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.”

“Parents often didn’t want to come through the gate; they had a fear of school because of the language barrier,” recalls Sanjalin Krishan, Community Hub Leader at Villawood East Public School.

Sanjalin had the challenging task of working out how best to engage these parents with their school community. She decided that if they weren’t keen to come in, she would go out to seek their feedback and invite them to join the Community Hub.

Under the leadership and vision of Sanjalin, parents started an initial informal English conversational course over coffee. That was the beginning of a thriving Hub where parents now take the initiative on activities they want to organise or topics they want to learn. They have gained so much confidence that many of them lead their own initiatives.

“Our Hub is pretty much their home. They have taken ownership of their Hub, and in doing so, they have taken ownership of their independence. I love seeing these parents so empowered,” says Sanjalin.

After expressing a desire to learn something therapeutic, Hub members recently undertook a floristry course. 20 participants took part in a six-week course run by TAFE. Everyone enjoyed learning basic floristry skills, enabling them to prepare floral arrangements such as bouquets, wreaths and vases. On completion, participants gained a Statement of Attainment in Basic Floristry, which provides them with floristry and customer service skills applicable to gaining a job in a florist shop.

Along with the peace of mind and the creativity skills gained from the course, ten participants loved it so much that they have enrolled in TAFE to continue upskilling with Certificate III courses in floristry and customer service. They hope to increase their financial independence by starting their own business.

“The success of Community Hubs really is driven by the people who use them. Seeing these parents gain so much from their idea is amazing. Some of these parents have been through traumatic events in their lives, and many have eight or more children! Activities like the floristry course give them the personal benefits of stress relief and connection with others, plus the added vocational opportunities that really expand their horizons. This makes me so happy,” says Sanjalin.

We look forward to hearing how our budding florists bloom!

Community Hubs are based in local communities with a high migrant or refugee population. They provide a holistic approach to family support, including the creation of pathways to education, training and employment through easily accessible programs for parents. Learn more about Community Hubs.

Haydn Payne (L) with a group of his mentees from a peer-mentorship group that helps high-functioning young adults on the autism spectrum.

IgniteAbility® is a pilot program established by SSI to facilitate business creation for people with a disability who want to establish a small business or expand an existing one.

After being ill-diagnosed with ADHD, Mr Payne was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at age 16 and, in the context of the 1990s when it was not a social condition many had been aware of, had to break barriers and cope with his condition through his own set of resilience tactics.

“As someone growing up in a low socioeconomic environment, and during a time in the ’90s when many didn’t know what Asperger’s even was, I found myself facing many challenges,” he said.

“After many frustrations, I decided to do something more proactively and get involved in the autism community and advocate to raise awareness.”

Mr Payne worked with Autism Step Australia and developed a holistic approach to life skills for young adults aged 14-30 on the autism spectrum and now co-facilitates with the organisation.

Between 2017 and 2018 he delivered and facilitated a project — Spectrumite Group — a peer mentorship group model that creates a safe and inclusive environment for young adults on the spectrum.

In 2018, Mr Payne was introduced to IgniteAbility® and has since piloted his first podcast, Spectrumite, with the support of his IgniteAbility® facilitator Merenia Marin.

“Haydn is a remarkable and exceptionally bright young man, and I am certain that his platform will reach good traction,” she said.

“He speaks about the topic with experience, truth and conviction, but also uses his witty sense of humour to engage his audiences.”

With firsthand lived experience, Mr Payne applies astute insight and knowledge to his product, dealing with the unique challenges facing adolescents on the spectrum in integrating into mainstream social, workplace and relational environments.

“My podcast aims to help ’sperg kids so that they can reach their full potential in a world structured not for them, but neurotypical people,” he said.

The podcast is only the first step in the puzzle for Mr Payne, and he intends to continue the development of a suite of products that will help young people to more successfully navigate their adult lives.

“Once the podcast is launched and has reached some momentum, I’m planning to roll out workable solutions, online content, peer group facilitation and supports,” he said.

IgniteAbility® has been inspired by the success of the Ignite® Small Business Start-ups model and is tailored to address barriers and meet the specific needs of entrepreneurs with a disability, providing an ecosystem of support for aspiring entrepreneurs.

So far 30 IgniteAbility® businesses have been successfully established.

To follow Haydn’s journey follow Spectrumite on Facebook.

Click here to watch Haydn featured on SBS News as part of an episode for World Autism Awareness Day.

Thomas Kuzma is an engagement officer for autism and advocates for other young people living with autism.

 IgniteAbility® is a pilot program established by SSI to facilitate business creation for people with a disability who want to establish a small business or expand an existing one.

Mr Kuzma was diagnosed on the autism spectrum when he was a mere 16-year-old. Ever since, he has been an advocate for young people on the spectrum through a variety of roles and initiatives.

From being a professional MC at significant events to sitting on panels on SBS current affairs Insight program and ABC’s Triple-J radio, Mr Kuzma is well positioned to mentor others and share his experiences and insights.

“As someone on the autism spectrum, I am passionate about supporting other young people who have had to go through the same lived-experience as me,” Mr Kuzma said.

More recently, Mr Kuzma focused his efforts on using gaming as a means to assist others on the spectrum.

“By using a medium that people on the spectrum love, such as gaming, they will better understand the world that they inhabit,” he said.

The platform creates content in a range of forms, including short videos, and promotes gaming as a safe space for people on the spectrum while still providing a social element where they can engage with others.

