13 Nov 2017

NSP Showcase celebrates unique settlement collaboration

Evan Lewis, Group Manager, Multicultural, Settlement Services & Communities, Department of Social Services with SSI Leadership team

The book is replete with success stories of the NSW Settlement Partnership (NSP) — a unique consortium of community organisations, led by SSI, delivering settlement services in NSW.

The Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Zed Seselja launched the book at the NSP Showcase at the SSI office in Bankstown on 7 November.

Speaking to a packed auditorium with standing room only, SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said that the unique collaboration that underpinned the NSP had brought to fruition an ecosystem with an abundance of activities supporting social engagement, cohesion and connection.

“It has been an exciting consortium to be a part of these last few years, and I would like to congratulate all partners here today on the success of this innovative, unique model,” she said.

Formed in 2015, the wide-reaching consortium is unique in the settlement sector and comprises 23 organistions, ranging from migrant resource centers, to generalist neighbourhood centres and ethno-specific organisations.

SSI Settlement Services Manager, Loukia Zinopoulos, said this diversity allowed the NSP to build on good practice, to reach further and do more.

“We can also deliver services in a more nuanced way. Our partners’ grassroots service delivery supported by SSI is a solid combination,” she said.

The day’s program included an insightful youth panel session, an audience Q&A, and many strong examples of the outcomes NSP has achieved.

After morning tea, audiences were brought back to their seats by a trauma healing and therapeutic drumming performance.

After several more informative sessions, the event was closed with a mouth-watering Iraqi banquet from a catering business supported by SSI’s Ignite program and social networking.