New settlement services program now operational in NSW

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis. 

The SSP delivers core settlement support for humanitarian entrants and migrants in their first five years in Australia, focusing on activities to assist clients to become self-reliant and participate equitably in Australian society.

Led by Settlement Services International (SSI), the NSP comprises 22 organisations* – SSI’s 11 member Migrant Resource Centres and multicultural services – as well as 10 organisations based around the state including rural areas.

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said: “From today and for the next three years, these partners will deliver settlement services in agreed areas of NSW, under the Department of Social Services’ Settlement Services Program.

“Our members and consortium partners will provide support for eligible clients to promote economic and personal wellbeing, independence and community connectedness. These services can also facilitate pathways to learning English, education and employment readiness.

“For refugee and humanitarian entrants, the new program builds on the foundation services provided by Humanitarian Settlement Services, by delivering services that assist eligible clients to become fully functioning members of society.

“In delivering the SSP, we look forward to engaging with communities and organisations in our regions,” Ms Roumeliotis said.

The NSW Settlement Partnership is supported by the Department of Social Services under the Families and Communities Programme (Settlement Services) . For more information please visit dss.gov.au.

*The NSP includes SSI and SSI members:

Auburn Diversity Services

Cabramatta Community Centre (Fairfield Migrant Resource Centre)

Community Migrant Resource Centre

Illawarra Multicultural Services

Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre

Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative

Metro Assist

Northern Settlement Services

St George Migrant Resource Centre

Sydney Multicultural Community Services

SydWest Mulitcultural Services

Local partners:

Bathurst Information and Neighbourhood Centre

Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre

Great Lakes Agency for Peace and Development International (GLAPD)

Gymea Community Aid and Information Service

Khmer Community of NSW

Lebanese Community Council of NSW

Manning Valley Neighbourhood Centre

Melkite Community Welfare Association

Nepean Migrant Access

Mt Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (from July 1, 2016)