Mamre Sudanese Refugee Program

In response to an emerging need in this local area and at the request of a number of agencies, Mamre has engaged in a program to assist in the resettlement of Sudanese refugee families.

The program commenced in 2004 just one day a week. During 2006 the old "Shed" was refurbished with the assistance of Federal funding through GROW ACC and numerous other donations from Government, Business and Industry. The Beranga Ngurring Training Centre was opened on 4 April 2007 and enables us to hold classes for Sudanese women 4 days per week. In 2006/7 computer and cleaning courses were held in the evening for the Sudanese men.

Five catholic Parishes support the program through members who volunteer as literacy tutors, crèche workers and bus drivers. These parishes are St Clair, St Marys, Cranebrook, Glenmore Park and Luddenham.

Around 24 Sudanese women with approximately thirty four small children are currently participating in a special program that runs four days a week at Mamre.

Mamre Refugee Program

The program for the women includes the following:

• English literacy
• Survival skills for living in Australia
• Cooking
• Gardening
• Driver Safety
• Child Care / Parenting
• Health Issues
• Vocational Training

Rainbow Créche A Créche has been provided to care for the children. The “Rainbow Connections” créche was officially opened on 3 April 2007.

Program Partners

Our partners in this program are:

• Sydney West Health (Facilitation)
• Penrith Women's Health (Facilitation)
• Nepean Community College (Literacy tutor)
• Centrelink
• Nepean Migrant Access (Craft on Fridays)
• Penrith City Council (Support)
• Angels of Mercy (Support)
• Anglicare
• Mission Australia (Play Group)
• TAFE NSW (Outreach Courses)
• Global Skills (Employment Assistance)

Contact Us

For further information about the Social Services and Programs at Mamre, please Contact Us.