An innovative partnership between Allianz Australia and Settlement Services International (SSI) will deliver new career opportunities and support for refugees and migrants who have settled in Australia. Today’s joint announcement by Allianz Australia Managing Director Niran Peiris and SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis coincide with the first week on the job for five recruits under the partnership employment program. The partnership aims to improve employment and educational opportunities for SSI clients as well as enhance workforce diversity at Allianz.

Settlement Services International invites its staff, partners, supporters of diversity and inclusion and refugee support professionals to participate in ORAM Training on Sexual and Gender Minority Refugees.

Recently, SSI’s General Manager Peter Zographakis gave a keynote presentation, accompanied by an editorial, about the need for not-for-profits to diversify and build strong partnerships if they are to remain sustainable and prosper. This week we were proud to announce the culmination of months of friendly negotiations that resulted in one such partnership with insurer Allianz Australia.

A young Australian swimmer recently took to the water to raise funds for a surfing project that allows people seeking asylum in Australia to enjoy one of the country’s most iconic past times. David Wise, 27, participated in the 5km Cole Classic ocean swim on February 7, with the aim of ensuring that a group of people seeking asylum has the skills and knowledge to enjoy the water safely.

Oscar Al-kinani is just 20 years old but already he’s achieved several milestones that have brought him closer to his goal of working with an international humanitarian organisation. Since arriving in Australia 19 months ago as a refugee from Iraq, Oscar has completed English language and high school qualifications and he is now on track to finishing a TAFE certificate in community services.

From the arts to technology, there are many different fields where refugees have made significant contributions to Australian society. But what are the factors that drive their success? And why is telling and listening to their stories so important? 

Starting a new school year or moving into a new area can be a daunting time for a child and their family. For many preschool children, their Community Hub will be their first interaction with their future primary school. Being a part of a Hub can help them to feel at home in their school environment and more prepared to start school.

Peter Rose’s experience volunteering with SSI has shown him many of the challenges that refugees and people seeking asylum face as they try to join the workforce in Australia.  Mr Rose said that an obvious reason was their lack of English, but there are others that are not as apparent.

When Mostafa arrived in Australia from Iran in 2013, he didn’t imagine he would work in a Sydney restaurant specialising in Italian cuisine. But his volunteer experience at SSI Community Kitchen, along with his determination and passion for cooking, landed him a job at a Rose Bay Italian restaurant.

A cooking enthusiast who is seeking asylum in Australia has capitalised on his volunteering experience with SSI to secure a restaurant job. For the past two years, Mostafa has cooked and provided support at Settlement Services International’s (SSI) fortnightly Community Kitchen at the Auburn Centre for Community.

Rediscovering his passion for competitive sport has put a smile back on the face of one young wrestler as he awaits the outcome of his refugee application. Yaser has been wrestling for 10 years, but said he had a tough time finding somewhere to continue his training when he first came to Australia to seek asylum from Iraq in 2013.

Simon Shahin is young, intelligent and has ambitious plans to contribute to the future prosperity of Australia. The 22-year-old is also a former refugee from Syria, who arrived in this country in September last year.

Before taking part in the Staples Bag SSI Work for the Dole program, Campsie resident Marcel Tawbeh would never have considered working in retail. “I was shy and lacked confidence, and thought I would only be able to work in the background,” Mr Tawbeh said.

Before taking part in the Staples Bag SSI Work for the Dole program, Campsie resident Marcel Tawbeh would never have considered working in retail. “I was shy and lacked confidence, and thought I would only be able to work in the background,” Mr Tawbeh said.

Dozens of people who are seeking asylum have started 2016 on the front foot thanks to the generosity and support of every day Australians. Community members contributed more than $3,500 in gift cards in the lead up to Christmas as part of the Give Hope campaign.

Mother of two Tatako Nishide found supporting her daughter’s autism needs while trying to settle in Australia from Japan a daunting experience, until she found Settlement Services International’s Ability Links NSW program.

Being a volunteer involves a high level of commitment, but it is thanks to those who can commit that some of the most beautiful causes in the world become possible. Volunteers are usually firm believers in a cause; they are trustworthy, professional and kind-hearted.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, past and present, the Gadigal​ people of the Eora​ nation. Ten years ago, Clover Moore, the lord mayor of Sydney, talked at the National Maritime Museum, She said.

This January 26 will hold new significance for Simon Shahin, who will celebrate his first Australia Day since arriving in Sydney as a refugee from Syria last year. An ambitious 22 year old, Mr Shahin has adjusted well to life in Australia. He has made new friends, run a marathon, completed work experience through Youth Collective’s Gateway to Your Future project, and was actively involved in the inaugural Techfugees Australia Hackathon in November.

Virender Batra has been cooking for over 40 years, and has chef qualifications in Indian and continental cooking. Virender came to Australia 30 years ago, and after working in various restaurants as a head chef, he decided to open his own restaurants with his brother.