According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data, of the more than 147,000 people in Hume, 6900 are from Arabic-speaking backgrounds. About 4500 among them were born in Iraq and 2400 in Lebanon.

There are about 2813 Arabic-speaking migrants who have chosen Hume as their home in the past 10 years.

Political refugee Ramadan Ali fled Iraq in 2000 as war broke out. The 42-year-old said he settled in Meadow Heights with his wife, Ghofran and their children because it was close to social networks, resources and Islamic schools, including Bethal Primary School.

"There is an Iraqi community here and we are now very, very happy. I wanted to be close to my brother [who lived] in Lalor and this area is very quiet and the rent is cheap."

The first port of call for most Arabic-speaking settlers in Hume is the Victorian Arabic Social Services Centre in Broadmeadows.

Manager Leila Alloush said the established Arabic community drew more migrants to the municipality. But the key to keeping them happy was the cultural and social network available.

"Hume's housing is still relatively cheaper than the Melbourne average, too, but even though it is a poorer area, the community spirit is so good."

Hume city communities director Mike Webb said: "Hume has thriving retail, education and social services that support the many different cultures in Hume as well as the existing Arabic-speaking community."

Migrant Resource Centre north-west executive officer Anthony Abate said it was a "standard pattern of migration" for people to live in places where they had a connection.