and additional partners and services are brought on-board to meet the needs of the community.
“The opportunities and pathways that The Access Gateway provides are very much a team effort,” Ms Ker said.
“Thank you to all of our staff at Access, particularly our Gateway staff, our service delivery partners and members of our local community for your hard work and generosity. We couldn’t do it without your support.”
investLogan Chairman Steve Greenwood recognised the wonderful community work Access undertakes in Logan.
“investLogan acknowledges the work of Access, particularly through The Access Gateway,” Mr Greenwood said.
“Access aligns itself with the investLogan pillar or social and community enrichment of the Logan community, and we are pleased to stand by Access in the work it does for our community. ”
“We will continue to support Access with in-kind resources, or whatever is necessary, to ensure the organisation is able to further enrich Logan’s diverse, multi-cultural community.”
