Responding to the situation in Ukraine

SSI sends its support to staff, community members and their families who have connections in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. Read more from our CEO, Violet Roumeliotis.

SSI is ready to play its part to help Australia uphold its proud record of helping those fleeing war and oppression.

We are prepared to respond quickly to a special intake from Ukraine, as we did with the special Syrian intake in 2015 and with recent evacuees from Afghanistan.

The Department of Home Affairs has advised Settlement Services International (SSI) that short term limited support can be provided to Ukrainian nationals in Australia who hold non-humanitarian temporary visas (subclass 600), Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) (subclass 449) or a Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) (subclass 786) visa, under the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP).

If you are aware of any individuals in the community who may be in need of HSP support, please contact the relevant HSP Provider where the client is located. SSI has been contracted by the Department of Home Affairs to deliver HSP Services in Sydney, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour and Armidale.

It would be of great assistance if the Ukrainian nationals who hold non-humanitarian temporary visa could be advised to contact SSI:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 02 9685 0100

SSI will contact the individual/family within the next business day to explain the services available under HSP and request for relevant information for making a referral.

Information from the Department of Home Affairs

The Department of Home Affairs has provided in-language fact sheets in English, Ukrainian and Russian, including Australia's response to the crisis in Ukraine and new applications for Visas to Australia.

 

What can you do to help people from and in Ukraine?

SSI’s advocacy

SSI continues to advocate for the safety and wellbeing of Ukrainian people living within Australia and people abroad affected by the conflict in Ukraine. SSI continues to advocate for the protection of everyone affected by forced displacement globally.

Contact your local MP

Write, phone, email your local member of Parliament and request the government to increase Australian's humanitarian intake.

Mobilise your efforts

Join social services organisations to help support Australia’ vulnerable communities. We support these organisations that advocate on behalf of Australian communities to reduce inequalities:

Donate - to organisations providing support to people in Ukraine

  • The International Committee of the Red Cross has announced it would provide emergency assistance to civilians and support hospitals and primary healthcare facilities. You can donate here.
  • Doctors Without Borders has had to stop its normal activities in Ukraine and is mobilising in neighbouring countries, such as Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Romania and Slovakia, with the mission to assist refugees. You can donate here.
  • The UNHCR Refugee Agency has launched an emergency appeal to help ensure that Ukrainians forced to flee their homes are sheltered and safe. You can donate here.
  • Save the Children has launched a Ukrainian appeal to help families meet their basic needs, such as food, medicine and shelter. You can donate here.