Building relationships saw SSI’s big dream become reality
Partnership and collaboration have been in SSI’s DNA since its formation with member organisations two decades ago. It continues today with partnerships with community and corporate organisations, and SSI’s leadership in the NSW Settlement Partnership.
Global refugee youth advocate named chair of Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network
SSI Youth Collective steering committee member and refugee advocate Arash Bordbar was elected Chair of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) in June 2019.
20 years: The SSI Story
SSI’s history is inextricably linked to its membership base.
How a garden fostered lasting support networks for the community
Over four years of nurturing and growth, the Friendship Garden at the Auburn Centre for Community blossomed from a community engagement initiative owned and run by SSI to a community-run project.
Empowerment through the arts – for everyone
In 2014, SSI established an innovative Arts & Culture program inspired by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to develop their creative potential and participate meaningfully in Australia's cultural life — no matter where they come from, what language they speak, or their level of ability.
From the CEO: building back better
There is a long road ahead for Australia--and indeed the world--to rebuild and recover from the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and recession.
SSI selected to deliver a multicultural service to address gambling harm in Victoria
The Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne, yesterday announced Settlement Services International (SSI) would deliver a new state-wide gambling harm prevention and counselling service for migrant and refugee communities.
Settlement Services International (SSI) and Australian National Maritime Museum sign MOU to strengthen support for new migrants to Australia
Two organisations deeply involved in migration to Australia have today signed an MOU to develop programs and initiatives to support new migrants.
Research aims to improve screening for domestic violence so refugee women get the help they need
Settlement Services International (SSI) is collaborating with the University of Wollongong (UOW) in a research project to identify and address domestic violence experienced by newly arrived refugee women.
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 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.
SSI shares evidence-based, best global practice at Global Refugee Forum
Eighty-two signatories have endorsed an open pledge to support an affordable, inclusive community refugee sponsorship program in Australia, launched by SSI and 65 other community groups prior to the first-ever Global Refugee Forum (GRF), hosted by UNHCR in Geneva in December 2019.
Innovation funding supports exploration of new settlement pathways for Nepalese community in Auburn
Nepalese migrant and refugee communities are to benefit from innovative new services thanks to a collaboration between two members of the NSW Settlement Partnership (NSP).
SSI submits pledges ahead of UNHCR Global Refugee Forum
The first Global Refugee Forum (GRF) will be hosted by UNHCR in Geneva December 17-18.
From the CEO: A long route to safety
Kurdish-Iranian journalist Behrouz Boochani’s long trip to safety made headlines around the world last month. After six years on Manus Island under Australia’s offshore processing regime, Behrouz obtained a temporary visa to visit New Zealand for a literary event and took a circuitous route to safety that involved a 19-hour layover in the Philippines.
Community attitudes to refugee settlement
Research in community attitudes to refugees arriving in Armidale.
From the CEO: Four action priorities from government refugee settlement review
A common misunderstanding about refugees is that they are the sole beneficiaries of our country’s resettlement program. A government-commissioned report released last week challenges this misconception by highlighting all that we have to gain by effectively welcoming newcomers.
Response to Shergold refugee settlement review*
Leading agency calls for immediate action * Investing in Refugees, Investing in Australia: the findings of a Review into Integration, Employment and Settlement Outcomes for Refugees and Humanitarian Entrants in Australia. Settlement Services International (SSI), one of Australia’s largest refugee settlement agencies, calls for three immediate actions in response to today’s report, citing employment and community models in their Regional Settlement Strategy as key to future success.
NSW leads the country in unlocking employment potential for refugees
State government agencies and their partners work in collaboration to connect refugee job seekers with secure, long-term employment When Rania Shahoud, her husband and their two sons arrived in Australia in 2017 from Aleppo, Syria, she didn’t know whether she’d ever find a job.
Ancient cultures foster healing and belonging
The intersection between ancient cultures was at the heart of a trailblazing paper by two SSI staff members at one of Australia’s leading multicultural conferences last week.