Inclusive celebration captures International Women’s Day spirit
An International Women’s Day event has embodied the inclusive spirit of the day with a celebration involving women, men and children of all ages and backgrounds. Not-for-profit humanitarian organisation Settlement Services International (SSI) hosted the event for Auburn locals, community groups and individuals and families who are new to Australia.
Community comes together for International Women’s Day
An SSI International Women’s Day event has embodied the inclusive spirit of the day with a celebration involving women, men and children of all ages and backgrounds.
From the CEO – Let’s celebrate bold and courageous women
When I was growing up, some of the boldest and most courageous women I knew were my mum and her sisters. My mum’s now almost 86, happily settled in Australia surrounded by new generations of her family. But in the mid-1960s, she was starting her life again here, having left post-World War II Greece to seek a better life.
Report finds Ability Links NSW is making a social and economic difference in our community
Ability Links NSW (ALNSW) has heralded a new approach to supporting people with disability, their families and carers, and is making a significant economic and social impact across the state, according to a newly released independent report.
Bird themes prompt stories from Auburn’s multicultural community
A partnership between Auburn Diversity Services Inc. (ADSi) and the Family Creative Hub at Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) at Parramatta has resulted in a beautiful, bird-themed picture book that reflects the stories of communities that live in Auburn.
Arts and culture initiatives give artist seeking asylum a new beginning
A talented artist who is seeking asylum in Australia has found his place in the local arts community after getting involved with SSI Arts and Culture initiatives such as the annual New Beginnings: Refugee Arts and Culture Festival.
Collaboration between SSI and University of Wollongong helps entrepreneurial refugees
The relationship between SSI Ignite Small Business Start-ups (Ignite) and the University of Wollongong (UOW) began almost two years ago and has since enabled several entrepreneurs from refugee backgrounds, or who are seeking asylum, to start their own businesses supported by a student from the UOW Faculty of Business.
Recently-arrived Syrian refugee finds perfect fit with SSI Employment
Rahaf Alrifai still remembers how lucky she felt when she was told that she had a job with SSI. Ms Alrifai was referred by Centrelink to SSI Jobactive in Campsie to get support to start her job search.
Volunteer uses business experience to help young refugees
Using experience gained over a career in technology and management, Ian Elgey is supporting young refugees and migrants to find their feet in the Australian workplace.
Ignite Small Business Start-ups model to expand entrepreneurial support beyond the refugee community
SSI staff from Ignite Small Business Start-ups and Ability Links NSW participated in a week of training by Dr Ernesto Sirolli to build their knowledge and skills of using an enterprise facilitation model to assist people to establish a small business.
SSI Member Spotlight: Core Multicultural Communities
A group of novice singers and musicians from refugee and migrant backgrounds delighted a packed audience at the Powerhouse Youth Theatre, Fairfield, on December 10 with their Women in Harmony showcase.
From the CEO – Private sector’s inspiring efforts to help refugees
As the New Year ticked over, a common theme in reflections on 2016 was the adversity the year brought with it. Along with the loss of popular icons such as David Bowie, Harper Lee and Leonard Cohen, we experienced unprecedented global events, like Brexit and the mass migration of people seeking safety, and saw escalating violence in areas such as Syria and South Sudan.
Ability Links supports Campsie carer to breathe a sigh of relief
Until recently, 62-year-old Campsie resident Ming Zhong was one of the many Australians struggling to provide care to family members with a disability. Besides being a sole carer for his wife, who has a physical disability and mental health issues, and for his mother, diagnosed with dementia, Mr Zhong’s family also includes his daughter and her two young children.
Refugees celebrate first Australian Christmas
Thousands of refugees across the country recently celebrated their first Christmas in Australia. For a special group of new arrivals, the festive season began early at an SSI celebration last month.
ParentsNext supports Regents Park mum to find her new path in life
Having just come out of an abusive relationship and suffering from severe anxiety attacks, Virginia Willie found herself in a very low period of her life and didn’t believe anyone could help her to get out of it - until her first meeting with SSI's ParentsNext program.
Rich traditions observed as SydWest and Community Hubs host Diwali cultural exchange
Bert Oldfield Primary School, Seven Hills, hosted a colourful Diwali 2016 Cultural Exchange on November 5. The event was a collaboration between SydWest Multicultural Services, Community Hubs in the Blacktown local government area and local businesses and community organisations.
Community Hubs acknowledge integral role of grandparents
Community Hubs at Banksia Road and Rydalmere Public Schools organised special Grandparents Day events on November 2, attracting over 300 grandparents, parents and grandchildren.
Community Hubs celebrate year’s achievements
The NSW Community Hubs team reviewed and celebrated its past year’s Hub activities during the team's annual meeting in November. The meeting was an opportunity for participants to share their challenges and learnings, and to discuss priorities and the expansion of the program in 2017.
Google donations help SSI’s refugee initiative, Ignite Small Business Start-ups
SSI’s Ignite Small Business Start-ups is to benefit from donations of around $60,000 thanks to the amazing generosity of Google and its Sydney-based staff.
Allianz engages the humanity of employees to support refugees
By Elise Marley-Wallace, Allianz Public Relations and Social Media Manager In December 2016, more than 20 Allianz Australia employees volunteered over 200 hours to support not-for-profit humanitarian organisation, Settlement Services International (SSI), as part of Allianz’s community outreach program.