For the past 34 years, Ms Roumeliotis has pursued a career in community services, championing the needs of migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum. As the CEO of SSI, she has overseen a period of tremendous growth in which the organisation has gone from 60 staff to more than 600, with revenue of $113 million.
Ms Roumeliotis said she was honoured to be recognised alongside Billie Sankovic — the CEO of Western Sydney Community Forum — and Professor David Rowe — an internationally recognised researcher, author and media commentator.
“My work in the not-for-profit sector has always been driven by a deep commitment to social justice and a desire to advance our society as a whole. My aim is to support people who the system has left behind or for whom the system adds barriers that can at times feel insurmountable,” she said.
“During my time in the not-for-profit sector, I’ve come to recognise the importance of learning from our peers in the business sector and applying those lessons within our own organisations.
“At SSI, for example, that means ensuring innovation and efficiency are at the core of our day-to-day work. We operate like a social business — achieving surpluses that we then re-invest in new initiatives to assist people who are at a point in their lives where they’re experiencing a vulnerability.”
Last month, Ms Roumeliotis beat nominees from across all industries and areas of Australia to be named the 2017 Telstra Business Woman of the Year.
“That was a win not just for me but for the broader not-for-profit sector. It recognised that we have the business know-how and entrepreneurial mindsets to create solutions that not only address key social issues but also overcome the challenges facing our peers in the corporate sector,” she said.
Media enquiries: SSI Communications Coordinator Hannah Gartrell, 0488 680 287
SSI is a not-for-profit that, through a variety of programs and self-funded initiatives, supports newcomers and other vulnerable Australians to prosper. Operating with the approach of a social business, SSI’s innovation, out-of-the-box thinking and start-up mentality have been recognised with multiple awards, including last week when SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis was named 2017 Telstra Business Woman of the Year.
SSI’s Coffs Harbour office, which marks the organisation’s entry into the region, was launched today by Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker MP.
“My father came to Australia at 17 in 1951 and at that time there were virtually no settlement services whatsoever, so I am more than mindful of the importance of settlement services in allowing people to make an easier transition into life in a new country,” said Mr Hartsuyker.
SSI HSP Manager, Yamamah Agha, said the organisation was committed to partnering with the local community and services to support refugees through the early days of life in Australia.
“At SSI, we recognise the critical role the community plays in successful settlement. Community members help new arrivals to feel welcome in Australia and to build the sense of belonging that becomes a foundation for their new lives here,” she said.
“Community support can take many forms. It might be volunteering, offering a friendly smile at the supermarket or holding an event to welcome new arrivals. Only by working in partnership can we hope to support refugees to reach their full potential in Australia.”
SSI has set up shop at 2/126 West High St, Coffs Harbour. To contact the local office or find out about partnership and volunteering opportunities, visit www.ssi.org.au.
About SSI:
Settlement Services International is a not-for-profit organisation providing a range of services in the areas of refugee settlement, migrant support services, asylum seeker assistance, housing, multicultural foster care, disability support, employment services and youth support in NSW.
Speaking to launch the festival, SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said that the New Beginnings Festival in Spring gave people from migrant and refugee backgrounds an important platform to showcase this heritage in all its richness.
“The festival is a chance to experience firsthand the unique culture and artistry found in new communities, and celebrates the contributions refugees and migrants make to their new homes.” Ms Roumeliotis said.
Along with an array of stalls that showcased food and craft from around the world, a jampacked program of musical and dance performances astounded audiences. Standout performances included dynamic hip hop beats from renowned Ugandan artist Kween G while guitar riffs played by classical guitarist Sako Dermenijan drove shivers up audiences’ spines.
Hani Abdile, a talented spoken word poet, was MC for the day and broke out into prolific verse in between performances keeping crowds on the edge of their seats. Hani had made her way to Australia by boat and had turned to poetry for healing while detained on Christmas Island.
Now in its third year, the New Beginnings Festival in Spring is the brainchild of Carolina Triana — the 2017 recipient of the NSW Premier’s Multicultural Community Medal for Arts & Culture, which recognised her work with refugees and people seeking asylum.
“New Beginnings gives people from refugee and migrant backgrounds an opportunity to showcase the artistic talent and rich cultural heritage they bring to their new homes. For everyday Australians, it’s a chance to experience something new and learn about our neighbours,” said Ms Triana, who is the Arts & Culture Program Manager and festival producer at SSI.
“Bringing people together to bond over the shared enjoyment of music, dance and other cultural expressions is also one of the ways we can fight stereotypes about newly arrived communities. Getting to know someone through their art makes us focus on their creativity and potential – labels like ‘refugee’ or ‘migrant’ are no longer relevant.”
For more information on the New Beginnings Festival in Spring, click here.
Last night, she was named the 2017 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year after winning the ‘For Purpose and Social Enterprise’ category.
Following her recognition among Australia’s top business women, Ms Roumeliotis implored corporate Australia to tap into the out-of-the-box thinking and start-up mentality in the not-for-profit sector in order to solve pressing business challenges such as workforce shortages.
