About Families and Early Years Program
Families and Early Years Program is proud to partner with Metro South Health to deliver a community-based antenatal service for eligible newly arrived, refugee, and migrant women living in Logan, Queensland.
The service is facilitated by the SSI Gateway and aims to improve birthing outcomes for babies born in Logan. Evidence shows that a woman who receives care from a Midwife throughout the duration of pregnancy and birth is more likely to have a normal birth of a healthy baby at term, have a more positive experience of labour and birth, be more satisfied with her care, and successfully breastfeed.
We work closely with Midwives to provide wrap-around support to women and families by linking them in with internal and external services for housing, employment, health and financial wellbeing support.
In addition, the Family and early years program includes:
Get in touch
If you would like more information, please speak with your GP about a Families and Early Years Program referral or email acsl.gatewayofficer@ssi.org.au
SSI Gateway
91 Wembley Road Logan Central, QLD
Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Phone: 07 3412 8222
About SSI Allianz Scholarship Program
People with refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds can face considerable barriers to participating in Australia’s education system. Supported by financial services company Allianz and other donors, the SSI Allianz Scholarship program aims to make things a little easier.
Through the program we provide one-off scholarships of up to $5000 to students preparing to undertake study or have their existing skills recognised in New South Wales, Queensland or Victoria.
How we help
Applications for the 2024 academic year are now CLOSED
Key dates
Applications open: September 2024, date TBC
Applications close: October 2024, date TBC
Successful applicants notified: Applicants notified mid – late January 2025
Applicants receive funding: Mid-January – mid February 2025
Eligibility criteria
To be successful for support, applicants must:
- Be from a refugee or asylum seeker background on the listed visa numbers: 117, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 449, 786, 790, 842, 851, 866. Applicants on bridging, SHEV 790 or TPV 785 are also eligible to apply but must consider individual circumstances regarding visa obligations and any potential impact to other sources of income.
- Have been living in Australia for five years or less, (from 2018 this year). Except for eligible bridging visa holders and 851 visas who now have no time in country limit
- Reside and study in NSW, QLD or VIC.
- Meet eligibility criteria specific to each scholarship category (see application forms for more details).
- Not have previously received an SSI Allianz scholarship.
*No more than one scholarship will be awarded in each immediate family in the same household per year.
*People living with disability that meet the criteria are encouraged to apply.
Additional resources
Outlines the purpose of the SSI Allianz Refugee Scholarship program, eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and application questions for various categories of applicants.
More about SSI Scholarships
The Educational categories available and the amounts awarded are as follows:
* Secondary Education – $1500
* Vocational Education and Training – $3000
* University – $5000
* Skills & Qualification Recognition – $5000
Persecution, war, political instability and displacement are all factors that lead individuals and families to leave their homes to seek permanent protection elsewhere, including Australia. Refugees who come to Australia face many challenges during settlement, such as financial hardship, dealing with experiences of torture and trauma, and family separation.
Australia is a nation built on immigration. We have a long history of providing safe asylum to refugees, many of whom have gone on to make great civil, social and economic contributions to Australian society.
SSI and Allianz aim to continue that tradition by providing targeted scholarships to those who are most in need and willing to overcome social and economic challenges.
In response to the various needs of refugee communities, SSI and Allianz offer scholarships to individuals across a range of education categories, including secondary, vocational education and training, university, and skills qualification and recognition.
Applications for scholarships for the 2025 academic year will open and be available here in September 2024.
Applicants must:
– Be from a refugee background or asylum seeker background on the listed visa numbers: 117, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 786, 790, 842, 851, 866. Applicants on SHEV 790, TPV 785 and bridging visas with an asylum seeker background are also eligible to apply but must consider individual circumstances, visa obligations and any potential impact to other sources of income.
– Have been living in Australia for five years or less, (from 2018 this year). Except for eligible bridging visa holders and 851 visas who now have no time in country limit
– Reside and study in NSW, QLD or VIC.
– Meet eligibility criteria specific to each scholarship category (see individual application form for more details).
– People with a disability who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply.
No, scholarships are open to those mentioned above. If you are unsure, please contact
scholarships@ssi.org.au
Yes, you are eligible to apply but due to the variable and changing visa requirements we advise applicants to consider the scholarships one off payment’s potential, to impact any existing payments as well as any reporting obligations you may have, particularly regarding full-time study.
