For others it’s simply seeking a new opportunity that gives them and their children a chance to carve out a meaningful life free of persecution.

Whatever their situation, the biggest story is often the journey they have undertaken to get the chance to experience the privilege, for us all, of the Australian way of life.

For many it’s a path that has taken them many years to complete, often only after defying death in a hazardous ordeal through war-torn countries and on to refugee camps, where often they still have had to wait for a small eternity to get chosen to come to Australia.

The joy they have in making it to Australia can often be seen plainly in the joy on their faces when they become Australian citizens.

The appreciation of what they now have and their driving desire to be an integral part of their new community is one of the greatest achievements of our nation.

But that is not the end of their story. It’s often just the launching pad for being able to truly become valued, contributing members of our society.

While many migrants have unique skills and qualifications, that in itself does not guarantee a job and in turn an income to support their families.

And with that comes a host of other needs, all equally important in ensuring migrants achieve their goals

On the Border a single agency has been playing a mighty role on this front.

In fact, Gateway Health’s work has been so successful that it has received a highly commended award from the Victorian Multicultural Commission for its corporate innovation.

Its achievement is laid bare in one simple statistic.

And that is, out of 24 participants of a Wodonga program for migrant and refugee job seekers, 18 have found work.

As chief executive Vicki Pitcher says, it is about catering to people’s health and therapeutic needs.

“We try and connect the dots for them, I guess, and give them a safe place.”

And on top of that there is the basic nuts and bolts of knowing how to put together a resume, how to tackle a job interview and simply knowing how to contact the right people.

Gateway Health deserves the community’s heartiest congratulations for what it has achieved.