SSI secures new refugee settlement contract

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said this was exciting news for SSI and its team who had delivered settlement services for the past six years under the current Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) program.

“Winning these two regions was only possible due to the dedication, skill and passion of our staff in securing excellent client outcomes,” she said.

“I am excited by the prospect of leading SSI into this new era of settlement services for Australia’s humanitarian entrants with a greater emphasis on English language proficiency; education and development; and employment. Under our current HSS contract the three ‘Es’ are areas that SSI has incorporated for some years now as part and parcel of our service delivery.

“We’re very pleased that they’ve now been formalised as a key part of the new contract. We see this as positive reinforcement of our good work under the HSS program.

“I am confident that the move to a more outcomes-focused model will lead to improved integration for refugees and better social cohesion in our communities.

“We also recognise the opportunities offered by the additional time under the new program to meet people’s individual needs at the pace required by their particular situation.

“It is understandable that on arrival refugees have different capacities to settle quickly into their communities, work and education. The flexibility of the timeframe gives service providers the opportunity to meet individual needs and empower clients to commence building new lives in Australia.

“The new program continues a long and proud tradition of resettling refugees in Australia,” Ms Roumeliotis added.

The HSP, which is funded by the Department of Social Services, was awarded following a competitive tender processing beginning in September 2016. The program will build skills and knowledge for the social and economic well-being of humanitarian entrants through a needs-based case management approach. For more information: https://www.dss.gov.au/settlement-and-multicultural-affairs/programs-policy/settlement-services/humanitarian-settlement-program

Media enquiries:
SSI Corporate Communications Manager Angela Calabrese: 0422 304 578; acalabrese@ssi.org.au
SSI Communications Assistant Hannah Gartrell: 0488 680 287; hgartrell@ssi.org.au