Justyna Miller, who has been involved with the group for several years, is now in the formal role as a facilitator and says creating a "supportive village" for migrants and people new to the district is vital.
Waitaki Multicultural is a non-profit organisation which aims to aid and support migrants and newcomers to settle successfully.
It also promotes positive relations across the district through community education and engagement programmes.
Waitaki Multicultural chairwoman Maria Buldain said Mrs Miller’s work will be vital in building a sense of belonging and ensuring newcomers and migrants feel welcomed and supported.
"Justyna will be helping to organise community activities and programmes, as well as supporting new arrivals in connecting with local services and settling into life in the Waitaki District," Mrs Buldain said.
Mrs Buldain stepped down as chairwoman this week and current vice-chairman Robert Roodnat will become the chairman.
She said while she will remain on the committee, it was time to "pass on the baton" after five years, and to dedicate more time to her work as a mental health clinician.
Mrs Miller, who has been volunteering for three years, said she loved the work.
"I love Waitaki Multicultural and everything that it represents - I love helping others ... I’m very community oriented."
Her new job role encompasses many of her previous tasks as a volunteer. This includes connecting residents to active movement programmes such as latin dance and tai chi, and organising cultural events.
Mrs Miller will also act as a "community liaison".
"For many, this is a new place. There’s a language barrier. Many of our families, they don’t have anyone around.
"We make sure they are welcome, that they are supported."
WMC has renamed its Multicultural Playgroup the Family Connect Group.
Mrs Miller said they did this after identifying a need to create a "safe space" for families to connect, have coffee or tea and learn more about organisations in the district.
She had arrived in Oamaru from Poland eight years ago and lives with her husband and 6-year-old daughter Alicia.
Her own migrant experience has been beneficial in helping to support others moving to the area.
"It’s about sharing our own experiences and helping others be a part of the community, because Oamaru is such a great community to be a part of."
