Cultural Shift symposium report
Cultural Shift symposium report The evaluation report SSI Cultural Shift symposium on supporting migrant and refugee families through settlement is now available on the SSI website by following this link. More than 250 delegates contributed to an engaging and informative event, and came together to share and develop effective models and approaches for supporting refugee and migrant families through their settlement journeys.
World music comes to Ashfield
SSI client Pouya and the Asbati Family performed an eclectic set of world music to an enthusiastic audience in Ashfield on November 18. The performance was presented as part of Ashfield Council’s ‘Frolic in the Forecourt’ – a series of free concerts and activities at midday on Tuesdays in the council’s forecourt, on Parramatta Road.
Short film showcase
A group of nine asylum seekers supported by SSI have spent six weeks learning video production skills so they can tell their stories as part of an SSI arts and culture initiative. The workshops, which were run by SSI and Curious Works, culminated on November 14, when the group presented six short films at a special showcase screening in Granville.
Essa’s inspirational story applauded at sports awards
Soccer super-coach Essa said he was proud and honoured to be acknowledged at Auburn City Council Sports Awards recently. Essa, who is from Pakistan and seeking refugee protection in Australia, was a finalist for the Senior Sportsperson Award after being invited to make a submission by council staff.
The strength of youth
At SSI’s fourth and final Speakers’ Series for 2014, a capacity live audience heard the remarkable stories of three young people who each fled their birth countries as refugees before coming to Australia. The event, titled The strength of youth: young people and their refugee experiences, was held at SSI’s Ashfield auditorium on November 11, and was also streamed live to an audience online. People can now watch a high-definition recording of the event on SSI's YouTube channel, here.
Ignite a Social Innovations Award finalist
SSI was a finalist in the 2014 Macquarie Social Innovation Awards, granted by the Macquarie Group Foundation to foster social innovation in the not-for-profit sector. The winner of the 2014 award was the WA-based Fogarty Foundation which focuses on innovative programs and initiatives that advance education, was announced on November 19.
Vital housing support celebrated
SSI hosted a dinner for more than 50 real estate agencies and their staff on Wednesday November 19, to thank them for their support of our organisation and clients. SSI has been providing accommodation support to humanitarian entrants, refugees and people seeking asylum since 2012, and provides services to more than 10,000 clients each year.
New bed is a big deal for refugee boy with cerebral palsy
Thanks to a generous member of the Bankstown community, a 16-year-old refugee boy with cerebral palsy has been gifted a much-needed electric bed that has meant he no longer needs to spend 18 hours a day on his mother’s lap. The boy, whose family was originally from Iraq and is now living in Warwick Farm in western Sydney, previously spent most of the day in his mother’s arms because it was not safe for him to be in a normal bed.
SSI a finalist in the Human Rights Awards
The Australian Human Rights Commission has named SSI as a finalist in the Human Rights Awards 2014 Community Award. SSI is one of four finalists in the Community Award – Organisation, which is awarded to a not-for-profit community-based organisation with a track record in promoting and advancing human rights in Australia.
From refugees to entrepreneurs
Small business entrepreneurs of refugee background were celebrated on Monday November 17 at the launch event of Ignite Small Business Start-ups (Ignite) in Sydney. Attended by almost 100 people, the event featured catering, photography, and film by some of the entrepreneurs supported by the Ignite initiative.
Multicultural Foster Care Service acknowledged
“As I walked up the stairs I saw her joyfully dancing with the three children to African music that connected them so authentically to their culture – it was beautiful.” Tari, SSI caseworker. Settlement Services International (SSI) was today recognised for the innovation and positive impact of its Multicultural Foster Care Service on children and families in out-of-home care.
From the CEO – Walk Together
I was incredibly heartened to see the thousands of people from diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds who walked together on October 25, to show their support for a multicultural Australia where all people are respected.
From the CEO – Good Pitch
Last month I was fortunate enough to be involved as a panellist in the Good Pitch documentary event in Sydney. I had the pleasure of pledging support to a powerful documentary about a Sudanese woman, Constance Okot, living with her six children in Wagga Wagga. This was one of the most remarkable events I have been to in my long career.
Cricket community helps asylum seeker
Cricket has been something of a saviour for Tamil asylum seeker Uthay, since he came to Australia. Uthay, his preferred name, is originally from Sri Lanka and is awaiting assessment for refugee protection. He is a Tamil man, 27 years old, and the potential consequences for men like Uthay in Sri Lanka are such that his full name and image can’t be revealed.
Lights, Camera, Action! Short Film Showcase
SSI’s Storytelling and Film-making Workshop program culminates this month with a showcase of short films. On November 14, SSI friends, staff, volunteers and clients are invited to a special screening of films made by SSI’s asylum seeker clients during the six-week workshop program.
Asylum seekers help out in Mosman
SSI clients who live in Sydney’s west while seeking asylum, headed east to Mosman on October 24, to start regenerating a neglected harbourside national park. It was the first day of a 10-week volunteering project arranged by SSI and NSW’s National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Thank you Salvos, Fairfield!
SSI case managers have continued their efforts to show the various local charities just how much they are appreciated by sharing a morning tea. One team of Community Support Program staff from SSI Parramatta paid a visit to the Salvos charity store in Fairfield, on October 9, delivering treats for staff and volunteers, sharing stories and thanking them for their support.
Owl’s House visit
Staff involved in SSI’s Playtime program were given a guided tour of the Owl's House Early Education Centre at the University of NSW last month, to observe how the service operates. Owl's House is a specialist childcare centre with a focus on early education that has provided support to SSI’s Playtime program.
The Pink Sari Project
Wearing pink saris, SSI staff joined the South Asian women’s network, SAHELI, in Parramasala’s Opening Night Parade in Parramatta last month. SAHELI – a Hindi word that translates to ‘sister’ – and SSI staff took part in the Pink Sari Project, led by NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service, at the Parramasala Parade to help raise awareness about breast cancer and breast screening.
SSI’s David Keegan receives award
Rotary Club of Randwick presented SSI Manager of Humanitarian Services David Keegan with a Paul Harris Fellowship last month for his work as a mental health first aider as well as recognition for his work with refugees and asylum seekers.