Indian influx hits Albury-Wodonga 03 Jan, 2011 01:00 AM ALBURY-Wodonga?s Indian community has doubled in size in less than two years but key Indian figures are concerned the Border cannot keep up with the rate of growth. Regional Development Australia and the Australian Indian Association of Albury-Wodonga estimate 150 Indian families now call Albury-Wodonga home compared with 75 in early 2009.
The recent spike in Indian arrivals on the Border comes despite the federal government?s move to change its skilled migration program to an employer-demand system, instead of employee-driven.
There are growing concerns the Border cannot keep pace with the explosion in skilled migration.
Australian Indian Association of Albury-Wodonga committee member Padma Ayyagari said there was an increasing number of skilled migrants unable to gain work in their professions.
?People come here hoping to fill shortages that don?t exist so they have to fall back to casual and part-time work to pay rent and make ends meet,? Mrs Ayyagari said.
?Then when they attain permanent residency they move back to the cities because that?s where the work is.?
The Border Mail has spoken to three accountancy graduates who have had to work casual shifts in low-paying jobs.
?I don?t know what can change but something has to,? Mrs Ayyagari said.
?If regional Australia is the backbone of the country the government needs to offer more in terms of sustainable employment, transport and housing facilities ... because (skilled migration) offers very good opportunities for Australia.?
Albury-Wodong a now boasts five Indian restaurants ? Indian Tandoori (Albury and Wodonga), Indian Chimney, Little India on Borella and Food Bazaar ? and two grocery stores ? Global Groceries and Vishaw Indian.
The new Albury-Wodonga Punjabi Welfare Society also held its first religious ceremony in Albury in November.
