SSI update on response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic
Due to the risk posed to staff and client wellbeing as a result of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, SSI and Access locations will be temporarily closed from Monday, March 30, 2020.
Despite physical distancing, social connection must remain strong
SSI statement on response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) COVID-19 is now affecting many thousands of people around the world and causing uncertainty over what the coming weeks will bring in Australia.
Empowering Women through Employment
Federal Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, were among the participants today at an event in Parramatta to improve understanding of the strengths of women from diverse background in work.
From the CEO: Each for equal
The 2020 International Women’s Day theme is Each for Equal. An equal world is one where we’re all responsible for our thoughts and actions. Every day, we have the power to take small steps towards gender equity.
Armidale local shares skills with refugee and aspiring photographer
Armidale local and freelance photographer Simon Scott partnered with Settlement Services International (SSI) to use his skills to foster the talent of aspiring photographer and Ezidi refugee Salwan Qasm Muhi.
Claims of refugee unemployment crisis miss basic facts
A high jobless rate among newly arrived refugees is not indicative of a systemic unemployment crisis and typifying it as such ignores the long-term trends in refugee settlement, according to a leading refugee settlement provider.
Renowned Syrian singer and refugee finds path to integration in music
Touching down at Sydney airport Syrian singer and oud player George Karam looked at his wife, Hana, and their daughter, Atra, and said: “Finally we reached Australia, a place where we will be treated with dignity and respect.”
SSI CEO amplifies impact with new appointments
SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis will amplify her community impact in 2020 through a series of new board appointments
Christmas comes to Community Kitchen
Yesterday, SSI’s Community Kitchen wrapped up a year of shared meals and cultural celebration with an end of year party for newcomers and local community members.
SSI Mosaic Gala raises record funds for refugee employment services
Through the generosity of community minded individuals and organisations, the SSI Mosaic Gala raised a record $50,000 to support refugees on the pathway to employment and education.
Hardworking refugee finds employment through SSI
Arriving in Australia with his family in 2016 was the proudest moment of Hassan Abode’s life.
From the CEO: We need more journalists like Pema Dolkar
Pema Dolkar is an up-and-coming SBS reporter who last year covered an initiative in Sydney’s Northern Beaches where Tibetan refugees are learning how to navigate Australia’s picturesque waterways.
NSW leads the country in unlocking employment potential for refugees
State government agencies and their partners work in collaboration to connect refugee job seekers with secure, long-term employment When Rania Shahoud, her husband and their two sons arrived in Australia in 2017 from Aleppo, Syria, she didn’t know whether she’d ever find a job.
Ancient cultures foster healing and belonging
The intersection between ancient cultures was at the heart of a trailblazing paper by two SSI staff members at one of Australia’s leading multicultural conferences last week.
Resilient refugees raise funds for UNICEF Syria Crisis Appeal
Self-starter and culinary enthusiast Sophie Bejek recently joined some of the country’s most prestigious chefs at a Cook for Syria dinner to help raise vital funds for the UNICEF Syria Crisis Appeal.
New book helps culturally diverse children in foster care maintain their identity
A new family resource for children and young people in foster care from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds will be launched by Settlement Services International (SSI) in Bankstown, Sydney, today.My Life and Me, a life story book with a cultural focus, was developed by SSI to address the loss of identity and belonging experienced by CALD children in care.
Furore over welfare figures misses the mark
High levels of unemployed welfare recipients losing access to their payments is indicative of a complex and inadequate system, not a proliferation of ‘welfare cheats’, according to community organisation and social business Settlement Services International (SSI).
Online program helps traumatised refugees overcome mental health stigma
Before the 'Tell Your Story' program, there was no intervention to specifically reduce mental health stigma in refugees. A world-first intervention for refugee men who suffer from PTSD has shown promise in a trial, encouraging them to get help.
SSI hands Friendship Garden to the community who built it
An olive tree has been planted to mark the transition of the Friendship Garden at the Auburn Centre of Community, from being an initiative owned and run by SSI, to a community run project.
Volunteering brings benefits to the community and to volunteers themselves
Volunteering attracts people from diverse backgrounds with a broad range of experiences. This adds to the richness and impact that SSI’s volunteers have across a wide range of roles and programs that support vulnerable people.