As part of its ongoing program development and its commitment to meeting the needs of people and communities with refugee experiences, in February 2009, SSI established the Connect Australia Foundation (CAF). The purpose of the CAF is:
To provide focus on the settlement of refugees* into Australia with a view to increase the level of success for both on arrival settlement and longer-term community integration. The Connect Australia Foundation aims to help minimise the impact of structural poverty felt by those seeking refuge in Australia.
* The term ‘refugee’ includes migrants under the Humanitarian Entrants Scheme, Family Reunion,
entrants under the Women at Risk Program and those with refugee experiences.
The work of the Foundation falls into two categories:
The first is to undertake structural projects that enhance the ability of individuals and communities with refugee experience to participate and contribute to community life in Australia.
The second is to provide grants for new and innovative projects that draw inspiration from, document, and benefit communities.
For further information and details of projects funded to date, go to the Connect Australia Foundation website