HOME / VOCABULARY EXERCISES / LIFE SKILLS: AT THE LIBRARY
LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: AT THE LIBRARY
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
To check out a book = To borrow a book from the library
Overdue = A book (or some other item) that has not been returned on time to the library
Branch = Location; a library usually has multiple branches in a city
Library card = A card that entitles you to borrow books from the library
Shelves = Where the books are located
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST
Remember to choose the most natural-sounding answer.
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
That booked is checked out. = Someone has borrowed that book.
You library card has expired. = Your library card is no longer valid.
Your library card is not transferable. = Your library card cannot be used by another person.
You have overdue fines on your card. = You owe money for books that you have returned late.
Ther system is down. = We can't access information because the computer network is not working.
RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMERS: BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here's a comprehensive guide to immigrant and refugee support services in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia - including settlement help, legal assistance, health care, community integration, English & employment support, and specialised programs for newcomers.
CORE SETTLEMENT & MULTICULTURAL SUPPORT
Multicultural Australia - Brisbane Multicultural Centre
A major Queensland provider of settlement support for refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers in Brisbane. They offer case-managed settlement assistance, community engagement programs, employment support, life skills workshops, and help navigating Australian systems.
Services include:
• Humanitarian Settlement Program (individualised assistance for newly arrived refugees)
• Settlement Engagement & Transition Support (SETS) for new migrants and humanitarian entrants
• Community connection opportunities and social support
Settlement Services International - Logan Office
SSI delivers the Settlement Engagement & Transition Support (SETS) program across southern Queensland including Brisbane. This is government-funded support helping migrants and refugees settle, understand systems, access services, and build community connections.
Program highlights:
• One-on-one settlement advice & referrals
• Workshops on housing, jobs, citizenship prep, driver literacy & more
• Youth support and engagement activities
Refugee & Immigration Legal Service (RAILS)
A key free legal support organisation for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers across Queensland, including Brisbane. They provide legal advice and representation on visas, protection claims, family reunion, Temporary Protection Visas (TPV/SHEV), and related immigration matters.
Refugee & Migrant support services Inc - Community Support
Local community centre in Inala offering settlement help and support activities for migrants and refugees (including social integration and referral support).
HEALTH & WELL BEING SERVICES
Mater Refugee and Multicultural Health Services
Provides refugee-focused health care including primary care, mental health support, pediatric services, health coordination, and navigation support for asylum seekers and humanitarian arrivals.
COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS
• Welcome Hubs across Brisbane neighbourhoods offer community connection, wellbeing activities, conversation classes, workshops, and cultural events to help newcomers feel at home.
• Brisbane has local community hubs and neighbourhood centres where new arrivals can meet peers, attend group activities, and access informal support.
Communify Queensland Multicultural Programs
Communify runs multicultural activities including English conversation classes, citizenship support, community hubs, education initiatives, and specialist help for asylum seekers through the ASRA program (in partnership with other organisations).
There are support groups like the Asylum Seeker & Refugee Support Group that offer peer support, help with paperwork, conversation practice and community connection (e.g., Indooroopilly group).
HOUSING & MATERIAL SUPPORT
Asylum Seeker & Refugee Assistance Program (ASRA)
A Queensland program offering emergency relief, case coordination, housing support and pathways to independence for vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees. This is delivered through partnerships including Communify, Multicultural Australia, RAILS, QPASTT, and Common Ground Queensland.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS:
1. Contact settlement services early. Programs like Humanitarian Settlement and SETS can help you access housing, work, education, health care and community services.
2. Use community hubs for connection. Welcome Hubs and multicultural programs help reduce isolation and build support networks.
3. Seek free legal advice before making immigration applications or appeals. RAILS provides legal guidance on protection visas and family matters.
4. Health support is available through refugee-friendly clinics like Mater's service, even if you're on a temporary visa.
