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Stigma and persecution surrounding gender identity or sexual orientation can sometimes lead to a person being forced to flee their home country. LGBTIQ people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can often feel socially isolated, disconnected and marginalised from their family, religious group and the broader community.

‘Carpet Stories’ aims to empower the narrative of Middle Eastern Australians and refugees seeking liberation by bringing LGBTIQ stories from multicultural Australia into the spotlight. Held to a packed-out audience at the intimate PYT Fairfield in early March, the two-man performance piece featured Najee Tannous and Mustafa Al-Mahdi, directed by Martin del Amo.

“Carpet Stories is a courageous step into opening up the discussion around the Queer Refugee community,” said show creator and performer Najee Tannous. “It lays bare the accounts of firsthand experiences; unveiling the complex layers of Arabian culture, religious practice and family history”.

Mr. Tannous was quick to acknowledge the collaboration with SSI Arts & Culture and the Gender and Sexual Diversity Working Group, saying it was an important connection to make in furthering the development of Carpet Stories.

“SSI’s support of the second development of Carpet Stories has become an integral part of the show’s fabric, and for this, we continue to create and extend the vulnerable exploration of the ‘Queer Arab’ narrative,” said Mr. Tannous

PYT Fairfield Executive Director Katy Green Loughrey echoed Najee’s sentiment, saying that they were thrilled to be able to partner with SSI on this.

“This partnership represents an unmatched opportunity to support LGBTIQ communities through creative practice while raising awareness among our combined networks,” said Katy. “As both organisations share a humanitarian focus in their work and are deeply connected with their local, CALD communities, this partnership is a natural fit.”

The captivating 30-minute performance was followed by a Q+A session with the artists, who talked about the creation process and the opportunities ahead, weaving into the lived experiences of refugees in Australia. The session gave members of SSI’s Gender and Sexual Diversity Working Group, and other members of the audience, a chance to contribute to the discussion.

“The SSI GSD Working group is actively addressing the invisibility of LGBTIQ clients and participants, particularly within the settlement sector,” said SSI Gender and Sexual Diversity Champion, Kathi McCulloch. “It is important to show multicultural Australia that SSI supports everyone and that we amplify the voice of LGBTIQ multicultural communities through creative, interesting and engaging initiatives, such as this partnership with PYT Fairfield.”

The SSI Arts & Culture team looks forward to continuing developing this partnership and advocating for everyone’s voice to be heard on our stages and throughout Australia’s community life.

Follow SSI Arts & Culture on Facebook for all updates on how SSI is supporting diverse and creative communities.

Effective from today, Monday 30 March, 2020, we’re moving to an entirely remote work model for all staff. This means that all staff will be working from home and our offices will be closed.

This situation is unprecedented. Like other organisations, SSI is navigating through uncertain times, and I don’t know when we’ll resume operations as usual.

Despite working from home, we will continue to deliver essential services to our clients and communities. Our priority is to ensure participants continue to receive adequate support and to limit disruptions.

I have faith in our capacity to overcome the challenges ahead because of how our staff members have responded to this crisis and the measures we have introduced so far to protect staff and client wellbeing.

At a time of such uncertainty, I am reassured by the care, empathy and respect I see displayed in our offices each day – the perfect balance of compassion and common sense.

We know that SSI is not alone in trying to find the best path forward at a time of unprecedented disruption. As a client-centred organisation, we are currently developing a suite of resources for our clients and the community to navigate the challenging time ahead. These are available here.

This pandemic is like nothing I have experienced in my lifetime. I’m not immune to the sense of fear and anxiety in the wider community.

Something that has helped me is asking myself, what do I have some control over? It helps me to feel that I can adapt to my current situation when I can identity even little things I can control. Things like calling a friend to see how they’re coping or offering to do some shopping for an elderly neighbour.

Looking at ways we can take control in our own environment can help to stop that emotional contagion from taking hold. We can cope with threats and feelings of fear and anxiety without letting them takeover.

I believe there will be further challenges ahead as we see out this pandemic. Despite physically distancing, we must remember to say socially and emotionally connected. That’s how we’re going to come out the other side of this – by sticking together and looking out for one another.

Stay safe.

Violet Roumeliotis

SSI CEO

SSI and Access locations to close temporarily due to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic.

