Ms Deng, 39, lived in a refugee camp in Kenya before arriving in Australia in January.

She spends a couple of hours each week with Mrs Anderson, who provides practical support by accompanying her to appointments, explaining the public transport system and showing her where to buy affordable food and clothing.

Mrs Anderson, of Delahey, joined the AMES settlement volunteer team five years ago.

Also an English tutor, Mrs Anderson described volunteering as very rewarding.

"I do it because I enjoy it. Some people say to me, 'Why do you do it for nothing, why don't you get paid?'. Forget the payment - the payment is in the pleasure of being with these lovely people.

"Volunteers get to learn a lot about different countries from a different point of view than what the media give us. The media give us a picture of a country; we get the real picture from the people who live there, and that's a big difference."

At her home, Ms Deng, who speaks very little English, said Australia was a very good country to live in.

AMES settlement services volunteer co-ordinator Marilyn Gaensch said most of the service's clients were sponsored by family or friends to come to Australia but were left on their own to integrate on arrival.

Ms Gaensch said that during 2007-08, 335 refugees needed help in settling into the west.

"The challenges for them are enormous. Upon their arrival, they live with the family that sponsors them; they find private rental accommodation very expensive.

"Understanding our system, such as banking, transport, timetables, parking and Australian regulations, is difficult for them."

Ms Deng, whose children are aged from seven to 22, is slowly adapting to her new home country.

"It doesn't matter how fast it happens, each day she learns something new and she understands me better; it's just a progressive thing," Mrs Anderson said.

AMES is seeking more volunteers to help newly arrived refugees adjust to their new communities.

Details: Marilyn Gaensch on 83984700 or 96873494.