There is an increasing need for carers from diverse cultural backgrounds to give stability in safe homes to children of all ages.

Hear from SSI foster carers as they speak about their experiences and learn about the support they receive from our staff.

Operating for many years, SSI’s Turkish carers support group is a testament to their love and interest and support for each other, and support for the children they care for.

The event was a special cross cultural event dedicated to mothers of all backgrounds, said HSP Orientation Team Leader Nahla Toma.

An Inner West community Elder opened the event with a greeting ― “Yammakarra” meaning welcome in the Ngiyambaa language, before inviting everyone to partake in a smoking ceremony.

As the women passed through the smoke of the burning leaves, they were encouraged to bless their mothers. 

Following this reflective moment, the women heard from SSI staff member Rahaf Alrifai, who herself came to Australia from Syria as a refugee.

She shared her story of life and integration into Australian society, with her greatest piece of advice being to try and find work in as soon as they feel confident.

“I feel independent. I feel I am doing something positive in society, and I can help you do the same,” said Rahaf.

Before a traditional lunch of rice, soup and salad was served, the women were treated to a performance by mother and daughter duo, Sura and Assel. They sang a series of songs in Turkish Arabic and Persian for the group, focusing around the theme of mothers and motherhood.

Other activities organised to treat the well-deserving mums included nail painting and henna, a raffle, face painting and balloon animals for the children.

The Refugee Welcome Centre is run in partnership between SSI’s HSP team, The Inner West Council, and Justice and Peace office of Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney.

SSI’s HSP team provides essential support and information to assist and empower refugees to gain independence and build strong connections in their new communities.

This event was funded through Inner West Community Wellbeing grant, with the aim of encouraging integration between new comers and Inner West locals.

Every Easter, the country and city join together at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, for 12 days of agricultural competitions, animal experiences, live entertainment, carnival fun, shopping and much more.

Not only did the 10 new arrivals get a chance to attend the largest annual ticketed event in Australia with literally hundreds of events on offer, they also became part of a celebration of Australian culture, from its rural traditions to its modern-day lifestyles — providing unique experiences for everyone.

The refugee families said they had a great time.

“The show was amazing,” one parent said. “The children really enjoyed seeing the animals and all that the show has to see.”

“It was marvellous,” said another. “It was also lovely for the kids. It was such a great combination of everything.”

A highlight for one participant was meeting a police officer and sitting in the police car for a selfie.

“We also enjoyed playing the games to try to win the huge stuffed penguin,” she said. “We didn’t win it in the end, which was disappointing, but we had a lot of fun and laughs trying.

“It was amazing to see how much the people cared for the animals. We saw them washing them and feeding them — they were so kind and caring.”

One participant thought the displays were very beautiful. “We didn’t know all of the different types of food available here. It was so interesting to see so many different aspects of Australia in one place.”

Typical of Welcome2Sydney activities, the show experience helped participants feel more confident to try new things and see new places.

One family was more experienced than the other and travelled out of their way to assist the new arrivals in getting to the show.

They spoke of how much they could relate to what it was like to be new to Australia.

“I really felt for them. I remember the first few weeks and all of the information that you have to take in.

“On the way we were able to talk and get to know one another.”

That assistance and help with language translation was much appreciated by the new arrivals.

“They really helped us to figure out how to get there with public transport.”

The families said that meeting new people made them feel welcome and more comfortable living in Australia.

Volunteer ambassador, Matthew said it was a great day out. “I had not been in a while but it was nice to walk around with the families and show them the different aspects of the show,” he said.

“One of the boys in our group unexpectedly bumped into a mate from school, which was really nice to see, and funny because although I have lived in Sydney for 50 years I didn’t see anyone I knew.”

There were also words of thanks for Matthew and his partner.

“They were amazing; we really loved their hospitality. They were really fun to be with for the day. We are looking forward to meeting them again.”

Welcome2Sydney aims to encourage newcomers to explore and develop a sense of belonging in their new home. Hosted by volunteer ambassadors, welcome activities include social, cultural and recreational excursions that match individual interests.

A member of the family that had previous experience with Welcome2Sydney said, “My closest circle of friends, ‘my besties’, are all people I met through Welcome2Sydney.”

Welcome2Sydney Project Officer Paula Ben David said SSI was grateful to the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW for the charity tickets that enabled the families to attend the Royal Easter Show.