We will continue to deliver essential services to our clients and communities with staff working remotely.
Our priority is to limit disruption to those services and to ensure that clients continue to receive adequate support and service delivery.

This situation is unprecedented, and we are unable to say when operations will resume as normal.

Our new operating arrangement will be reviewed regularly in line with advice from the government and health experts.

We will continue to actively engage with staff, clients and community to listen to their concerns and questions.
We are developing a suite of resources on the SSI website to help our clients and the community navigate the challenging time ahead. And we will communicate regularly as we adapt to the changing situation.

Even though we’re physically distancing, in such times of crisis it is critical that we take care of ourselves, physically and mentally, and stay connected.

Anyone with concerns or questions should contact SSI.

Further information and resources

The ‘Building Workplace Capability for Indigenous Australia Network’ conference gathered organisations, business leaders and indigenous elders to investigate the role corporate Australia can play as allies to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The Uluru Statement calls for a First Nations voice to Parliament and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling. These reforms are: voice, treaty and truth.

Nicole Laupepa, a proud Goomeri woman and SSI Project Officer and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Specialist, represented SSI at the conference and said she was proud to present our vision statement to attendees.

“First Nation people seek constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country. When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country.”

For the past two years, SSI has embarked on a journey of reconciliation that was built on community consultation and the vision of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

After a long journey of learning and discovery, we are at the final stages in the development our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and organisational revival vision.

SSI’s revival vision ensures we will listen, learn and share the wisdom of 60,000 years of an ancient culture.

SSI will also work towards realising makarrata —birth a new season of kinship, where all people and cultures acknowledge our past, see each other and walk together in the spirit of strength and unity.

Finally, we will strive to shape a pathway where everyone has an opportunity to prosper, contributing to an Australia that redefines difference and steps out in courage to build a unified, equal and respectful Nation.

Read more on the Uluru Statement from the Heart here 

Learn more about SSI’s reconciliation journey here 

We’re writing to let you know that, as a community-led organisation, SSI will continue to work hard to find ways to support community members and ensure that, despite physical distancing, social connection remains strong.

Our thoughts are with our clients, communities and staff as we negotiate these rapidly changing and challenging times.

As we face empty supermarket shelves, fighting over rations, and general uncertainty, we must hold on to our compassion, care and sense of community.

As government, business and community efforts ramp up to reduce the impact of COVID-19, SSI’s number one priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of our clients, communities and staff.

Following Australian Department of Heath recommendations, SSI has implemented steps for the safety of staff and visitors, while continuing to support our clients.

While none of us knows how this will evolve over the next few weeks, we want you to know that SSI is:

We will continue to monitor advice and reports from the Australian government and state authorities, and communicate any changes to our services with our staff, clients and stakeholders.

This is a challenging and uncertain time for us all. Everyone has a role to play in minimising the impact and spread of COVID-19. By acting together in a measured and caring way we all can contribute to the safety of ourselves, each other and our clients.

Now, more than ever, we must show care and compassion, and avoid the urge to put our needs above those of others.

In such times of crisis we must take care of ourselves both physically and mentally, be kind to one another and stay connected.

Anyone with concerns or questions should contact SSI here. 

Further information and resources

Participants in the Empowering Women Through Engagement Table Talks

The table talks were held at the Novotel, Parramatta, on February 28, in the lead up to IWD on March 8.

The women from CALD backgrounds, including community leaders and leaders from the corporate world, were joined by Federal Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash.

Along with the ministers, Hawanatu Bangura, an entrepreneur and former refugee, spoke to the gathering.

Ms Bangura arrived in Australia in 2002 as a refugee from Sierra Leone. With the support of SSI’s Ignite Small Business Start-ups, she founded Mahawa Creative, a storytelling agency that helps organisations and individuals to craft meaningful narratives.

Ms Bangura said the table talks were a great opportunity to talk about her journey with likeminded women.

“We have all had similar challenges when it comes to finding employment. Talking to these women really encouraged me and validated my experiences,” she said.

The positive energy of Ministers Cash and Payne was also a highlight for Ms Bangura.

“Listening to Minister Cash’s and Minister Payne’s speeches, and seeing their friendship, was an inspiring reminder that it is possible for women to make it in politics. There is still so much to do and young women need positive role models in this space.”