“Now begins the time when corporate Australia needs us in the not-for-profit sector to access the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking needed to advance our country — the exact things we’ve built our sector on for so many years,” she said.
“Many would be surprised to know just how effective community organisations are at developing world-class initiatives that address key social challenges and provide a win-win for business and community.”
At SSI, this is exemplified by a range of self-funded social enterprises that, in addition to providing services, also give job seekers work experience opportunities in a real workplace environment.
“Our low cost supermarket, The Staples Bag, actively reduces Australia’s food wastage problem and addresses the growing issue of food insecurity. We have distributed over 500 tonnes of food in the last 12 months alone. At the same time, it provides work experience to help people break the cycle of unemployment,” she said.
This innovation is similarly present in SSI’s partnerships with businesses ranging from Google to Woolworths to Allianz Australia.
“Eighteen refugees and migrants with existing skills and qualifications who were matched to Allianz’s business needs embarked on a 12-month program that includes two job rotations in areas such as marketing, claims, finance and IT,” Ms Roumeliotis said.
“The mutual success of the Settlement Services International-Allianz partnership has been recognised by Australian Human Rights Commission as a finalist in the Human Rights Awards 2017.”
Ms Roumeliotis called on other business leaders to consider the innovation and commercial impact to be gained from partnership with the not-for-profit sector.
“Let’s work together to solve commercial and social challenges,” she said.
Recognised for her social entrepreneurship and raising awareness of the economic value of migration, Roumeliotis is the brains behind various initiatives that have seen companies such as Allianz Australia run employment programs, as well establishing Australia’s first bespoke refugee entrepreneurship initiative, Ignite Small Business Start-ups (Ignite).
“The not-for-profit sector is thriving with social entrepreneurs, driven by passion and determination. Many would be surprised to know just how effective community organisations are at developing world-class initiatives that address key social challenges and provide a win-win for business and community.
“Settlement Services International works in partnership with leading corporations to implement ground-breaking Sustainable Employment Programs that support refugees and migrants entering the workforce and providing business with rich talent.
“Eighteen refugees and migrants with existing skills and qualifications who were matched to Allianz’s business need, embarked on a 12-month program that includes two job rotations in areas such as marketing, claims, finance and IT.
“The mutual success of the Settlement Services International-Allianz partnership has been recognised by Australian Human Rights Commission as a finalist in the Human Rights Awards 2017.
“In only four years, our award-winning small business start-up program, Ignite, has supported 90 participants to financial independence and developed over 45 jobs. This saves an estimated $1.8 million in Centrelink payments each year.
“I call for leaders from across corporate Australia to look at the innovation and commercial impact of the work of the not for profit sector. We want more partnerships, so we can expand our reach and help to solve commercial and social challenges of Australia,” said Roumeliotis.
Roumeliotis will compete for Telstra Australian Business Women of the Year: Purpose and Social Enterprise Award at the national ceremony in Melbourne on Tuesday 21 November 2017.
Formed in 2015, the NSP is a wide-reaching consortium led by community-based not-forprofit Settlement Services International, which includes 22 other organistions, ranging from migrant resource centers, to generalist neighbourhood centres and ethno-specific organisations.
SSI Settlement Services Manager, Loukia Zinopoulos, said that this diversity allowed the NSP to build on good practice, to reach further and do more.
“We can also deliver services in a more nuanced way. Our partners’ grassroots service delivery supported by SSI a solid combination,” she said.
“SSI’s statewide perspective combined with partners in-depth practice knowledge allows us to identify opportunities for innovation and collaboration.”
Since the NSP began, through collaboration and cross-pollination, partners have achieved significant outcomes. There has been a renewed focus on delivering services and activities that foster the three Es — employment, English language and education.
“Our NSP partners are all experts in their fields. They deliver quality, innovative services at a local level that are informed by their extensive commitment and experience in supporting migrant and refugee settlement. ” Ms Zinopoulos said.
The Community Hubs program operates nation-wide with nine established Community Hubs in primary schools in the Bankstown Local Government area alone including Bankstown, Banksia Road, Chester Hill, Georges Hall, St Brendan’s Sacred Heart,Yagoona and Villawood East.
Each Community Hub offers a welcoming place for parents and members of the community to connect with each other and share knowledge and skills. Local state MP Tania Mihailuk and Principal Melissa Proctor launched the new Bass Hill hub, which gives parents a chance to connect with the school and to strengthen their community.
“It is with great excitement that we officially open our Community Hub today. Our Hub is a safe and welcoming space for parents, families and local community members to come together and participate in a range of programs.” Ms Proctor said.
Each hub is managed by a Hub Leader who coordinates programs to meet the needs of their local community. Francesca Marinos, Hub Leader at Bass Hill, showcased personal stories from local parents such as Kristie McCudden.
“The Hub provides a warm and welcoming place where I feel supported and valued, and where I am able to build new friendships and skills.” Ms McCudden said.
Media enquiries:
SSI Communications Coordinator Hannah Gartrell; 0423 965 956
Along with an array of stalls showcasing food and craft from around the world, a jam-packed program of musical and dance performances will include:
Kween G: Renowned for potent content, Kween G delivers dynamic style as an MC, performer and hip hop artist. Born in Uganda, Kween came to Australia after her family was granted asylum.
