Border settlement and health agencies have received Victorian government funding to help migrants and refugees better understand the coronavirus crisis.
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The $18,146 grant will allow liaison workers from the region's refugee communities to translate key health and information messages, with support for home schooling, access to digital platforms and IT training also available.
The joint project will see the resources shared among groups including Albury-Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council, Gateway Health, Albury-Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau, Uniting, Australian Red Cross and NSW Service For The Treatment And Rehabilitation Of Torture And Trauma Survivors.
AWECC senior community advocacy officer Harley Dannatt said while everyone had been affected by the COVID-19 situation, migrant communities could struggle to understand the official advice.
"If you're not able to read the Australian government websites to access that information you're much more vulnerable to misinformation," he said.
"Whilst there have been fantastic translated resources made available nationally, there is still a need to support communities at the grassroots level and ensure locally specific information is accessible.
"COVID-19 has placed an incredible strain on organisations and communities everywhere.
"Albury-Wodonga has a fantastic, responsive sector who are working collaboratively to support our local refugee and migrant communities."
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The grant is part of the government multicultural affairs and social cohesion division's strategic engagement co-ordinators initiative.
Ovens Murray region strategic engagement co-ordinator Lucie Wallis said present circumstances highlighted the importance of regional partnerships.
"It has enabled us to develop local and innovative messaging solutions that understandably, during this time of crisis, haven't specifically been addressed in state and federal messaging more broadly, " she said.
Murray Valley Sanctuary Refugee Group president Penny Vine said although home visits weren't possible at the moment, Border agencies formed "a very energetic coalition of workers" who met regularly online.
Facebook, phone messages and calls, What's App, Zoom and Skype were all being used to keep in touch with people and send out important information.
"What we've got is actually quite an interesting model of communication which we wouldn't have (otherwise) put effort into," Dr Vine said.
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"The message has gone out if you're in distress ring your community leaders - well, we need to support the community leaders so that's where we're putting a lot of energy in making sure they've got the skills to manage.
"We were all determined that this was going to be the best thing that ever happened to us.
"That the outcomes for the community were going to be greatly enhanced rather than just shut down."
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