Improving visibility of LGBTIQA+ refugees and newcomers
Culturally diverse individuals who identify as LGBTIQA+ are often less visible, which can leave them adrift without support and perpetuate a cycle of isolation. SSI is working hand-in-hand with the community to address this gap.
From the CEO: Our country is stuck in a toxic relationship
You know you’re in a toxic relationship when there is a negative change in the way you see yourself and your relationship with the world. For me, the signs have been clear for years: our country is stuck in a toxic relationship with itself, and we urgently need to come to terms with who we really are.
Victoria – respite and emergency foster carer
As a single woman, you may think that she does not fit the mold of your typical foster carer. But when Victoria talks about the children she supports through the SSI Multicultural Foster Care program, one thing is abundantly clear—she is a born carer.
SSI calls out discriminatory visa approach in COVID-19 stimulus packages
"The virus doesn’t discriminate but the government is discriminating by visa type." As a signatory to an open letter sent to the Prime Minister today, Settlement Services International (SSI) has backed calls across the community services sector to leave nobody behind, “build back better” and avoid mass-unemployment and social unrest after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Refugee settlement in Australia during COVID-19
With the emergence of COVID-19, it would be easy to forget that more than 70 million people globally are still living displaced from their homes. Although we have adjusted the way we work, SSI’s reception team has continued to support newly arrived refugees in their settlement journey through this hard time.
Why we need value-driven leadership during crisis
Six months ago, we could not have predicted the immense impact the COVID-19 pandemic would have on our lives, businesses and economy.
“It’s very rewarding and very worthwhile.”
As a single woman, you may think that she does not fit the mould of a typical foster carer. But when Victoria talks about the children she supports through the SSI Multicultural Foster Care program, one thing is abundantly clear—she is a born carer.
SSI selected to deliver disability services to 16,000 people
The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert, today announced Settlement Services International (SSI) would deliver frontline Local Area Coordination Services for the NDIS in two areas in New South Wales.
Refugees help build testing centres as part of COVID-19 response
Four participants in an SSI refugee employment program have joined a workforce constructing Australia’s first purpose-built coronavirus testing centre for use by governments here and around the world.
Newcomer family faced with special challenges during COVID-19 lockdown
Some refugee families attempting to home-school during the COVID-19 lockdown are finding it particularly difficult without access to suitable technology.
SSI saddened that millions miss out in JobKeeper scheme
Settlement Services International (SSI) welcomes the passage of vital JobKeeper legislation that will help six million workers and their families to put food on the table, pay bills and self-isolate safely.
SSI hosts migration pathways event for Latin American communities in Melbourne
An information session for those in the Latin American community in Melbourne has helped over 30 people understand more about Australian protection visas and migration pathways.
Going above and beyond to support refugee and migrant women
Driven by their own experience of migration, two SSI staff have developed a community group for refugee and migrant women to combat barriers to social and economic participation.
Refugees and migrants in the LGBTIQ community supported through powerful storytelling
SSI Arts & Culture have collaborated with PYT Fairfield to present a special work-in-progress showing of ‘Carpet Stories,’ a multidisciplinary theatre performance that facilitates creative conversations within Sydney’s multicultural LGBTIQ community.
From the CEO: SSI transitions to remote service delivery
Like many essential services, SSI last week faced a decision about how to protect our staff and clients from the growing COVID-19 pandemic without disrupting our delivery of critical support to vulnerable communities.
SSI update on response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic
Due to the risk posed to staff and client wellbeing as a result of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, SSI and Access locations will be temporarily closed from Monday, March 30, 2020.
SSI voices support for Uluru Statement from the Heart
SSI voiced its unwavering support for recognising Indigenous Australians in the nation's constitution and called for corporate Australia to lend its weight to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, at a Diversity Inclusion Council conference last week.
Despite physical distancing, social connection must remain strong
SSI statement on response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) COVID-19 is now affecting many thousands of people around the world and causing uncertainty over what the coming weeks will bring in Australia.
SSI event sparks conversation around gender, culture and employment opportunities for women
Nearly 200 women from diverse backgrounds took the opportunity of SSI’s International Women’s Day (IWD) event, Empowering Women through Employment, to discuss the strengths of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women in the workplace.