After the event, SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis explained that Empowering Women through Employment recognised that women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds were at a unique intersection of gender and culture that could limit employment opportunities and career progression.

“In order to drive change on a larger scale, we need to ensure the voices of women from CALD backgrounds are front and centre. Let’s be #EachforEqual,” she said, referring to an IWD theme.

Learn more about SSI’s Employment program here

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of girls and women.

Women from migrant and refugee backgrounds are at the intersection of gender and culture, and experience many additional challenges.

For example, the unemployment rate for female migrants is higher than both migrant men and Australian-born women, while one in four women from diverse backgrounds have been forced to scale back at work due to cultural barriers.

Few of us are in a position to influence employment barriers. But we can progress gender equality by something as simple as offering formal or informal mentoring. This 1:1 support helps women access the local networks that is often so critical in gaining employment or progressing a career.

Domestic and family violence is another issue that affects women from all walks of life but can present additional challenges for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds. They are often less likely to seek assistance due to barriers like lack of knowledge about their rights, fear of deportation and removal of children, or lack of English language skills.

There is a pressing need for consistent funding of domestic violence services that are tailored for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Again, very few of us are in a position to influence an issue of this scale, but we can take small steps. You can add your voice to the Each for Equal social media hashtag or write to your local member.

At the end of the day, gender equity is not just a women’s issue. It is an issue for everyone. When women do well, their families, businesses and whole communities prosper. On International Women’s Day, I hope you’ll join me in re-committing ourselves to progressing gender equality through small actions within our spheres of influence.

Violet Roumeliotis

SSI CEO

 

Teacher aide and refugee Yasser Ibrahim has found his calling in youth work. 

Although Mr Ibrahim has faced many challenges, with the support of SSI he found accommodation within a community he loves and completed tertiary studies to pursue his dream job, supporting youth in all aspects of their lives.

After completing a teacher aide course at TAFE, he worked full-time as a Learning Support Officer at Fairfield High School on a year-long contract.

“It was a dream come true that I was offered a job in Fairfield High School as Education Aid, where I supported students in academic achievements in all different subjects,” Mr Ibrahim said.

“Students from years 7 to 12 were approaching me for support in personal issues and life struggles as well.”

Mr Ibrahim has also completed a Certificate 4 in Youth Work and is currently studying a Diploma in Counselling. He has volunteered at youth centres and other organisations in the city for over two years now.

“Teaching is my dream job, and I am very happy where I am now. The whole experience has been very good,” he said.

Mr Ibrahim was granted asylum to Australia when religious persecution caused him to fear for his life.

“My pastor came up with the idea of leaving Egypt as my life was at great risk. If it was my choice, I never would think to leave Egypt but I was so grateful to the Australian government to give me this chance and save my life,” he said.

Despite his deep sense of relief when granted asylum, the move to Australia came with a set of complex personal challenges.

Mr Ibrahim had to leave his three sons (aged 19, 17 and 10) in Egypt with their mother, who had terminated all contact with him as a direct consequence of him changing his faith.

Moving to a foreign country can be a daunting experience, especially when you are completely alone. Mr Ibrahim said when he arrived in Sydney airport he was overwhelmed by a bittersweet sense of loss and gratitude.

“I was excited to come to Australia as I would have the freedom to be myself, which was not the case back in Egypt,” he said.

“But I was worried because I was coming to a place where I knew nobody.”

Once in Australia, Mr Ibrahim received full wrap-around refugee support services provided by SSI’s Humanitarian Settlement Program, including securing accommodation and supporting him to navigate his everyday life.

Mr Ibrahim spent his first three months in a granny flat in Granville, before gaining long-term accommodation in Kings Cross.

“I chose to live in Kings Cross because I wanted to meet with people from different faiths and backgrounds,” he said.

“It’s very safe and I’m trying to make friends from the neighbourhood.”

His case manager worked with him extensively to provide him with relevant information, easing his life in a country where he had no family or friends.

In Egypt, Mr Ibrahim graduated with a degree in agriculture and had worked for many years as a production manager. Since moving to Australia, he has pursued teaching as a career because he has a strong command of English and is passionate about education.

“I am here to make a positive contribution to the society and help others as much as I can.”

