An unprecedented state-wide discussion about refugee-related arts practice will take centre stage at an event that connects practitioners working at the intersection between the arts and refugees. Held from August 19–20 at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC), the inaugural Arts and Refugees Forum will create a space for artists, community development workers, educators, and arts and humanitarian organisations to share their experiences and discuss various aspects of artistic practice by, with and about refugees.
They’ve run 14 kilometres, conquered Heartbreak Hill and braved a crowd of nearly 70,000, but SSI’s City2Surf team still needs your help to reach its fundraising goal.
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.
An innovative art therapy exhibition was unveiled at SydWest Multicultural Services in July, showcasing some heartfelt artwork from seniors within the Blacktown community.
A unique support group is giving newly arrived refugee women a relaxed space to develop social networks and become more engaged with their new communities.
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 image of a hooded young boy strapped to a chair has burned its way into Australia’s national conscience following last week’s Four Corners exposé into the Northern Territory’s youth justice system.
SSI recently celebrated two years of delivering the Ability Links NSW program with a ‘masquerade’ themed team building day that brought together SSI Linkers from regional areas with other Ability Links and SSI Corporate Services staff.
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.
A state-wide discussion about refugee-related arts practice will take centre stage at a forum SSI is co-hosting later this month.
Refugees and people seeking asylum were joined by other people from around western Sydney to celebrate the end of Ramadan, in a series of SSI events to mark the Islamic holy month.
SSI’s Community Kitchen was the scene of a colourful celebration in July, as people from all faiths and backgrounds celebrated Eid al-Fitr over a meal.
Nader Sameer and Nawar Hanna are unlikely friends, but bricks and mortar have brought the two former refugees from Iraq together as they start their bricklaying careers in Australia.
SSI led the “Every child has a culture” forum in Bankstown, on June 21, emphasising the importance of cultural recognition and diversity in out-of-home care.
Majed Al Zanad was four years into a medical degree when the war in Syria forced him to abandon his studies. Like many refugees, he is now facing the challenging process of getting his past experience recognised so he can resume his medical studies in Australia.
Blacktown North Public School launched its Community Garden on June 28, thanks to contributions from local businesses, community organisations and the school’s Community Hub leader, Hasret Mehmedali.