Over one hundred multicultural youth came together for the 20 Voices Youth Symposium on Education last month to learn how to navigate the local education system and take their career goals into their own hands.

Multicultural youth from across Greater Western Sydney came together for the 20 Voices Youth Symposium on Education yesterday to break through barriers in Australia’s education system and build solid foundations for their future. Hosted by the Youth Collective, the 20 Voices Youth Symposium provided a forum for young people to share skills and experiences, build new networks, and learn how to navigate the education system to work towards their career goals.

Despite his mobility restrictions caused by cerebral palsy, North Ryde long term resident Brett Dyer isn’t the type who gets intimidated by day to day challenges. “I live by myself and when I’m at home I use a walking stick,” said Mr Dyer. “Outside, I use a scooter to get around and I’m pretty good with it. I use it even if I have to go far, like Macquarie Park.” Therefore, when he was told he couldn’t play lawn bowls at his local bowling club, he teamed up with his local Linker Ms Hiroko Kawashima from Settlement Services International (SSI) and his Occupational Therapist (OT) from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Michelle Cohen, to find a solution.

Senator Zed Seselja, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs, visited the Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC) on September 22, as part of a quick visit to three members of the NSW Settlement Partnership.

Three SSI staff members have been recognised for the outstanding work they do, above and beyond their SSI roles, to support women from multicultural backgrounds.

SSI’s Staples Bag team and a group of Dietetics students recently held a cooking demonstration for visitors at The Wayside Chapel in Potts Point, where SSI's social enterprise has a regular pop-up store.

Young refugees needing help with their school education and adults seeking local recognition for their qualifications will be among those eligible for new scholarships worth more than $90,000.

Young refugees needing help with their school education and adults seeking local recognition for their qualifications will be among those eligible for new scholarships worth more than $90,000.  Allianz Australia and not-for-profit humanitarian organisation Settlement Services International (SSI) are offering the scholarships to help refugees settle in the community.

SSI was pleased to support Western Sydney Homeless Connect in Parramatta Town Hall on Monday 8 August, a unique event in which to assist people experiencing homelessness. 

Women from multicultural backgrounds need a dedicated platform to amplify voices too often overlooked by mainstream society, said NSW Greens MP Dr Mehreen Faruqi ahead of an upcoming conference that aims to provide just that.

Education is something many Australians take for granted. But not Sajeda Bahadurmia. The young refugee has lacked access to formal education for much of her 29 years – an absence she is quickly making up for, driven by a desire to give her children a better life.

Representatives from business, government and the community sector gathered to discuss the crisis in Syria and Australia’s employment strategy for Syrian refugees at a recent Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC) event.

The SSI Ability Links sponsored Yuin Ducks A Grade rugby league girls team was runner up in 2016 Nations of Origin carnival held in Port Stephens, recently.

Dozens of newly arrived refugees got up to speed with Australia's social landscape in a series of tailored activities for young people during the school holidays.

Children, volunteers, church groups and families from the Ku-ring-gai community have welcomed newly arrived refugees with open arms, showing their support with a welcome event, donation appeal and more.

Few people can imagine the tumultuous mix of emotions refugees experience on arrival in their new country. Adam Bujairami, however, has no need to imagine, having been a refugee himself.

Despite his mobility restrictions caused by cerebral palsy, long-time North Ryde resident Brett Dyer isn’t the type who gets intimidated by day-to-day challenges.

Ability Links NSW (ALNSW) teamed up with Playgroup NSW and SSI Community Engagement on July 12 to hold an inclusive and fun day outdoors for children from all backgrounds.

The past fortnight has brought heartening news for the refugee community, with the NSW Government’s announcement of a new round of funding to support refugee resettlement.