From the CEO: Make your vote count
Australia is home to more than three million women from migrant backgrounds. In the upcoming Federal election on 18 May, we all have the opportunity to the shape our country’s future. But in order to do that, we have to participate.
Award-winning social entrepreneur nourishes next generation of business women
Budding entrepreneurs are challenging stereotypes about migrant and refugee women, with a helping hand from award-winning social entrepreneur Violet Roumeliotis.
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.
From the CEO: Tough border talk muddies the water for refugees
Confusing Australia’s humanitarian migration intake with the broader issues of border control and population policy harms our country’s reputation as a responsible global citizen. Earlier this week, as I heard about Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s proposed freeze on Australia’s refugee intake during an impassioned call for greater control over who calls Australia home, I couldn’t help asking, "Why now?"
From Youth Collective to the UN: Youth advocate attends international conference in New York and shares fresh insights on human rights
The 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63) recently took place at the UN Headquarters in New York. UN entities and NGOs from all regions of the world attended, including SSI youth advocate and delegate Rooan Al Kalmashi.
SSI statement on the bombings in Sri Lanka
Settlement Services International is shocked and saddened by the horrific attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
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.
SSI Volunteer Spotlight – Paul Hemphill
Volunteer with SSI Coffs Harbour, Paul Hemphill, uses his passion for people and Arabic language skills to make new arrivals feel welcome in their new home.
SSI and Allianz announce scholarships for refugee education in NSW
Thirty-five people from a refugee background, needing financial assistance for their education or attaining local recognition for their qualifications, will get the support they need as part of the Settlement Services International (SSI) and Allianz Australia 2019 Refugee Scholarships.
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.
Community advocate develops podcast to raise awareness about life on the autism spectrum
With the support of IgniteAbility® Small Business Start-ups, high-achieving entrepreneur and autism advocate Haydn Payne is developing a podcast series for high functioning young adults on the autism spectrum.
Advocate develops online platform to enable a new world for people living with Autism
Engagement officer for Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) Thomas Kuzma is developing his online business — TK Hubworld — with the support of IgniteAbility® Small Business Start-ups.
Food brings community together during Harmony Week
Fried rice, pastizzi irkotta, hummus, baram tteok, pies and sausage rolls ― it was a multicultural smorgasbord when Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, home to a burgeoning SSI Community Hub, celebrated cultural diversity and inclusion during Harmony Week.
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.
Catering business shares a taste of Syria at local refugee-run café
With the support of Ignite Small Business Start-ups™, Ed Yousef established a catering service — Syriana Traditional Cuisine — that takes Sydneysiders on an authentic journey through the tastes of traditional Syrian food.
From the CEO: Keep your opinions to yourself this Harmony Day
The absence of fact-based opinion in Australia’s public discourse risks undermining appreciation of our country’s rich multicultural identity. Amid the inevitable saturation of news and comments on Harmony Day this Thursday, I challenge you to look for the evidence.
Young refugees reflect on their new home ahead of Harmony Day
Adjusting to a different culture, getting to grips with a new language, learning the value of diversity and making new friends are all top priorities for young refugees, according to three sisters.
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.
SSI’s Yamamah Agha recognised as one of Pro Bono Australia’s ‘Impact 25’ Winners
Pro Bono Australia’s Impact 25 Awards recognise the most influential people in the sector as nominated and voted for by their peers.
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.