In addition to my role as SSI CEO, I’m also on the council of the Harmony Alliance. In the lead up to the election, this national representative body for migrant and refugee women has launched the Harmony Votes campaign. This campaign aims to encourage and equip migrant and refugee women to actively participate and exercise their democratic rights in the forthcoming election.

Key elements of this campaign include:

• Resources about why it is important for people of migrant background, and particularly women, to vote
• Information on Australia’s fair and independent election process, and our parliamentary system
• A checklist so users can assess whether or not they are eligible and set-up to vote
• Pointers for how to research and assess candidates based on the issues that matter to you 

You can check this all out on the Harmony Votes website.

As part of the Harmony Votes campaign, I am calling on all Australians, but particularly eligible women of migrant and refugee backgrounds, to exercise their right to participate in our democracy. It is important for all Australians to make their vote count ― to properly research how the parties view issues and make promises that affect us, our families and our communities. 

Some of our SSI colleagues have added their voices to this campaign. Click here to hear what issues they’ll be voting for on May 18.

Voting is not only our right, but our duty to shape a future that is inclusive of all Australians.

We live in a world with record levels of displaced people ― a world where the lion’s share of that burden falls on developing nations. As our peers across the world increase their refugee intake in line with this upheaval, I’m left wondering why a country like Australia with such a generous track record of refugee resettlement is going down this road.

Where is the factual evidence or data supporting the need for capping current intake levels?

Refugees account for less than 5% of Australia’s annual migration program. By freezing refugee arrival levels, we risk losing the multitude of benefits refugees bring to their new homes. It’s something we at Settlement Services International (SSI) see every day in our work resettling refugees and supporting them to live rich, independent lives in Australia.

Refugees are the most entrepreneurial migrants in Australia ― nearly twice as likely to be entrepreneurs as Australian taxpayers, according to research released this month. If just 5% of the refugees Australia settles each year were to start a business, this would add $98 million to our economy in one year alone ― and nearly $1 billion over a 10-year period.

Refugee settlement also brings with it cultural and social benefits that are harder to measure but no less valuable to our country. Take the Vietnamese community, as an example. In the 1970s and 1980s, many Vietnamese people sought safety in Australia. Those refugees and their children have since played a critical role in broadening social, cultural and business relationships between Australia and south-east Asia.

Within my own family, there are many examples of new arrivals’ contribution to the rich fabric of our country. After migrating from post-World War II, my parents went on to found a small business in Australia and build strong connections in the community. They even mortgaged their home to found a local church, which to this day is a thriving parish in western Sydney.

Australia is a cohesive, multicultural society ― one that has been strengthened through the efforts of the Morrison government and its predecessors. It was only four years ago that we saw the Australia government make the unprecedented decision to resettle an additional 12,000 people affected by the war in Syria and Iraq.

SSI was involved in that resettlement on the frontline ― resettling 10,000 refugees in NSW in a single year ― and the results speak for themselves. We saw government and corporate partnerships established to create employment opportunities for new arrivals. Thousands of everyday Australians put up their hands, asking, “What can I do to welcome my new neighbours?” Refugees from that intake are now well on the way to successful settlement ― forging friendships, engaging in education, starting businesses ― making economic, social and cultural contributions to their new homes

Regardless of what happens on May 18, I call on representatives from all side of politics to engage in a humane, open and intelligent policy discussion on Australian humanitarian program. A discussion that does not conflate our humanitarian intake with the broader issues of border control, population policy and immigration levels.

Refugees account for a miniscule proportion of our migration program and are in the most need of our protection. They have been forced to leave behind their friends, family and everything they know in order to live a life that is free from war or persecution. Unlike migrants and international students, refugees can’t return home if things don’t work out. There is no plan B.

Before making changes to refugee intake levels, it is in Australia’s best interests that we have a bipartisan discussion grounded in evidence. Only then, can we truly position our country as a leading nation and responsible global citizen.

SSI youth advocate and delegate Rooan Al Kalmashi at the CSW63 at UN Headquarters in New York.

As an SSI Youth Collective Steering Committee member, Ms Al Kalmashi’s vision is to encourage active citizenship and to give a voice to youth from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

Ms Al Kalmashi completed her HSC at Liverpool Girls High School, graduating with distinction in academic subjects and leadership. Her deep commitment to social justice is evident in her longstanding involvement in advocacy initiatives, including ArtCrew and Yhunger.

She is now undertaking her undergraduate degree in law and international studies at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and aspires to continue her advocacy work within the multicultural sector.

Ms Al Kalmashi reflected on her CSW63 experience as being both challenging and rewarding.