The websites below may assist but it is advised to speak to an expert to understand any impact to your individual circumstance.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/topics/income/30376#a4 https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/special-benefit-income-support-tpv-shev-holders/
Please see the key dates listed on this webpage for details on application opening, closing and announcements.
We have no restrictions on you receiving scholarships from other providers but we do advise that
you to check the other scholarship provider’s restrictions.
You will find a document on this webpage called ‘Alternatives to SSI Allianz Scholarships’ that lists other scholarship and education opportunities that you can explore.
Multiple members of a family household are invited to apply in the same academic year; however, no more than one scholarship will be granted per immediate family household in a single academic year.
The scholarship applications are only available in English and must be completed in English.
You can receive assistance, but the application answers must be the applicant’s own words. Applications may also be submitted by an authorised representative (e.g., Teacher or Case Manager).
No, however documentation will be requested to demonstrate your effort in gaining skills and qualification recognition. It will be assessed by the Review Committee.
No, SSI employees are not eligible for the scholarships.
No. These scholarships are only for applicants living and studying in NSW, VIC, or QLD. Please the see the ‘Alternatives to SSI scholarship’ on this webpage.
No, you must be living in NSW, QLD or Victoria at the time the application is received.
No, you must be studying in the 2024 academic year.
No late submission will be accepted for any reason.
It is strongly encouraged that all successful recipients attend the ceremony. It is also strongly encouraged that you invite your family, friends, and referees to help celebrate your achievement. Most importantly this is a chance to celebrate your success and to thank those that made your scholarship possible. The exact date will be advertised by February 2024.
Get in touch
NSW, QLD, VIC
For more information, please contact our Scholarships team at scholarships@ssi.org.au
Address: 2/158 Liverpool Road Ashfield NSW 2131
About Work+Stay
Australia’s regions are in dire need of workers in a range of sectors. At the same time, many people in cities – including newcomers – are looking for employment. SSI’s Work+Stay business aims to bring the two together, helping to solve challenges for regional employers and to build stronger communities.
The program has a focus on right-fit employment and lifestyle solutions for newcomers considering relocation, and the right long-term workforce for employers in the regions.
How we help
Get in touch
Find out more at www.workandstay.com.au
About SSI Community Hubs
SSI Community Hubs brings local education, health, community, and settlement services together in a familiar and welcoming environment to make it easier for families with young children to access the services and assistance they need. The SSI Hub provides families with a sense of belonging and facilitates the development of friendships and support networks.
How we help
Find us and get in contact
SSI runs eight Hubs in NSW (Blacktown, Parramatta, Cumberland and Coffs Harbour) and ten Hubs in Queensland (Logan and Ipswich).
Each hub offers activities tailored to match the needs of the community, including early childhood support and education, English classes and vocational pathways.
Here’s where to find your nearest SSI Community Hub and how to get in touch.
Queensland
Contact our Hub Coordinator supporting hubs in Ipswich and Logan.
Maribel Marquez
communityhubs@ssi.org.au
0455 999 838
Fernbrooke State School
Ipswich
Queensland
Kruger State School
Ipswich
Queensland
Riverview State School
Ipswich
Queensland
Springfield Lakes State School
Ipswich
Queensland
Staines Memorial College
Ipswich
Queensland
Marsden State School
Logan
Queensland
St Francis College
Logan
Queensland
St Paul’s Catholic Primary School
Logan
Queensland
Woodridge North State School
Logan
Queensland
Woodridge State School
Logan
Queensland
Western Sydney
Contact our Hub Coordinator supporting our hubs in Parramatta, Cumberland and Blacktown.
Asami Iwasaki
communityhubs@ssi.org.au
0403 306 624
Parramatta West Public School
Parramatta
New South Wales
Rydalmere Public School
Parramatta
New South Wales
Granville Public School
Cumberland
New South Wales
Hilltop Road Public School
Cumberland
New South Wales
Westmead Public School
Cumberland
New South Wales
Bert Oldfield Public School
Blacktown
New South Wales
Kings Langley Public School
Blacktown
New South Wales
Coffs Harbour
Contact our Hub Coordinator supporting our hubs in Coffs Harbour.
