Getting
out and about with other community members has great benefits as humanitarian
entrants are discovering.
Tasmania’s national parks are international drawcards but few new arrivals to
the state were venturing into the parks and reserves until the Get Outside with Community
program was developed by the Parks and Wildlife Service and Wildcare Inc.
Since the Getting Outside
with Community program started five years ago, new arrivals living
in Hobart and Launceston have been on around 100 excursions to parks and
reserves across the state.
TasTAFE and many other service providers helped identify people for the
program. These people then suggested others (some of whom can be harder
to reach as not involved in particular programs), to get involved.
The outings have been more than just sightseeing. The Healthy Parks,
Healthy People Initiative identifies that going into wilderness areas and
nature reserves is great for physical and mental health, meeting others,
building confidence and developing potential and leadership skills. About 40 participants received trained in outdoor leadership so they can lead
outdoor walks, deliver safety messages and help mobilise their own isolated
communities to join in the excursions.
Sam Cuff, a Community Engagement and Partnerships Officer with the Parks and
Wildlife Service, is enthusiastic about getting outside with new arrivals.
“Get Outside with Community is successful because of the simple concept of
being in a beautiful setting with friendly people, eating great food and
sharing vibrant cultures,” Sam said.
Get Outside with Community
has built leadership skills and confidence, which is integral to gaining
employment.
Four people trained in leadership though the Get Outside program gained
employment with the Parks and Wildlife Service as Discovery Rangers.
The Parks and Wildlife Service values bilingual or multilingual Discovery
Rangers who can communicate with tourists from non-English speaking
backgrounds.
Watch the Get Outside
with the Community Program video.