New Locals Inner West free app to help refugees and asylum seekers

Wednesday 11 October 2017

A new app designed to help refugees and asylum seekers was officially launched yesterday by Mayor of Inner West Council Darcy Byrne.

Mayor Byrne said the New Locals app was designed to make it easier for refugees and people seeking asylum to find services and information about local places and activities.

“With a large number of newly arrived people living, working and visiting our local area and it’s important we help them to start their new lives,” Mayor Byrne said.

“This innovative New Locals Inner West app is a digital directory that is specific to our local inner west area to give people the local help, advice and assistance they need when they need it most.

“There are over 200 entries or listed services in the app with information ranging from how to access language classes, where to go to find second hand furniture and other goods to set up a household, finding food that is culturally appropriate and free activities for kids.

“People will be able to search the app by key word, find information via key headings and categories and use the map search function to find out activities nearby via google maps.

“Entries contain details about opening hours, tappable websites and contact numbers.

“The app is free to download and will be launched in both English and Arabic and it is envisaged that other languages will be added following a 12 month trial of the initiative.

“This is a very practical way we can help make it easier for people to access information and services they need,” he said.

Mayor Byrne said the app was developed by Council in partnership with the Asylum Seeker Centre and with the support from Settlement Services International.

The material contained in the app was researched and prepared by 11 local volunteers who were keen to use their knowledge to assist others in the community.

The app ‘New Locals Inner West’ app can be downloaded free for Apple iPhone and Android devices.