Australian immigration programme is praised

A youth leadership programme is underway in the Hobsons Bay area and is seeing success with Australian immigrants. The scheme, launched by the city's council, has awarded 20 people from Burma with certificates for taking part, reports Star News Group.

Part of the programme involved a youth camp for people who have recently entered the region with an Australian visa, which included workshops and activities. One attendee, Hsar Pweh, said it gave him a chance to start being active in his new country.

He added: "It's given me a taste of Australia and it's given me a lot of confidence for my future." As another part of the scheme five attendees were sent to Sydney for a one-off regatta.

One Australian visa holder said moving to the country at first was very hard, with the language barrier presenting some difficulties, but added the programme has since "taught me a lot of new things". Other schemes have been launched in the country to help Australian visa holders integrate into society, one being driving training, the Geelong advisor reports.

Australia needs skilled workers: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.