Lisa Steward
communityhubs@ssi.org.au
0423 796 035
Narranga Public State School
Coffs Harbour
New South Wales
Tyalla Public School
Coffs Harbour
New South Wales
William Bayldon Public School
Coffs Harbour
New South Wales
About SSI Arts & Culture
Everyone deserves the opportunity to develop their creative potential and participate meaningfully in Australia’s cultural life, which is a belief that inspires our Arts & Culture program.
Through community-led arts and culture initiatives, we empower individuals through self-expression, bring communities together through connection, and help build a stronger society where everyone is valued.
Our flagship event, New Beginnings Festival, takes over Darling Harbour once a year to welcome everyone to immerse themselves in eclectic sounds and tastes from all over the world.
How we help
More about Arts & Culture
Partner with us
We partner with arts organisations and cultural workers to deliver an annual program of events, projects and workshops. We support artists and cultural practitioners from all backgrounds, including First Nations peoples and humanitarian entrants, through artistic development programs and offering opportunities to perform and showcase their work.
We also offer a range of sponsorship, partnership and donation opportunities. Learn how your organisation can support the movement towards a more harmonious, inclusive and culturally enriched Australia.
Email info@ssi.org.au to speak with our friendly team.
Build a bright future
Parenting is demanding, so it’s important to have the right support that helps you prepare for your future while also balancing family life.
We can help you find and fund your study and work goals.
Our free 1:1 support offers mentoring to prepare you for the next phase of life, including help accessing childcare, developing skills and experience, obtaining training and certifications, and access to funding to help you reach your goals.
What makes us different
We are here to be your partner and we want to help you succeed.
Language should never be a barrier to support. Our diverse team ensures language is never a barrier, aiming to pair you with a facilitator who understands your language and culture or provide access to translation services.
As part of a large organisation offering a range of life-changing services, we can help you and your family to easily access other services to make life easier.
Attending your appointments just got even more rewarding!
Unlock extra support with Engagement Support Vouchers! As an extra perk, you can receive a store gift card of your choosing for attending face-to-face appointments. New ParentsNext clients can receive $100, while existing participants receive $50, with a cap of $250 per person.
Plan your next step with ParentsNext
The ParentsNext program is designed to support parents and carers receiving Parenting Payments, with a child under 6 years old, in preparing for employment. You can receive help to:
Identify your goals for the future, both personally and professionally.
Find and fund training and courses that will help you meet your goals.
Cover work and study expenses such as licenses, equipment, and clothing.
Access suitable childcare options to make work and study manageable.
Transport assistance – including driving courses.
Access other services that could benefit you and your family.
You can get help like…
Michelle
who aimed to regain custody of her children and work outdoors, and has achieved her goals by becoming a traffic controller after we helped her plan her career, find childcare, pay for training, and get the job.
Joanne
who has built her confidence and skills since getting tutoring for her dyslexia that we helped pay for.
Jasmine
a teen mum who experienced domestic violence, is now getting ready for work since being helped to find a home, courses, and resources for her and her kids.
Hye
a single mum from South Korea, who didn’t speak much English and never had a job or went to school. She now has a job and a diploma in Early Childhood Education after we helped organise and fund her courses, laptop, licenses, English lessons, and work clothes.
Christine
who found it hard to work whilst caring for her three children with health needs but is now feeling more confident thanks to the support of her mentor.
Mira
a single mum who hadn’t worked since before her two daughters were born, is now employed in healthcare since getting help with daycare fees, travel, job searching, and interviewing. She’s saving for her own accommodation and car.
*Names have been changed.
Your journey
with us
1. Get in touch
Contact us directly or request a referral from Centrelink.
2. Goal setting
With flexible meeting options, we set personal and professional goals, whether it’s childcare, training, or exploring career options.
3. Planning
Together, we develop a plan tailored to your goals and family commitments, so you can plan your next chapter.
4. Activities
Put your plan into action with activities designed to support your objectives. Our Participation Fund helps covers some expenses like training, courses, licenses, equipment, clothing, and transport.
5. Progress or completion
We’ll guide you through your journey, helping you achieve your goals, whether it’s gaining employment or making significant progress towards your objectives.
Are you?
