How donations are contributing to SMRC’s programs and community impact

Making a difference

Donations are helping SMRC expand its programs, strengthen its services, and reach more people in the community. With the generosity of individuals, organisations, and our major donors, SMRC is able to deliver practical support that changes lives.

Growing connections at The Hive

At The Hive community garden, donations are helping us create a space where people from diverse backgrounds can come together, share skills, and enjoy the benefits of gardening.

Currently, the small shed we have on site limits our ability to store equipment, seeds, and supplies efficiently. With support provided by donors, we can now plan to install a larger shed that will give us room to reorganise, safely store garden tools, and provide shelter during bad weather. This upgrade will help us run more workshops, host more volunteers, and welcome even more community members into the garden.

Opening doors with the driving program

For many migrants and refugees, gaining a Driver’s Licence is an essential step towards independence. By first completing English for Driving classes, participants will gain crucial English skills and knowledge to not only pass their learner permit test but also foster a sense of community among other students in a similar situation. Donations are enabling SMRC to subsidise driving lessons for 30 clients, each receiving 20 lessons through our Driving Program.

In addition, SMRC is covering the full cost of 20 lessons each for two clients experiencing significant financial hardship. These lessons can be life-changing, as shown in Zohra’s journey.

Zohra, who arrived in Australia with limited driving experience, joined SMRC’s program to build her confidence behind the wheel. The lessons helped her gain independence, better access to services, and the ability to support her family.

Improving services through client journey mapping

Donations have also supported important projects like the Client Journey Mapping Initiative. This initiative was conducted in partnership with LOTE Agency and partly funded with a generous donation from South East Water. The project captured the lived experiences of clients and staff across our Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) and Aged Care programs.

Through interviews and co-design workshops, we identified key stages in the client journey. The work also considered broader systemic factors impacting client outcomes, including language barriers, digital literacy, unclear service boundaries, and the cumulative toll on staff navigating complex, high-emotion roles. These insights will help SMRC improve service delivery, reduce barriers, and better support client independence while strengthening staff wellbeing.

How you can help

From planting seeds in The Hive, to helping clients like Zohra gain independence through driving lessons, or strengthening our services through client journey mapping, every initiative reflects SMRC’s commitment to empowering migrants and refugees. These programs not only provide practical tools and skills but also foster confidence, connection, and belonging.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors. Your support ensures that we can continue to create opportunities, remove barriers, and build stronger, more inclusive communities for all.

If you’d like to help SMRC make a positive difference in the lives of migrants and refugees, please consider donating today.