With the support of his IgniteAbility® facilitator, Mr Kuzma has been able to rationalise his business’ value proposition and has identified that gaming can provide a level of confidence and mastery that can be difficult for a person on the spectrum to experience in real life.

“TK Hubworld seeks to provide, through its creative content, a metaphorical bridge to meaningful participation in the real world through gaming,” he said.

IgniteAbility® has been inspired by the success of the Ignite® Small Business Start-ups model and is tailored to address barriers and meet the specific needs of entrepreneurs with a disability, providing an ecosystem of support for aspiring entrepreneurs.

To date, 30 IgniteAbility® businesses have been successfully established.

To follow Thomas’ journey follow TK Hubworld on Facebook.

Click here to watch Thomas featured on SBS News as part of an episode for World Autism Awareness Day. 

As part of the week’s festivities at the Villawood-based school, Sacred Heart encouraged students to come to school in cultural dress and share in a community lunch of home cooked, family dishes.

Many of the families at the school come from diverse backgrounds, including China, Vietnam, the Middle East, Korea and eastern Africa. Sacred Heart is home to one of 22 Community Hubs in NSW, a national initiative that primarily supports migrant families to build parenting and employment skills and build connections to the wider community and its services.

Sacred Heart Hub Leader Christine Mallia said the community took pride in coming together for events like these.

“The parents love getting involved and seeing their children in their cultural dress and sharing their traditional food. Some parents even take the day off,” she said.

Some of the meals parents brought in included sambousek, baram tteok, fried rice, hummus, chicken wings, noodles, pies and sausage rolls, pork buns and pastizzi irkotta ― maltese ricotta pastry.

The sense of community felt at the Harmony Week event can be seen in the programs being run out of Sacred Heart’s Hub Community Centre. The Hub is currently taking enrolments for free English community classes.

Sacred Heart Principal Michelle Bourne said it was important for the school to support the local community through programs like the Community Hub that prevent people from feeling isolated.

“We are privileged to have a Community Hub at Villawood. Our parents are eagerly taking part in a certified TAFE computer course, with views to finding work using their skills, or help their children with their homework,” she said.

“The fact that the course is free makes it even more suitable for our community where many families are in a low socio-economic bracket. Child-minding is also provided, so our young mothers are able to take part without the necessity of paying for outside help.”

To find out more about the programs being run at Sacred Heart Catholic School Villawood Community Hub, contact Christine Mallia (cmallia@ssi.org.au) or visit our Community Hubs page.

The goal of the Town Hall Assembly was to secure new commitments to the asks of the Sydney Alliance, NSW Vinnies
and Everybody’s Home.

For months beforehand, civil society organisations organised and advocated with political parties on housing and energy issues at state and federal levels. They negotiated with decision-makers prior to the assembly, and briefed all politicians on the questions and process.

More than 200 community organisations — a cross-section of Sydney’s ethnic and religious communities, including Christian, Jewish, Sikh and Muslim communities, Pacific Island, South Asian, Vietnamese and Filipino communities, and labour organisations, representing two million Australians — asked all parties in NSW to commit to a suite of energy and housing costs.

They included:

• At least 5000 new social housing homes a year in NSW to meet the housing needs of families on low and very low incomes in our communities
• More security for the state’s two million renters by removing “no grounds” evictions in NSW
• A real funded 10 year plan to end homelessness in NSW
• Increased targets for affordable housing in new developments
• A review of Minimum Standards of Rental Houses and Energy Efficiency Standards
• $10 million for the first every pilot solar garden in Western Sydney so that renters and people living in units can access renewable energy

Marcela Hart spoke on behalf of Settlement Services International.

“Each year, we support 27.000 people,” she said. “Today, we are calling for urgent action to make housing and energy accessible and affordable for all people to live with dignity!”

Politicians and party leaders attending, and who were asked on stage for their public commitments, included:

• Doug Cameron, Shadow Housing and Homelessness Spokesperson
• Mehreen Faruqui, Greens Spokesperson on Housing
• Don Harwin, NSW Minister for Energy and Utilities
• Adam Searle, NSW Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change
• Jenny Leong, NSW Greens Housing spokesperson
• Alex Greenwich (Independent)
• Paul Green NSW MLC (Christian Democratic Party)

Both the Liberal and Labor Parties agreed to review minimum standards of rentals to include energy efficiency standards, and to an audit of social housing stock — a massive win for tenants across NSW.

More specifically, the NSW Labor Opposition committed to implementing minimum energy performance standards by 2025.

NSW Labor Opposition also made commitments to:

• $200M to social housing dwellings in addition to existing programs
• An additional $40M to homelessness services, 100 additional child protection caseworkers to prevent homelessness, and an additional 200 beds for women and children escaping domestic violence
• Building a Community Energy Hub in Western Sydney, which will provide targeted and comprehensive assistance to our communities in language to address their energy needs
• A comprehensive review of government assistance schemes and regulation to mandate that energy companies must give vulnerable customers the best deals – a huge new commitment!

The NSW Greens also announced a plan for 300,000 new social housing homes, funded by a new state-based banks levy.

If implemented, those commitments will have meaningful impact for communities struggling with housing and energy.

In addition, all decisions-makers on stage reiterated existing commitments to solutions that aligned with the Assembly asks. While some existing programs fall short, the decision-makers committed to working with Sydney Alliance to further its asks.

To read more about the existing commitments that parties affirmed at the Assembly, click here.

Sign up on the Sydney Alliance website to express interest in joining a delegation to politicians following the election or take part in community organising training.

Join the Everybody’s Home Campaign to get involved in the national campaign for secure and affordable housing.