Community Consultations

Starting life in a new country often means dealing with unfamiliar forms, agencies, rules, and terminology. UAANT's community consultations give Ukrainians in the Northern Territory a welcoming place to explain their situation, ask questions in a language they are comfortable using, and identify a practical next step.

You do not need to know which organisation to contact before speaking with us. Begin by telling us what has happened and what you need. We will listen, share reliable general information, and, where appropriate, connect you with a government service, qualified professional, or specialist community organisation.

What you can ask about

• Settlement in the NT: local services, transport, communication, everyday administration, and where to seek further help.
• Centrelink and Medicare: understanding official information, preparing for an appointment, and finding language assistance.
• Visas and migration: locating current Home Affairs information and obtaining a referral to a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner.
• Housing: searching for accommodation, understanding where to seek tenancy information, and referrals when a household is at risk.
• Employment: job-search pathways, resumes, recognition of skills, workplace referrals, and services for jobseekers.
• Education and English: schools, CDU and TAFE pathways, English-language programs, document translation, and student support.
• Health and wellbeing: finding a GP, mental-health support, disability services, and culturally appropriate referrals.
• Family and community: Ukrainian activities, multicultural organisations, and support for children, parents, and older people.
• Forms and official correspondence: understanding what an agency is asking for and where to obtain authorised assistance.

What happens during a consultation

The conversation normally begins with the issue that is most urgent for you. A UAANT volunteer will help separate it into manageable steps, identify information or documents you may need, and discuss which service is best placed to assist.

Depending on the question, the outcome may be:

1. a link to an official source or an explanation of where to begin;
2. a checklist of documents or questions to prepare;
3. a referral to Melaleuca Australia, Services Australia, a health service, a legal service, or another appropriate organisation;
4. a follow-up conversation after you receive new information; or
5. an invitation to a group information session when several community members have the same concern.

We cannot promise a particular decision from a government agency or service provider, but we can help you approach the right organisation with clearer information and better preparation.

Important limits

UAANT volunteers provide general information, practical orientation, and referrals. UAANT is not a government agency, law firm, migration practice, medical service, or financial adviser.

We do not decide visa applications, Centrelink claims, Medicare eligibility, housing applications, or legal matters. Australian law restricts who may provide immigration assistance. Individual visa advice and help preparing a visa application must come from an appropriately authorised person, such as a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. We will refer you rather than guess.

For medical emergencies or immediate danger, call 000. Do not wait for a community consultation.

Privacy and respectful support

Share only the information needed to explain your question. Please do not send original identity documents by email. If documents are required, we will explain a safer way to provide or show them.

UAANT treats personal circumstances respectfully and limits information-sharing to what is necessary for an agreed referral. If another organisation needs your details, we will normally ask for your consent first. Tell us if you need an interpreter, have accessibility requirements, or would prefer to speak with someone of a particular gender.

How community feedback helps UAANT

Consultations also help us understand recurring problems. When several people face the same barrier, UAANT can organise an information session, improve website guidance, approach a service provider, or raise the broader issue through our advocacy work.

Personal stories are not used publicly without permission. When UAANT discusses a community-wide issue with a partner or government representative, identifying details can be removed unless you have explicitly agreed otherwise.

Book a consultation

Email uaant.inc@gmail.com with:

• your name and preferred contact method;
• whether you would like to speak in Ukrainian or English;
• a short description of the issue;
• any important deadline; and
• suitable times for a conversation.

Please do not include passport numbers, banking details, passwords, or complete copies of sensitive documents in your first email.

You can also explore our visa support, advocacy, psychological support, and Helping Hand pages.

There is no charge for an initial UAANT community consultation. If we refer you to an external professional or service, ask that provider directly about any fees before proceeding.