The Australian Refugee Association (ARA) has been assisting refugees since the first arrival in Australia from Vietnam in 1975. Since then is has expanded its work to include people escaping persecution from any country. We use a broad definition of a refugee to include others such as asylum seekers, their families, and migrants in need.

ARA assists people to move on from refugee experience, rebuild their lives, live in dignity and become contributing members of the Australian community. We also work with the Australian public, deepening understanding of the refugee experience, involving people in practical ways such as donating household goods, money and also volunteering.

Practical assistance is provided to refugees in various different ways depending on individual needs.
Help Desk - Staff and trained volunteers provide general assistance, information and referrals.
Casework - ARA has a range of programs that assist or support people from refugee backgrounds regardless of their visa sub class.
Accommodation Support - Provides education and information sessions on housing.
Refugee Travel Assistance
Job - Ready Steady Go - A program for young people seeking part time work.
Be Strong Be Safe - A series of workshops for young people about safety.
Parents in Education - A program which helps parents engage in their school communities.
Parents at Play and Mum's Groups
Men's Sessions
Workshops - Community Awareness training
Community Development
Employment - Assistance with job search, training and resume preparation.
Migration - Assistance with visas for family reunions and skilled migrants.

ARA believes in the capacity and desire of refugees to be productive citizens through contributing to the social, cultural and economic life in Australia. Refugees are people who have experienced persecution, fear and flight.
Mission
To help refugees become settled and participating citizens of Australia.
Vision
A South Australia where all refugees have access to the full range of appropriate settlement services, where refugees have strong supportive communities of their own cultural backgrounds, where the general community is supportive of refugees and engaged with them, where refugees are an integral part of a thriving prosperous community.

Supporting tomorrow's Australians Today!