THERE’S nothing Say Htoo Eh Moero wouldn’t do to help refugees feel at home in Wyndham.
The Wyndham Community and Education Centre case worker prides herself on helping new residents adjust from life in refugee camps along the Thai-Burma border or in Sudan to independent living in Australia.
Ms Eh Moero’s dedication to helping newly arrived refugees with everything from filling out immigration forms to making doctors’ appointments earned her the title of case worker of the year at the inaugural Migration and Settlement Awards in Canberra on March 18.
The awards were hosted by the Migration Council of Australia at Parliament House, with Ms Eh Moero receiving her award from Prime Minister and Lalor MP Julia Gillard.
Ms Eh Moero said her passion for her job was born out of her own experiences. “I came as a refugee [13 years ago]. When I came, I had a lot of problems where I didn’t know what to do. I like that I can help people who are facing the same problems,” she said.
“For many refugees and humanitarian entrants, language is a problem. They don’t know what the letters they receive are about or about utilities or schools and they are not confident about doing things. Often they need help finding school for themselves or their children.”
Ms Eh Moero also runs community information sessions on topics such as Crime Stoppers and translation services, working as an adviser to other organisations and mentoring younger case workers.
WCEC chief executive Jennie Barrera said many refugees came to the centre for help because they knew Ms Eh Moero would provide continuing support.
“Her work doesn’t stop. It trickles into evenings and weekends. If anyone is in need they call her. It is a 24/7 job.
“I don’t know what we would do without her.”
