Preventing tech-abuse of women.

SSI's government funded programs work with employers to help find great candidates.

Soccer is often called the game that unites the world but a group of refugees and asylum seekers from around the globe have found financial obstacles in their attempt to unite as a team in Sydney. Players in the team unofficially known as Auburn United FC have come to Australia from Afghanistan, Africa, Nepal, Turkey and Tajikistan to find asylum. According to Settlement Services International (SSI) CEO Violet Roumeliotis, most of the team members are on bridging visas, which means they are unable to work. SSI provides case management and other support services to many of the refugee and asylum seeker members of the team. Other players are full-time overseas students. “Living on a tight budget, these players have no funds to pay registration fees of between $200 and $300 each to join an organised competition,” Ms Roumeliotis said. “Without support from a sponsor, they have no hope of playing the world game in Australia.” Their options for engaging in Sydney’s cultural life are limited but they come together to play soccer, or football to most of the world, every week. Until eight months ago, they formed only ad-hoc to play with whoever turned up to Auburn Park on any given night. But when Afghan asylum seeker and soccer coach Essa Khan, 44, found them kicking a ball in the dark while out walking, he quickly rounded them up in to a team. “It’s my passion and I like to give something to the young people,” Essa said with his Settlement Services International case manager Archana Ghale interpreting. “It helps their health, they can engage in an activity and avoid anti-social behaviour. “It’s better to play football than to get involved in alcohol or drugs.”

Syrian-born AbdAlmassih had enjoyed a successful IT career that spanned more than two decades in his homeland. A proficient programmer specialising in design, development, and integration, AbdAlmassih built on his experience with prominent corporations and public sector entities in Syria to establish his own IT company. “I love IT, it’s my area of expertise – […]

A passionate painter, Ali balances his art and graphic design with a security job, studying and plans to mentor the next generation of Australia’s diverse artists. Ali’s arts career started at a young age. At 12 years old, Ali had his first exhibition in his local town in Syria exploring themes of nature and the […]

“I love IT, it’s my area of expertise – my specialty. It’s what I know best. I want to put my skills to use in this great country.” Read Full Story “Workers with overseas qualifications can be a valuable addition to business as they bring new ideas, diverse skills and experience.” Read Full Story “Everyone […]

Amidst the challenges of skills shortages, an aging population, and escalating cost of living pressures, it is critical all Australian residents are supported to reach their potential and contribute to their community. 

Reforms announced yesterday could bring Australia closer towards realising a migration program that meets the needs of industry, employers and migrants alike, while retaining our reputation as a destination of choice, according to leading non-profit organisation Settlement Services International (SSI).

SSI will be participating in the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) next week in Geneva. Making pledges at the GRF is an opportunity to contribute to a collective effort aimed at improving the lives of refugees and foster sustainable solutions.

We are joining with voices from across the humanitarian sector to call for an ongoing ceasefire in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in order to prioritise the safety and security of civilians and displaced people.

Wide-ranging ranging reforms put forward by a major inquiry into the Federal Government’s system to support disadvantaged jobseekers would create a more equitable system that delivers specialist support and better employment outcomes for migrant and refugees, according to non-profit SSI, which provides employment support to jobseekers across NSW, Queensland and Victoria.