From the CEO – Reflection and meaningful communication in the holiday season
Tinsel and holly wreaths appeared in the SSI office this week – a sure sign that another year is drawing to a close and the summer break is around the corner. Like many people, I’m looking forward to a few weeks off to relax, revive and refresh myself for another busy year in 2017.
International Day of People with Disability celebrations aim to achieve an inclusive and equitable world
International Day of People with Disability was celebrated by SSI together with participants and Linkers from SSI Ability Links NSW in Ashfield on Tuesday November 6. The SSI auditorium was filled with the sounds of Jonathon Yung on piano to start off the morning tea event.
20 Voices symposium on education for young people from multicultural backgrounds
Over one hundred multicultural youth came together for the 20 Voices Youth Symposium on Education last month to learn how to navigate the local education system and take their career goals into their own hands.
From Ability Links NSW participant to budding community leader
Shagufta Hamayun moved to Australia from Pakistan four years ago with her husband and two children but she soon felt that something wasn’t right.
Google hears how Ignite Small Business Start-ups helps refugees start new businesses
Yarie Bangura spoke to a crowd of 150 Google employees about her small business Aunty’s Ginger Tonic, on Friday evening, November 25. The event was the launch of Google Give Week; a week during which Google employees are given the opportunity to donate to local charities whose initiatives are making a significant impact in the community.
SSI has a new Board and Chair to lead it in 2016-2017
A number of new directors were welcomed to the Settlement Services International Board Annual General Meeting, while three stepped down, including long-term Chair Kamalle Dabboussy.
From the CEO – Exciting times to be part of SSI
We all know how active we are as an organisation, but these last few weeks have been especially busy with outcomes and events that I‘m very much looking forward to sharing with you.
Youth key focus at Community Kitchen
Young people from all walks of life recently pitched in for the MY Kitchen Rocks event, which brought young people together to neet new friends over games, sports and activities.
Inaugural National Multicultural Women’s Conference facilitates shift in national discussion
Multicultural women contribute unique skills and talents to Australian society, but more collaboration between sectors is vital to help women from CALD backgrounds thrive in Australia.
SSI Speakers’ Series explores rights at work for migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum
Recent media reports have highlighted migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum as highly vulnerable at work. Accounts of low-paid work, unpaid wages, unsafe work conditions, exploitation and abuse are not uncommon.
Mentoring highlights career options for young former refugee
Deciding which career path to follow is challenging for most young people and former refugee Kane Alkoraghooli was no exception, until he got support from an SSI Youth@Work mentor.
Conference to challenge thinking about multicultural women
Politicians, practitioners and women from diverse backgrounds will this week take part in a dialogue designed to drive social and economic change for multicultural women. The inaugural National Multicultural Women’s Conference 2016 – Influencing Change: Vision and Impact (NMWC) will showcase the resilience and strength of women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and discuss effective strategies, services, programs and approaches for supporting them in Australia.
SSI Ability Links helps North Ryde resident pursue his sporting passion
Despite his mobility restrictions caused by cerebral palsy, North Ryde long term resident Brett Dyer isn’t the type who gets intimidated by day to day challenges. “I live by myself and when I’m at home I use a walking stick,” said Mr Dyer. “Outside, I use a scooter to get around and I’m pretty good with it. I use it even if I have to go far, like Macquarie Park.” Therefore, when he was told he couldn’t play lawn bowls at his local bowling club, he teamed up with his local Linker Ms Hiroko Kawashima from Settlement Services International (SSI) and his Occupational Therapist (OT) from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Michelle Cohen, to find a solution.
Young refugee pursues her dream in Australia
A young student from Syria has been in Australia fewer than 18 months but she’s already achieved something many people never do: she’s identified her dream and is chasing after it.
Sydney says welcome at Walk Together 2016
Close to 1,000 Sydneysiders braved the rain to show their support for a more compassionate, inclusive and welcoming Australia at Walk Together 2016, in Sydney on Saturday.
It’s time to Walk Together
Thousands of Sydney-siders will stand up for a more compassionate, generous and welcoming Australia at Walk Together 2016, in Sydney this Saturday. Not-for-profit humanitarian organisation Settlement Services International (SSI) has partnered with Welcome to Australia to host the Sydney arm of the national diversity celebrations, which will take place in capital cities and regional centres all over Australia on Saturday October 22.
‘Russ the Story Bus’ fosters children’s love for books
A group of 15 children and their mothers, who are in Australia seeking asylum, took part in a creative excursion to the Auburn Friendship Garden, organised by SSI and the Sydney Writers’ Festival (SWF) for the school holidays.
From the CEO – What does it take to belong?
What does it take to forge a new life far from home? That’s a key question raised by Constance on the Edge, a film SSI was thrilled to preview recently.
SSI staff recognised as diversity champions
Three SSI staff members have been recognised for the outstanding work they do, above and beyond their SSI roles, to support women from multicultural backgrounds.
Youth take over Auburn Centre for Community
Young people from all walks of life will take over the Auburn Centre for Community next Wednesday for the annual MY Kitchen Rocks event. Now in its second year, Multicultural Youth (MY) Kitchen Rocks is an opportunity for young people from diverse backgrounds to make new friends and take part in activities including sports, candle making and music workshops.