OUR PROGRAMS
NAWIRI COMMUNITY BRIDGES
Building bridges between communities and the support they deserve
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
What this program is
Community Bridges is our flagship program for culturally and linguistically diverse communities across metropolitan Adelaide. It addresses a problem that sounds simple and is not: the services exist, but reaching them safely and confidently is extremely hard when you are new to a country, unfamiliar with its systems, and navigating them in a language that is not your own.
The program works as a hub of connection and navigation, giving people the knowledge, relationships and resources to access what they are entitled to, take part in community life, and build something here. It is delivered in genuine partnership with community leaders, cultural organisations and the communities themselves.
WHO IT IS FOR
Who we work with
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Newly arrived migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants settling in Adelaide
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Established community members still facing barriers to service access
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People facing several things at once, including disability, homelessness, family crisis and isolation
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African communities from East and West Africa
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Arabic-speaking Middle Eastern communities
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South and Southeast Asian communities
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Pacific Islander communities and other emerging communities in Adelaide
WHAT WE OFFER
How the program works
Community navigation
One-on-one help to understand and reach Australian services. Centrelink, Medicare, housing, education, health, legal and community services, with accompanied appointments and advocacy where needed.
Settlement support
Orientation to life in Adelaide, help getting into English language programs, connection to cultural and community organisations, and peer mentoring from people who have already made the journey.
Community education
Information sessions on rights and responsibilities, and workshops on parenting in Australia, understanding the NDIS, family violence awareness, mental health and financial literacy.
Advocacy
Working with mainstream services to make their delivery culturally safe, contributing to government consultations, and supporting community members to advocate for themselves.
CULTURAL SAFETY
How we make it work for you
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Programs delivered in community languages wherever possible, with interpreters for the rest
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All programs co-designed with community members, not designed for them
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Culturally specific programs where community size warrants it, such as Arabic-speaking womens groups and East African youth programs
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Cultural celebrations including Eid, Diwali and community festivals as a platform for connection
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Formal engagement of community Elders and leaders in program design and delivery
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Programs held in familiar, non-stigmatising venues within community
CULTURAL SAFETY
How we make it work for you
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Community centres and neighbourhood houses across metropolitan Adelaide
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Cultural and religious venues, including mosques, temples and community halls
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Schools and early childhood centres with high enrolments from our communities
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Libraries and public spaces, which are accessible, neutral and welcoming
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Online, for people with mobility or transport barriers
OTHER PROGRAMS
People rarely need just one thing
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Empowering people with disability to live the life they choose
Person-centred NDIS supports across Greater Adelaide, with support workers matched by language and culture wherever we can
NAWIRI FAMILY CONNECT
Strengthening families, protecting children, building futures
Early intervention and practical family support, working alongside parents before things reach crisis point.
NAWIRI ELDERCONNECT
Because belonging has no age limit
Social groups, volunteer befriending and home visits for older people living alone, in their own language where it matters.