A successful future on the horizon for Iraqi family
The rain did not dampen a warm welcome yesterday for the newly arrived Kaky family from Iraq, by the Federal Minister for Social Services Hon Christian Porter MP, and the NSW Premier Hon Mike Baird at NSW Parliament House today.
Ms Hana Sadiq – Educator at Miller Intensive Language Centre
Hana Sadiq has worked at Miller Intensive Language Centre in Liverpool for more than 10 years, and is now working as the School Support Liaison Officer. She is responsible for supporting students who are having problems, and families experiencing difficulties with language and settlement.
Meet SSI volunteer Natalie Tsirimokos
Like many Australians, Natalie Tsirimokos watched the global refugee crisis gain momentum in 2015 and felt compelled to act. “I spent a lot of time thinking about how I could help, so I began researching local not for profits,” she said.
Artists showcase creations in Canberra
The work of eight talented artists who are seeking asylum in Australia was recognised by hundreds of new people in February as the Home: Between Here and There exhibition travelled to Canberra for the first time.
Women come together to visit historic Sydney sites
A group of female refugees and their children came together to socialise and make new friendships on a recent visit to some of Sydney’s historic landmarks.
Settlement Services International supports Premier’s Harmony Dinner
Settlement Services International (SSI) is proud to sponsor the 2016 Premier’s Harmony Dinner, and support the celebration of cultural diversity in NSW. SSI is a community-based, not-for-profit humanitarian organisation providing a range of services in the areas of humanitarian settlement, accommodation, asylum seeker assistance, multicultural foster care, disability support and employment services in NSW.
Innovative partnership creates new opportunities for refugees
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.
ORAM Training: sexual and gender non-conformity
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.
Charity film screening supports refugee wellbeing
Fans of Indian film and supporters of Settlement Services International came together on Monday, March 7, to raise funds for SSI’s community engagement programs for refugees and asylum seekers.
From the CEO – SSI-Allianz partnership means new arrivals are assured of opportunity
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.
Everyday hero helps people seeking asylum learn to surf
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.
Young refugee reaches new heights through education
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.
Job seekers expand their skills thanks to SSI employment program
“You know the best part of doing this?’ asks Ian Beasley as he folds white fabric in narrow, even parts; “That each one of the creations we made today is a one-off piece, they are handmade and can’t be replicated.”
SSI Speakers’ Series: Inspiring stories of former refugees who have made Australia home
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?
Community Hubs help preschoolers feel at home
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.
Former businessman volunteers to help refugee job-seekers
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.
SSI food: Mostafa’s Italian Penne alla Bolognese
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.
SSI Community Kitchen volunteer moves on to restaurant job
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.
Wrestler seeking asylum sets sights on Olympic gold
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.