Innovative social enterprise helps newly-arrived jobseekers realise professional dreams
When Kaddie Conteh first started with SSI’s newest social enterprises, The Experience Centre (‘TEC’), she lacked the confidence to speak up in a professional environment.
From the Executive General manager: Employment support in settlement and beyond
Four years ago this month, our government made the historic decision to add an additional 12,000 places to Australia’s refugee intake for refugees affected by the war in Syria and Iraq.
Former refugee and Ignite® entrepreneur empowers audiences at TEDxSydney
An Ignite® entrepreneur who attended TEDxSydney as part of SSI’s community partnership has returned again this year — but this time as a speaker, sharing his incredible story with more than 5,000 people.
Online program helps traumatised refugees overcome mental health stigma
Before the 'Tell Your Story' program, there was no intervention to specifically reduce mental health stigma in refugees. A world-first intervention for refugee men who suffer from PTSD has shown promise in a trial, encouraging them to get help.
From the CEO: Acting with purpose
Earlier this week, I was uplifted to hear the news that sixteen-year-old climate change activist Greta Thunberg was awarded France’s inaugural Freedom Prize, which pays homage to people who are fighting for freedom.
New Beginnings Winter Festival forges connections between inner west locals and newly arrived communities
Marking Refugee Week 2019, the SSI New Beginnings Winter Festival attracted more than 300 inner west locals and newly arrived communities to the Community Refugee Welcome Centre in Lilyfield.
House to Home program provides reclaimed household goods to new arrivals
Settlement Services International (SSI) partner The Bower, has provided more than 200 families of refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds with free up-cycled household goods through their House to Home program.
Inclusive Illawarra paves the way for disability employment
A forum in North Wollongong on June 20 will highlight the benefits for employers of being disability confident and ways to capitalise on untapped talent and skills in the local community.
Global refugee youth advocate pronounced chair of Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network
SSI Youth Collective steering committee member and refugee advocate Arash Bordbar has been elected Chair of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN).
‘Share a meal, share a story’: celebrating refugee stories
In partnership with Settlement Services International (SSI), the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) is highlighting food during Refugee Week (June 16-22, 2019) and asking everyone to ‘Share a meal, share a story’.
Social inclusion and diversity at the heart of upcoming TEDxSydney conference
For the second year running, Settlement Services International (SSI) is the official community partner for TEDxSydney.
Newly arrived refugees celebrate first Australian Mother’s Day
Singing, dancing, gift giving and the voices of strong women was all a part of the Mother’s Day event held at the Inner West Council’s Community Refugee Welcome Centre last week, celebrating the dedication of newly arrived refugee mothers.
SSI expands employment services for people living in social housing
Settlement Services International (SSI) is proud to announce that it has been selected as the provider of the Opportunity Pathways program for Western Sydney.
From the CEO: Tough border talk muddies the water for refugees
Confusing Australia’s humanitarian migration intake with the broader issues of border control and population policy harms our country’s reputation as a responsible global citizen. Earlier this week, as I heard about Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s proposed freeze on Australia’s refugee intake during an impassioned call for greater control over who calls Australia home, I couldn’t help asking, "Why now?"
SSI and Allianz announce scholarships for refugee education in NSW
Thirty-five people from a refugee background, needing financial assistance for their education or attaining local recognition for their qualifications, will get the support they need as part of the Settlement Services International (SSI) and Allianz Australia 2019 Refugee Scholarships.
Free exhibition showcases work by refugee artists
Two exhibitions by refugee artists opening in Auburn this month — Fragments of Iran and ANA/MAN/MA — will showcase a range of diverse artworks that speak to the themes of resilience, humanity and dignity.
Proven, positive impact for Community Hubs in 2018
The National Community Hubs Program 2018 Year in Review is now available.
SSI funds seven more projects to support refugee communities
Seven projects supporting refugee communities in south-west Sydney have received a boost from not-for-profit Settlement Services International’s (SSI) $50,000 Community Innovation Fund.
From the CEO: Best wishes for a compassionate, fulfilling holiday season
The holiday season at SSI always brings to the fore the warmth and compassion that exists within our community. In contrast to the commercialism often intertwined with the gift-giving season are the actions of folk like the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group and Ashfield Public School P&C ― just two of the many groups who, in recent weeks, have delivered gifts for the individuals and families SSI supports.
New data illustrates SSI’s community impact
SSI staff made a positive difference in the lives of nearly 27,000 people who came through the doors of the organisation’s four primary offices during the most recent financial reporting period, SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis told SSI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sydney last week.