Not-for-profits back new women’s alliance
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.
Hard work puts young refugee on path to success
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.
Refugee education, employment at heart of SSI Mosaic Gala
When Elaha* was seven, her parents made the heartbreaking decision to send her to live in India so she could enjoy a more free life than in her native country. Growing up in a foster care home away from her family, Elaha always made an extra effort with her education as she felt that would help to justify her parents’ sacrifice.
From the CEO — The refugee crisis on our doorstep
Like many Australians, I have been shaken by recent reports of Rohingya men, women and children fleeing their homeland in the thousands.
Ability Links NSW reinspires Nigerian electrical engineer after detrimental illness strikes
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.
Refugee entrepreneurs establish first salon with help from SSI
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.
SSI drives an innovative approach for refugee jobseekers into work through their newest social enterprise – Food for Thought
Today, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Zed Seselja launched SSI newest social enterprise – Food for Thought in Campsie, NSW.
SSI showcases innovative housing solutions at Cultural Shift
An SSI Housing presentation at Cultural Shift 2017 showcased projects offering affordable housing alternatives for vulnerable communities in NSW, including the Emergency Housing Accommodation (EHA) program and a modular home project.
SSI Member Spotlight: Sydney Multicultural Community Services
Working with local service providers, Sydney MCS is addressing the lack of adequate information regarding services available to the people it supports within the community.
Cultural Shift 2017 showcases settlement innovation for migrant and refugee families
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.
From the CEO — 12,000 new community members
Samira Maksoud is a Syrian refugee who has been in Australia less than six months. But that hasn’t stopped her from finding a part-time job and enrolling to study in two tertiary qualifications.
Regional centre of Armidale to welcome refugees
Community support will play a critical role in the successful settlement of an estimated 200 refugees in NSW regional hub Armidale, according to leading humanitarian settlement not-for-profit Settlement Services International (SSI). Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, announced on Friday that SSI had been contracted to provide on-the-ground settlement services to an estimated 200 refugees who will settle in Armidale in 2018 as part of the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP). SSI was recently successful in obtaining the contract for two of the 11 HSP contract regions: Sydney and NSW regional, which includes Newcastle, Coffs Harbour and the newly defined Armidale refugee settlement area.
Ability Links NSW connects family with accessible solutions
Jasmine was born with Spina Bifida and as a consequence her parents had always been very protective towards her. However, soon after she turned 12, Jasmine's parents felt their support wasn’t enough and that the situation had become too overwhelming to continue on their own.
Women find harmony in poetry, music and dance
Over 350 women from across Sydney and communities worldwide attended the second annual Women of Diversity Dinner in Bankstown on July 29 — over 50 of them having been in our community less than six months.
SSI supports grassroots community partners in disability inclusion
Diversity and inclusion were at the heart of SSI’s recent collaboration with a colourful celebration of the culture of Iraq.
‘SSI includes everyone!’
Meet Jawad, a volunteer at SSI’s fortnightly Community Kitchen in Auburn since 2012.
Newly arrived gardeners pave pathway to a better future
A group of newly arrived gardeners have channelled their shared love of gardening into formal qualifications.
Magda Szubanski to headline SSI’s Mosaic Gala
Magda Szubanski is to be guest speaker at SSI’s inaugural Mosaic Gala, to be held at Merivale Ivy Ballroom on September 15.
SSI Member Spotlight: Metro Assist
Metro Assist recently organised an orientating, educational and recreational tour of Sydney and a lunchtime harbour cruise for 40 newly arrived refugee women from Syria and Iraq.
SSI Food: Lentil cook-off
Lentils are a staple ingredient in diets all over the world — something SSI’s diverse SRSS team picked up on during a discussion about the best way to cook this high protein legume. The only way to settle the debate was to take the dishes to Community Kitchen for a lentil cook-off.