2017 NSW Telstra Business Women’s Award winner calls for corporate Australia to look to the not-for-profit sector to find the innovative solutions it needs to address workforce shortages and inspire entrepreneurial thinking.  Violet Roumeliotis, CEO of Settlement Services International (SSI), who won the 2017 Telstra NSW for Purpose and Social Enterprise Award, said her organisation, which she has grown in revenue from $9m to $110m in only four years, is built on an entrepreneurial spirit that has led to innovative approaches to supporting migrants, people seeking asylum and refugees start businesses, join large corporations and fill important gaps in the workforce.

Refugees and people seeking asylum could soon benefit from a smartphone app that navigates health care for those challenged by language and the healthcare system.   

A consortium led by SSI last week launched the NSW Settlement Partnership in Focus, a new resource showcasing an innovative service delivery model.   

A new resource showcasing an innovative, unique not-for-profit service delivery model was launched in Sydney today. The NSW Settlement Partnership in Focus is replete with success stories of this unique partnership, which is the first of its kind in the settlement sector.

Bass Hill has joined a growing number of communities around Australia that have a dedicated ‘hub’ for parents and community members to connect with each other. Last Thursday, the children at Bass Hill Primary School performed for a large crowd of parents, students and members of the community to mark the launch of a new Community Hub, which will be led by local community members with support from not-for-profit Settlement Services International (SSI).

Patience is a virtue when beginning a new life in Australia, according to newly arrived refugee Mania Terzabian, who is taking her goals one step at a time.

Artists, craftspeople and gastronomes forging new lives in Australia will take centre stage at a free festival in November that challenges stereotypes about newly arrived communities. On November 18, Sydney’s iconic Darling Harbour will host the New Beginnings Festival in Spring, where thousands of Sydneysiders will gather to enjoy the musical, culinary and artistic talents of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

People are at the centre of SSI’s work. We offer a range of responses to meet the evolving needs of people who are at a stage in their life where they’re experiencing vulnerability — whether that be homelessness, unemployment, forced displacement.

Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow was the keynote speaker at the SSI Annual General Meeting held today at the SSI offices in Bankstown, which was attended by more than 80 people.

A leadership approach that combines innovation with non-predatory expansion has seen not-for-profit CEO Violet Roumeliotis recognised as one of Australia’s top business women. On Friday at the NSW Telstra Business Women’s Awards, Ms Roumeliotis was selected in the ‘For Purpose and Social Enterprise’ category as the state representative who will go on to the national awards. She was one of 24 NSW finalists in the awards, which recognise the achievements of extraordinary business women.

The organisations in which I’ve always taken an interest — both in the business world and not-for-profit sector — are those that operate like honey bees. They collaborate and generate value for themselves, their communities and their environment.

Not-for-profits from around Australia have banded behind a new national women’s alliance that will champion the unique issues affecting refugee and migrant women. Launched in Adelaide today by the Federal Minister for Women, Senator Michaelia Cash, the Harmony Alliance: Migrant and Refugee Women for Change is a policy and strategy body that will consult with migrant and refugee women nationally to bring about positive change on the issues that affect them.

Access to an education is something many young Australians take for granted. That’s not so for 21-year-old Mahdia, who has overcome huge barriers in order to secure a university education.

A 62 year old Nigerian electrical engineer experienced unimaginable misfortune, shortly after his arrival to Sydney on a Rotary Convention. Edwin Ikwu’s life had a 360-degree turn when he was diagnosed with a severe viral infection, while visiting Australia in June 2014.

A trio of sisters and Ignite Small Business Start-ups entrepreneurs celebrated the grand opening of their first Australian salon in September with 50 family, friends and supporters. Based in North Parramatta, 3Sis Hair and Beauty is a dream come true for Marjan, Mojgan and Ava Rajabali — three passionate and hardworking women who have achieved a lot in a short time.

Today, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Zed Seselja launched SSI newest social enterprise – Food for Thought in Campsie, NSW.

A new program that aims to teach young refugees basic business skills and help them find a job was announced in Sydney today. The ‘Allianz Ladder’ program will familiarise refugee youth with business environments and help them develop the core skills and confidence they need to find their first job in Australia.

More innovative and tailored initiatives for refugee and migrant families are essential to overcoming settlement challenges and fostering a long-term sense of belonging, delegates heard at a conference last week.