- In NSW, living in Bankstown, Cabramatta, Campbelltown, Daceyville, Fairfield, Liverpool, Rockdale, Sutherland, or
- In QLD, living in Townsville, Goodna or Brisbane South East (Logan, Yarrabilba, Beenleigh, Springwood, Marsden, Crestmead, Regents Park, Woodridge).
- A parent to a child aged six and under.
- Receiving the Parenting Payment.
About ParentsNext
ParenstNext is a free program funded by the Australian Government that supports parents and carers who receive Parenting Payment to plan and prepare for work by the time their youngest child starts school.
SSI provides ParentsNext services at locations in Sydney, and SSI business Access Community Services delivers services in parts of Queensland.
In Queensland, our ParentsNext service is delivered by Access Community Services Limited (ABN 45 149 783 639) a subsidiary of Settlement Services International Limited (ABN 38 031 375 761).
In Queensland, our ParentsNext service is delivered by Access Community Services Limited (ABN 45 149 783 639) a subsidiary of Settlement Services International Limited (ABN 38 031 375 761).We deliver ParentsNext across Sydney and in parts of Queensland:
Sydney East and South: Daceyville, Rockdale, Sutherland.
Sydney South West: Bankstown, Cabramatta, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Liverpool.
Brisbane: Townsville, Goodna or Brisbane South East Logan, Yarrabilba, Beenleigh, Springwood, Marsden, Crestmead, Regents Park, Woodridge.
Regional QLD: Ipswich (Goodna), Townsville.
FAQs
Am I eligible for ParentsNext?
If you get Parenting Payment and have a child under six, you can ask to take part in ParentsNext. Contact us today to discuss your eligibility.
What will you help pay for? What is the Participation Fund?
As a provider of the ParentsNext program, we have access to a Participation Fund that we can use to help cover the costs associated with your work and study goals. This means we can potentially pay for items such as training, courses, licenses, equipment, clothing, transport and more.
How do I apply for ParentsNext?
To get started, fill in our contact form. We will be in touch to check your eligibility and begin the process.
Is ParentsNext mandatory?
No. As of May 2023, any participation with ParentsNext is voluntary and there are no payment suspensions or penalties for non-engagement.
What if I decide I don’t want to continue?
Your participation in our program is voluntary. Whilst we hope we can support you for as long as it takes to reach your goals, you have no obligation to continue with the program. Your Parenting Payment will not be affected if you choose not to attend any appointments or activities.
I am with another provider. How can I change to join ParentsNext with you?
You can change your ParentsNext provider. Get in touch with us if you would like our assistance with this, or you can contact the ParentsNext National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.
About SRSS
The Federal Government’s Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) program provides assistance to eligible asylum seekers, including accessing financial support, accommodation, healthcare, employment and education.
We deliver the SRSS program to eligible people seeking asylum living in the community on bridging visas. We are one of two national providers delivering services in NSW, ACT, Queensland, Northern Territory, Victoria and Tasmania.
How we help
Get in touch
National Phone Number: 1800asylum which is 1800 279 586 or 02 9685 0100
Hours of Operation: 9am to 5pm (Monday to Friday)
Program funded by Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
About Diversity Training
Australia is a vibrant, multicultural society, with one in four residents born overseas and over 400 languages spoken. Yet few businesses and organisations fully harness the enormous potential diversity offers.
Based on more than 20 years experience as a leading provider of services to multicultural communities, SSI’s Diversity Training transforms how people respond to diversity in ways that are thought-provoking, inspire curiosity, and build confidence.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive society where everyone is valued and can meaningfully participate and meet their potential. Through positive learning and sharing stories, we empower people to engage more effectively with people around them – no matter their background.
What we offer
Perfect for building a common understanding among staff of how to respond inclusively in a multicultural context.
Preview or enrol in our courses here:
2-3 hour interactive online or in-person training.
Our interactive workshops are the ideal choice for cultivating staff confidence, promoting critical thinking, and facilitating the practical application of culturally responsive practices.
Specialise in a subject or skill related to their role.
Workshop titles include: Leading culturally diverse teams, Engaging multicultural communities, Working with Language Services, Attracting and recruiting a culturally and linguistically diverse workforce.
Customised workshops or new content design to meet your needs.
We have customised our training to a diverse range of contexts, such as: Child safety, Out-of-home care, Justice, Refugee, Early childhood, Addiction, Mental health, LGBTIQ, Disability.