“Being in the presence of leaders that are powerhouses across a range of government, CSO and NGO sectors is exciting and empowering,” she said.

“It was incredible to put my degree and experience into action, and I am so excited to share my experiences and learnings with my community back here in Australia.”

Settlement Services Manager and former convenor of the SSI Youth Collective Dor Akech Achiek said that conferences like the CSW63 deeply connected with the vision of the Youth Collective initiative, which aims to empower multicultural youth to take on leadership roles and become a voice for other young people.

“Today’s young women are tomorrow’s leaders, which is why it’s critical for organisations like SSI to give them opportunities to foster their abilities, leadership and make contacts that will assist them in their future careers,” he said.

“The participation of young women also ensures that the perspectives and voices of young people are not only included but shape and set global gender equality standards.”

Ms Al Kalmashi is a firm believer in information and ideas exchange across local, national and international communities, especially for youth and feminist groups.

“The cultivation of safe spaces where young people can develop a voice and foundation for their rights is so important,” she said.

“The reclaiming of feminised spaces to shape discussions, monitor and review policies is necessary.”

Ms Al Kalmashi said conferences were spaces where the power of language was heavily present, and the use of words embodied attitudes towards certain groups.

“The way we talk of immigrants, refugees, women, queer, indigenous, and those with a disability — the kinds of words we use — indicates our attitudes towards them,” she said.

“Language is incredibly powerful, and it is here that the personal, is political.”

Mikaella Latimore from Life Without Barriers, Cherie Jones from SSI, Scott Barton from QBE and Lin Surch from AND.

On March 28, SSI’s Talent Acquisition Manager, Cherie Jones, joined a panel of recruitment professionals at a round table discussion hosted by the Australian Network on Disability (AND).

The panel, facilitated by AND Relationship Manager, Lin Surch, was focused on overcoming barriers in recruitment of people with a disability. Each organisation present was at different stages of this journey, and were keen to share interesting insights on their experiences in updating their organisation’s processes, thereby making the experience as accessible as possible for those with a disability.

“SSI first achieved its status as a Disability Confident Recruiter in 2018, and we are proud to share that they have successfully renewed this for the 2019 calendar year. This achievement is a clear demonstration of SSI’s active and ongoing commitment to inclusion of people with disability,” said Lin Surch.

Achieving Disability Confident Recruiter status involved SSI staff reviewing the organisation’s recruitment procedures to remove inadvertent barriers, which would otherwise make recruitment processes less accessible for people with disability. This includes:

• Ensuring SSI’s website meets the global standard for accessibility
• Asking whether a job applicant needs any adjustment to fully participate in the process, in our job ads and for interviews
• And ensuring new and existing employees can also request adjustments

“SSI works comprehensively in the disability sector, not only providing opportunities to work within SSI, but also in assisting those with a disability to achieve self-employment through our public IgniteAbility program,” noted SSI’s Talent Acquisition Manager, Cherie Jones

“We actively seek to encourage people of all backgrounds, experiences and abilities to work with us, and we believe having a diverse workforce which reflects the people we work with, and an inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed and valued, helps us achieve better outcomes for all,” said Cherie.

For more information on current inclusive employment opportunities at SSI, and information on our IgniteAbility Small Business Start-ups for people with a disability, follow the links on the SSI website.

Every Friday Paul gives up his own time to help the local refugee community, from showing families around town and translating public notices, to helping write resumes and run classes on how to use smartphone calendars.
“I get a lot out of my volunteering,” said Paul.

Paul explains he has had a lifelong connection with, and passion for the Middle East and its people, having travelled throughout Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan- where many of SSI’s clients come from, he’s familiar with some of their languages, cultures, and faiths.

“It’s so good that here, in what is rural Australia, I can use my Arabic language skills and spend time helping folk from these countries settle in Australia,” said Paul.

Although Paul volunteers with the goal of assisting individuals supported by SSI, there are some activities he finds particularly special, such as taking recent arrivals to the ocean for the first time.

“I treasure taking families to the seaside when they have never seen the ocean, and watching them take off their shoes to walk on the beach and paddle in the surf.”

Not only does seeing the support he is providing make the experience worthwhile, but the according to Paul there is a great comradery between fellow volunteers.

“We have a great relationship, warm, welcoming and inclusive. I feel that they value my skills, and that they use them to the best of my ability,” he said.

“I am no substitute for the Farsi, Kurdish and Arabic speaking support workers, but when they are not to hand, and problems need sorting, I can step in with my hands-on, linguistic skills.”