Inclusive celebration captures International Women’s Day spirit
An International Women’s Day event has embodied the inclusive spirit of the day with a celebration involving women, men and children of all ages and backgrounds. Not-for-profit humanitarian organisation Settlement Services International (SSI) hosted the event for Auburn locals, community groups and individuals and families who are new to Australia.
Community comes together for International Women’s Day
An SSI International Women’s Day event has embodied the inclusive spirit of the day with a celebration involving women, men and children of all ages and backgrounds.
SSI Board member Elfa Moraitakis is Blacktown City Woman of the Year
Congratulations to SSI Board member Elfa Moraitakis who on March 8, International Women’s Day, was named Blacktown City Woman of the Year 2017. Ms Moraitakis is the CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services, based in Blacktown.
From the CEO – Let’s celebrate bold and courageous women
When I was growing up, some of the boldest and most courageous women I knew were my mum and her sisters. My mum’s now almost 86, happily settled in Australia surrounded by new generations of her family. But in the mid-1960s, she was starting her life again here, having left post-World War II Greece to seek a better life.
Report finds Ability Links NSW is making a social and economic difference in our community
Ability Links NSW (ALNSW) has heralded a new approach to supporting people with disability, their families and carers, and is making a significant economic and social impact across the state, according to a newly released independent report.
The facts about Syrian refugees and Fairfield
A number of media reports since the start of 2017 have claimed communities in western Sydney are concerned about the arrival of the extra cohort of 12,000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees, using figures that are not supported by facts. As one of the largest settlement services providers, we know that the main reasons our humanitarian clients choose to settle in an area are: affordability, availability of suitable housing, access to services such as schools, IEC, SSI, and proximity to family.
Syrian arrivals in Fairfield: sorting fact from fiction
A number of media reports since the start of 2017 have claimed communities in western Sydney are concerned about the arrival of the extra cohort of 12,000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees, using figures that are not supported by facts. As one of the largest settlement services providers, we know that the main reasons our humanitarian clients choose to settle in an area are: affordability, availability of suitable housing, access to services such as schools, IEC, SSI, and proximity to family.
New pop-up location a great success for The Staples Bag
A 100-strong queue snaked along the corridor to the first The Staples Bag pop-up at SydWest Multicultural Services on Thursday, February 14. There was much anticipation and excitement at the prospect of getting weekly groceries for less than half price, and the crowd was not disappointed.
From the Acting CEO – Innovative employment services key to successful social participation
February has arrived in the blink of an eye, which means roads are packed again, children are back at school and everything seems to have quickly adjusted to the usual routine. At SSI, this means we’re already in full swing to continue supporting a wide range of vulnerable communities and face the new challenges 2017 is already presenting.
Bird themes prompt stories from Auburn’s multicultural community
A partnership between Auburn Diversity Services Inc. (ADSi) and the Family Creative Hub at Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) at Parramatta has resulted in a beautiful, bird-themed picture book that reflects the stories of communities that live in Auburn.
Dandelion Support Network helps mother seeking asylum with second-hand essential items for her baby
Preparing for the birth of a child should be a joyful experience. For women who have come to Australia seeking safety, however, pregnancy comes with the added stress of having to acquire essential items — like nappies, cots and prams — when they’re far away from family and friends and have limited financial resources.
Arts and culture initiatives give artist seeking asylum a new beginning
A talented artist who is seeking asylum in Australia has found his place in the local arts community after getting involved with SSI Arts and Culture initiatives such as the annual New Beginnings: Refugee Arts and Culture Festival.
Collaboration between SSI and University of Wollongong helps entrepreneurial refugees
The relationship between SSI Ignite Small Business Start-ups (Ignite) and the University of Wollongong (UOW) began almost two years ago and has since enabled several entrepreneurs from refugee backgrounds, or who are seeking asylum, to start their own businesses supported by a student from the UOW Faculty of Business.
Recently-arrived Syrian refugee finds perfect fit with SSI Employment
Rahaf Alrifai still remembers how lucky she felt when she was told that she had a job with SSI. Ms Alrifai was referred by Centrelink to SSI Jobactive in Campsie to get support to start her job search.
Volunteer uses business experience to help young refugees
Using experience gained over a career in technology and management, Ian Elgey is supporting young refugees and migrants to find their feet in the Australian workplace.
Ignite Small Business Start-ups model to expand entrepreneurial support beyond the refugee community
SSI staff from Ignite Small Business Start-ups and Ability Links NSW participated in a week of training by Dr Ernesto Sirolli to build their knowledge and skills of using an enterprise facilitation model to assist people to establish a small business.
SSI Member Spotlight: Core Multicultural Communities
A group of novice singers and musicians from refugee and migrant backgrounds delighted a packed audience at the Powerhouse Youth Theatre, Fairfield, on December 10 with their Women in Harmony showcase.
From the CEO – Private sector’s inspiring efforts to help refugees
As the New Year ticked over, a common theme in reflections on 2016 was the adversity the year brought with it. Along with the loss of popular icons such as David Bowie, Harper Lee and Leonard Cohen, we experienced unprecedented global events, like Brexit and the mass migration of people seeking safety, and saw escalating violence in areas such as Syria and South Sudan.
Ability Links supports Campsie carer to breathe a sigh of relief
Until recently, 62-year-old Campsie resident Ming Zhong was one of the many Australians struggling to provide care to family members with a disability. Besides being a sole carer for his wife, who has a physical disability and mental health issues, and for his mother, diagnosed with dementia, Mr Zhong’s family also includes his daughter and her two young children.
SSI staff member recognised as the top influencer in Pro Bono Australia Impact 25 Awards
SSI’s Romal Baluchzada is looking forward to another year supporting and advocating for refugees and people seeking asylum, after last year receiving one of the not-for-profit sector’s top accolades for his work in this area.