You can choose from our off-the-shelf products, starting with our e-module and gradually building your workforce capability over time through our online or in-person workshops. Another option is to partner with us to customise training that aligns with your organisational context.
How we help
Why choose us
- We live and breathe diversity with a team that speaks over 100 languages. Our training is grounded in 20+ years of experience of providing services to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
- We know how to harness diversity because in any given year, SSI delivers culturally responsive services to more than 50,000 people from mixed cultural and social backgrounds.
- We are a certified social enterprise and training with us will also help you meet your social procurement goals.
- Fuss-free procurement as we are available through supplier lists such as Local Buy and VendorPanel.
Our impact
400 +
workshops
delivered by SSI
6,000 +
people
trained
96 %
of participants
rated our workshops positively in the past two years
Latest news
Read valuable insights on culturally responsive practice in aged care from our Diversity Training Manager, Janet Irvine, in the latest issue of Aged Care Today Magazine (Autumn 2024)!
In her article, Janet sheds light on the vital role of culturally responsive care and the urgent need for practical training in navigating cross-cultural nuances. Discover how our new online learning program is equipping aged care workers to provide person-centred support for seniors from diverse backgrounds.
Learn more about the program and our customised training solutions.
Developing a culturally responsive and inclusive workforce.
Cultural diversity training for small to large businesses.
Cultural diversity training for government.
Cultural diversity training for not-for-profit organisations.
Recruiting and maintaining a culturally diverse workforce in aged care services.
Workshops available
This e-module helps organisations support their workforce to grow the capabilities needed to respond to the unique needs of individuals and communities and provide equitable access to opportunities and services.
Learners will grow their awareness of the multicultural context in Australia, understand their responsibilities to uphold the rights of our diverse communities and explore key frameworks and concepts to build their understanding of what it means to work in culturally respectful and inclusive ways.
This e-module can be customised and uploaded to your organisation’s learning management system.
Culturally responsive practice training is a reflective process that will help participants gain an insight into their own organisational culture, behaviours, and practices to make their services more accessible and avoid creating service-related barriers.
We have customised versions of this workshop for different contexts, including disability, aged home care, refugee support services, child safety and out-of-home care, schools, early childhood and volunteer management. Our team can adjust this workshop to suit most contexts or sectors.
This cultural diversity training workshop assists people leading and working in diverse teams to work more effectively and inclusively. There are many benefits of a diverse workforce but this can only be realised when we act to build inclusion, grow self-awareness and cultural humility.
Customer service staff are the first point of contact for customers and clients and have significant influence on the organisation’s reputation. This workshop assists customer service staff to communicate effectively, build trust and be responsive to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
A key reason why Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities do not access services at the same rate as the broader population is that they are often not aware of the services that exist or what their entitlements are. This workshop will look at community engagement as an approach to build capacity with a focus on minimising barriers experienced by CALD communities.
This workshop provides participants with essential skills to work effectively with interpreters to better engage and communicate with diverse communities.
To attract and recruit culturally diverse workers, organisations must look beyond the traditional recruitment channels and consciously adopt targeted and flexible approaches as well as build supportive and inclusive workplaces.
This workshop will assist non-clinical workers to respond to people in a trauma-informed way, minimising retraumatising people and providing services that support recovery.
Supporting positive cultural identity for children and young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds in your care is easier said than done. This course aims to support carers to find more meaningful and practical ways to support a child’s development of a positive cultural identity.
Free, nationally accredited training to help frontline workers recognise the signs of domestic and family violence, and know what to do next. Organised in partnership with Lifeline. Learn more here.
SSI’s student workshops provide learning experiences that transform how students respond to diversity in ways that are fun, thought-provoking, inspire curiosity, and build confidence to engage with cultural diversity.
What others think
“The sessions were facilitated by a highly skilled trainer and included thought-provoking content, yet with highly practical applications for our employees. The training helped our teams develop greater empathy for others, and we now have a new appreciation for culturally responsive practices.”
“Settlement Services International have provided our organisation with extremely rich and valuable learning.”
Our facilitators
Our facilitators are an experienced, passionate team who have lived experience working in culturally diverse workplaces, and are skilled in the design and delivery of transformative learning experiences that are culturally responsive and trauma-informed.
Get in touch
Get in contact to find out how your organisation can live and breathe diversity
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