 

Aspiring photographer and Ezidi refugee Salwan Qasm Muhi (L) with Armidale local and freelance photographer Simon Scott (R).

Mr Scott has lived in Armidale for 18 years with a successful career as a photographer, producing images for politicians, universities and organisations including the local youth support hub, Backtrack.

He has also travelled to Africa, teaching photography at an educational institution in Tanzania and documenting life stories for a string of humanitarian organisations and NGOs.

On learning of Armidale’s selection as a major refugee resettlement location, Mr Scott was eager to channel his skills and document the lives of his new neighbours or, better yet, teach them how to document and tell the story of their own lives.

Mr Scott contacted SSI and was connected to Mr Muhi, a young refugee with a desire to hone his skills and pursue a career as a photographer.

After a phone call facilitated by an interpreter, the duo met face-to-face and wandered the streets of Armidale, taking photos and discussing their image compositions.

Despite the language barriers, Mr Scott and Mr Muhi formed a strong artistic bond, with Mr Scott describing Mr Muhi as someone with a warm and positive attitude — and a sharp dresser.

“He just wanted to try something new and be positive,” said Mr Scott.

Mr Scott said that there also were benefits to their meetings outside of photography, as he hoped to assist Mr Muhi to develop his English.

“He wanted to know the English words for things like family members, aunts and uncles, and, if we can’t explain a word, we use mobiles and sometimes I ask him the translation for words.”

Mr Scott plans to continue mentoring Mr Muhi and hopes to support the young refugee in finding his place within the Armidale community and, ultimately, in developing a body of work that would form his own photography exhibition.

Mr Scott is a strong believer that photography provides people with a platform to connect with others who otherwise would not have the chance to form a friendship, and that it makes communities a more welcoming place.

He said, fortunately, his job allowed him to spend time volunteering — a true passion point for him.

“Helping others allows me to give back to my core values, and it reminds me of how fortunate we are.”

 

SSI’s international program and Global Refugee Forum (GRF) delegates with UN High Commissioner for UNHCR, Filippo Grandi.

SSI was represented by its international program at the GRF, which came at the end of a tumultuous decade and served as a direct response to the unprecedented rise in the number of refugees displaced worldwide, now over 25 million people.

The occasion was ripe for the international community to advance the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees by mobilising political will, broadening the base of support, and implementing arrangements that facilitate more equitable, sustained, and predictable responsibility-sharing.

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said Australia could build a community refugee sponsorship model based on Canada’s scheme.

“We’re urging others to join and endorse the pledge to help get a new community refugee sponsorship scheme up and running,” Ms Roumeliotis said.

“Imagine how proud Australia could be if we showcased an inclusive and affordable model at the next Global Refugee Forum in 2023.”

The GRF received a total of 840 pledges made by stakeholders across government, private and civil society, and served as a collective effort to respond to the needs of refugees and the communities that host them.

SSI submitted pledges in the areas of Solutions and Jobs and Livelihoods, including a joint pledge with the Community Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (CRSI) to continue to establish a community refugee sponsorship scheme in Australia.

SSI International Policy and Project Officer Carmen Ghaly said that SSI pledged to continue to develop partnerships with the private sector and create employment pathways through training and cadetship programs for refugees in Australia and globally.

“We attended various side events of the GRF, including a Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative event hosted by Ben and Jerry’s to build new partnerships with the private sector and learn from global practice.”

Through a marketplace stall that was run in partnership with Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network (MYAN), International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the University of Virginia, SSI shared its local practices to a global audience, focusing on successful SSI-led community engagement initiatives, including the New Beginnings Festival and the Community Innovation Fund (CIF).

Accelerating refugee participation was a key driver of the GRF, with 70 refugees participating from 52 countries.

SSI supported the development and launch of the Refugee Participation Guidelines at the Forum and co-signed the Asia Pacific Network of Refugees (APNOR) pledge on refugee engagement with the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark and the Netherlands.

SSI Gender Advocate and Policy Influencer Najeeba Wazefadost said that the joint pledge sought to formalise refugee inclusion across sectors.

“This is our strategy, to encourage inclusion from the inside out; we want a participation revolution, and a human-centred design approach to refugee policymaking,” Ms Wazefadost said.

“Without a space for these stories and our voices, no policy discussions will be as meaningful and effective as refugees need them to be.”