OASIS Wimmera migrant families enjoyed time spent on the Wimmera River at Dimboola today during one of their regular outings.

Members, from countries including India, Bangladesh and Turkey, meet to absorb Australian culture in a variety of settings, and to meet new people around the area.

The group is supported by committee members Wendy McInnes of Laharum and Mars Drum of Dimboola, who assist the group with their local knowledge and skills. Today the group enjoyed boating and swimming on the Wimmera River, and a picnic on the bank on Riverside.

Mars was introduced to the OASIS group through the children of her Writing On Walls (WOW) project in Horsham. This involved migrant children having their ideas and thoughts about belonging here installed around Horsham on bench seats and at the library entrance.

Mars will be spending time with the group over Easter during a painting workshop at Dimboolas Arura campsite.

OASIS Wimmera was formed in 2010 by three migrants who wanted to assist overseas migrants to integrate into Australian society and understand the cultural transition between Australia and their country of origin.

All migrants are invited to join in with the group; the next outing will be a camping experience at Arura next month.

Harrison Po Kyaut and Mars Drum are pictured rowing at the river today.