Councils have welcomed a new free helpline on health for multicultural communities. 

The Federal Government’s new Multicultural Health Connect helpline is expected to be of great assistance to local governments and multicultural communities.

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) says councils are encouraged to support and promote the program. 

The helpline 1800 186 815 offers people from multicultural backgrounds free health advice in their own language, including:

  • expert health advice from a nurse 

  • finding doctors, hospitals, and community health centres 

  • finding nearby support services  

  • learning about COVID-19, including vaccination and protecting themselves and their family. 

The confidential service is also run by workers with multicultural backgrounds. 

The helpline is open Monday to Friday 11am to 7pm AEDT (excluding public holidays) but is not available in Tasmania or Queensland.