Sako Dermenjian: Born and raised in Syria, Sako’s guitar has been the one constant in his life since war broke out in his homeland. Since coming to Australia, he’s resumed his musical studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is back on track to achieving his goal of becoming a world renowned classical guitarist.
Hani Abdile: A writer and spoken word poet, Hani made her way to Australia by boat and spent 11 months on Christmas Island. While detained, Hani found healing in writing poetry.
The Human Sound Project: Originating in New York to help communities unleash their purpose through the universal language of music, this high energy group will debut a song created in collaboration with hundreds of refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia.
Now in its third year, the New Beginnings Festival in Spring is the brainchild of Carolina Triana — the 2017 recipient of the NSW Premier’s Multicultural Community Medal for Arts & Culture, which recognised her work with refugees and people seeking asylum.
“New Beginnings gives people from refugee and migrant backgrounds an opportunity to showcase the artistic talent and rich cultural heritage they bring to their new homes. For everyday Australians, it’s a chance to experience something new and learn about our neighbours,” said Ms Triana, who is the Arts & Culture Program Manager and festival producer at not-for-profit Settlement Services International (SSI).
“Bringing people together to bond over the shared enjoyment of music, dance and other cultural expressions is also one of the ways we can fight stereotypes about newly arrived communities. Getting to know someone through their art makes us focus on their creativity and potential – labels like ‘refugee’ or ‘migrant’ are no longer relevant.”
For more information on the New Beginnings Festival in Spring, click here.
About the New Beginnings Festival in Spring:
The New Beginnings Festival in Spring is the second installment of SSI’s 2017 New Beginnings: Refugee Arts and Culture Festival, an initiative of Settlement Services International (SSI). The festival kicked off in June, with the New Beginnings Festival for Refugee Week, which comprised an art exhibition, workshops and film screenings. Now in its third year, the New Beginnings: Refugee Arts & Culture Festival is a celebration of the artistic vibrancy, cultural expressions and heritage of people from refugee backgrounds. The New Beginnings Festival in Spring was supported by funding from the City of Sydney Council and Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Ms Roumeliotis credits her success as a business woman to a values-driven, entrepreneurial mindset.
“The organisations in which I’ve always taken an interest — both in the business world and not-for-profit sector — are those that operate like honey bees. They collaborate and generate value for themselves, their communities and their environment,” she said.
“Others serve their own interests, consuming whatever lies in their paths, like locusts. I like to think that as a person who has led teams in successful organisations, we have employed honey-bee-type practices that have seeded fruitful, sustainable organisations with positive outcomes for communities.”
Ms Roumeliotis said that at times, this has meant walking away from lucrative ventures that did not align with the values of herself or the organisation she heads, Settlement Services International (SSI).
“I’m inspired by a sector and peers who don’t play hard ball and compete ruthlessly. The main game for me is to create enduring value for everyone involved. By applying such principles, the organisations I have been a part of have thrived,” she said.
“At SSI, this approach has seen our organisation break the traditional not-for-profit mould and operate as a social business. We run efficiently and effectively so that we can reinvest to maximise our social impact.
“For example, we run five social enterprises that give new arrivals and other job seekers work experience opportunities. The most significant of these is our low cost supermarket, The Staples Bag, which also actively reduces Australia’s food wastage problem and addresses the growing issue of food insecurity. We have distributed over 500 tonnes of food in the last 12 months alone.”
Ms Roumeliotis will join other state and territory category winners in Melbourne on Tuesday 21 November for the National Telstra Business Women’s Awards.
About SSI: Settlement Services International is a community-based not-for-profit organisation providing a range of services in the areas of refugee settlement, migrant support services, asylum seeker assistance, housing, multicultural foster care, disability support, employment services and youth support in NSW.
Media enquiries: SSI Communications Coordinator Hannah Gartrell 0488 680 287
Carrying out the work of the Alliance will be the inaugural Alliance Council, which comprises community representatives and organisations that either represent or work with migrant and refugee women, including not-for-profit Settlement Services International (SSI).
SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said the establishment of the Alliance was the culmination of several years of advocacy by women’s groups across Australia.
“This is a critical first step to migrant and refugee women taking the lead in conversations with decision makers about the issues that directly affect them — whether that be employment, education or health and wellbeing,” she said.
“Migrant and refugee women have always been active within the Australian community, and there is strong appetite for community representatives themselves to advance migrant and refugee women’s participation in economic, social, cultural, civic and political life.
“The formation of a policy and strategy body just amplifies the reach of those voices, enabling migrant and refugee women to better engage in driving change.”
The Alliance Council also includes representatives from United Muslim Women Association, African Women Australia, Tongan Association of Canberra and Queanbeyan, Australian National Committee on Refugee Women, Access Community Services, InTouch, Multicultural Youth South Australia, Migration Council Australia, Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network, Refugee Council of Australia, and Settlement Council of Australia.
The Alliance is now one of six National Women’s Alliances that give voice to women, particularly those from marginalised or disadvantaged groups.
