Miss Sing arrived in Australia 30 years ago as a refugee from another country. She came by airplane and found it difficult to adjust due to not speaking English well, which made it hard to find a job and housing. The language barrier was the most challenging part of arriving. She was not given much information upon arrival and had to rely on friends and her church for help. It was difficult to find out about basic rights, education, job opportunities, and available assistance. The experience could have been improved by providing more organizations to help refugees. Her advice for new migrants is to not give up and keep trying.

1. Interview template Miss Sing (35-36 yrs old)

2. Summarise the responses you received:How long have you been in Australia?I have been in Australia for 30 years.

3. Summarise the responses you received:Did you or your family come to Australia as refugees?Yes

4. Summarise the responses you received:How did you come to Australia from your home country? I cam to Australia with an airplane

5. Summarise the responses you received:How did you feel when you first arrived in Australia? Describe what it was like.The most thing that I didn’t know was the language.I couldn’t speak English and I didn’t understand everything.It was hard to find a jobAnd a place to live because we didn’t have enough

6. Summarise the responses you received:What did you find difficult when you arrived?The most thing was the language because of that I didn’t find a job because they ask me if you can speak English. The English was more difficult for me.

7. Summarise the responses you received:What information were you given when you arrived?Not much information was given. I got information from my friend and the church.

8. Summarise the responses you received:What things were hard to find out?Your basic rights.

9. Summarise the responses you received:What other things did you need or want to know?I would want to know about education, job opportunities and how to get help.

10. Summarise the responses you received:How did you find the answers to these?It was hard because there wasn’t people to help you.

11. Summarise the responses you received:How could the experience have been better for you?Maybe the government could provide more organisations to help refugees.

12. Summarise the responses you received:What advice would you give to other new migrants and refugees?Don’t give up, keep trying.

13. Summarise the responses you received:How can we help them settle?Don’t give up.