VICTORIAN Governor David de Krester will bring to the State Government's attention the issues confronting Latrobe Valley's Sudanese community.
The Governor last week met with representatives of the Sudanese community who informed him of problems they were facing.
The meeting was part of Professor de Kretser's official tour of the Latrobe Valley last week.
He also took time to meet with the Aboriginal community.
Prof de Kretser, who immigrated to Australia from Sri Lanka as a nine year-old, was keen to listen to and take on board the issues encountered by the citizens of the Latrobe Valley.
Prof de Kretser met with the Gippsland Settlement Committee and Gippsland Multicultural Service in Morwell.
``While talking with the Sudanese community I learnt a great deal about some of their problems however they are an extraordinary and enthusiastic people,'' Prof de Kretser said.
``They said they are facing some employment problems but they wanted to learn firefighting techniques so that they can join the CFA and actually be part of the community.''
Prof de Kretser said he was also impressed by the Aboriginal community, especially its keen interest in health issues.
``We met with the Aboriginal community and visited their services, health and childcare and had a very moving ceremony with them,'' Prof de Kretser said.
``While there I listened to a man who had undertaken a men's health program which which was sort of linked to something I started a long time ago with Andrology Australia.
``What he learnt was very closely linked with diabetes and heart disease so that was great to see for them.''
Gippsland Multicultural Services settlement support worker Olivia Hurrell said the visit was good for both the Sudanese community and local services.
Ms Hurrell said the Sudanese people appreciated the Governor's time and while he made no promises, his visit was enough to inspire them.
Latrobe City Council chief executive officer Paul Buckley was with the Governor when he met with the Sudanese and Aboriginal communities.
``Employment is a real issue and they are trying to find a job that would be good for them but they are happy with the education and recreational opportunities in the community that they get here in the Latrobe Valley,'' Mr Buckley said.
``However they were very articulate and very enthusiastic and happy to be here, not just in Australia, but particularly in the Latrobe Valley.''
Mr Buckley said while the Governor could not secure funding, he had given a commitment to help the Sudanese community.
He said Prof de Kretser would try to provide the information to the appropriate government ministers to make sure they are aware of the issues confronting the Sudanese community.
