IT WAS in part thanks to a story in the Leader that the migrant settlement services at Gymea Community Aid was saved.
Migrant services manager Jenny Grey said the story generated a huge response and many of the centre's clients went to great lengths to fight for the service.
"It was tremendous support that highlighted the value of small place-based community organisations," she said.
The future looks bright now that the centre has received funding for at least three more years as a member of the NSW Settlement Partnership.
Twenty-two members, including Gymea Community Aid, make up the organisation to assist newly arrived migrants and refugees.
"It is a good model of collaboration and a very supportive arrangement," she said.
"There is lots of potential for the delivery of innovative services for migrants and refugees."
Ms Grey said the funding announcement was a huge relief and meant staff and volunteers could concentrate on delivering services.
"We can now work with new communities moving to the Sutherland area such as Thai, Egyptian and Russian," she said.
Have you benefited from the migrant settlement services at Gymea Community Aid?