Furore over welfare figures misses the mark
High levels of unemployed welfare recipients losing access to their payments is indicative of a complex and inadequate system, not a proliferation of ‘welfare cheats’, according to community organisation and social business Settlement Services International (SSI).
Online program helps traumatised refugees overcome mental health stigma
Before the 'Tell Your Story' program, there was no intervention to specifically reduce mental health stigma in refugees. A world-first intervention for refugee men who suffer from PTSD has shown promise in a trial, encouraging them to get help.
Inaugural Homelands tour lights up Refugee Week 2019
Rhythmic vibrations, captivating performances and audience singalongs epitomised the first ever Homelands Tour as artists from refugee backgrounds came together in a musical collaboration to celebrate Refugee Week 2019.
Lived experience shapes the future for disability service providers
An innovative new approach to disability services education is using lived experience to help providers better understand the challenges facing people with disability from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
Inclusive Illawarra paves the way for disability employment
A forum in North Wollongong on June 20 will highlight the benefits for employers of being disability confident and ways to capitalise on untapped talent and skills in the local community.
Global refugee youth advocate pronounced chair of Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network
SSI Youth Collective steering committee member and refugee advocate Arash Bordbar has been elected Chair of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN).
From the CEO: A global perspective on refugee settlement
The ‘international’ in Settlement Services International is not an aspiration. It is a reflection of the critical work we do engaging with our peers to gain a global perspective on, and contribute to, international dialogue on refugee and migration issues.
Social inclusion and diversity at the heart of upcoming TEDxSydney conference
For the second year running, Settlement Services International (SSI) is the official community partner for TEDxSydney.
SSI expands employment services for people living in social housing
Settlement Services International (SSI) is proud to announce that it has been selected as the provider of the Opportunity Pathways program for Western Sydney.
SSI seeks to overcome barriers with Disability Confident Recruiter status
Settlement Services International’s (SSI) vision is of a society that values the diversity of its people and helps them to achieve their full potential, a goal that we’re closer than ever to reaching in our work with people with a disability.
Community Hub gives chance for parents to blossom
In 2017, a Community Hub was opened at Villawood East Public school, an area with a high migrant, low socio-economic population. At the time, many parents were hesitant to engage with their school community, and low English comprehension was identified as a barrier.
SSI joins civil society organisations calling for change to housing and energy policies
A strong delegation from Settlement Services International (SSI) was among 1,900 people who gathered at Sydney Town Hall on March 14 to urge for real change to housing and energy policies ahead of the NSW and Federal elections.
Settlement Services International’s (SSI) statement on Christchurch mosque massacre
It is with heavy hearts we hear of the unprecedented violence that was bestowed on our New Zealand neighbours last night. Settlement Services International (SSI) together with Access Community Services, Queensland, expresses our sympathy and support to the victims and families of the shootings at the Al Noor mosque in central Christchurch and the Linwood mosque nearby. Our thoughts are with all people of New Zealand at this time.
The formidable women you won’t hear about on International Women’s Day
Awareness of women’s rights is rapidly increasing in the wake of global phenomena like the #MeToo movement and record-breaking Women’s Marches. But one vulnerable, yet formidable, part of the sisterhood is still missing out.
Free exhibition showcases work by refugee artists
Two exhibitions by refugee artists opening in Auburn this month — Fragments of Iran and ANA/MAN/MA — will showcase a range of diverse artworks that speak to the themes of resilience, humanity and dignity.
Domestic violence funding must accommodate migrant and refugee women
NSW Labor’s pledge of $158 million for frontline domestic violence services is a step in the right direction but risks leaving refugee and migrant women in the cold, according to a community organisation that supports newcomers to Australia.
CALD disability needs overlooked by mainstream services
People born in a non-English speaking country have similar rates of disability as other Australians but are about half as likely to receive formal assistance.
Pip is painting her new future
SSI Ability Links participant Pip Smith has won the Blue Mountains City Council Visual Arts Prize, and this opened new opportunities for her.
Most vulnerable domestic violence victims falling through the gaps
Investment in accommodation alone is not sufficient to help women who are new to Australia safely escape domestic and family violence, according to a community organisation that supports refugees and other newcomers to Australia.