SSI case worker commended at 2015 Australian Migration and Settlement Awards

SSI’s David Keegan, Nedhal Amir, CEO Violet Roumeliotis and Louisa Macphillamy.

Hosted by the Migration Council of Australia (MCA) in Canberra on August 18, 2015 the annual awards recognise the outstanding efforts of individuals and organisations who work to support migrants settling in Australia. A total of 21 individuals from across the country were selected as finalists in the 2015 awards, with the winners announced at a gala dinner held in the Great Hall of Parliament House.

Ms Amir was one of three finalists recognised in the case worker of the year category, with the MCA commending her for her “genuine passion to actively seek and create solutions for her clients”.

SSI Chief Executive Officer Violet Roumeliotis also congratulated Ms Amir on her achievement and applauded her ongoing commitment to her clients and her community.

“It is always pleasing when staff are rewarded, and Nedhal has consistently gone above the call of duty when helping her clients,” Ms Roumeliotis said.

“Her enthusiasm and commitment sets a shining example for others working in the humanitarian sector.”

Ms Amir has worked tirelessly to help new migrants settle in Australia since first coming to Australia from Iraq with her husband and four children in 2005 on a humanitarian entrance visa. With a strong focus on empowering women at risk, Ms Amir takes part in regular volunteer work and has helped to organise social support groups for newly arrived refugee women.

After fleeing Iraq because of religious discrimination, Ms Amir said her personal journey as a refugee had allowed her to sympathise with her clients and understand their needs when settling in a foreign country.

“Since I came to Australia, I have suffered a lot, but I give all of my experience and skills to new arrivals and my clients because they need support from someone who knows the area well and will focus on their needs,” she said.

Ms Amir said the award nomination was a defining moment for her as a case manager, but she remains committed to helping her clients from SSI’s Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) program.

 “Support is so important to these people because they are scared of the new life and the new laws, and I will give everything I can to my clients until the last minute in my life,” she said.

“It is my life treasure, and when I see the look [of gratitude] in their eyes, it is the most important thing in my life.”

Watch an interview with Nedhal Amir on SBS News (from 34min)