Media Releases

Freedom of expression vs cultural appropriation

Details: Published: Thursday, 01 June 2017 14:20

Journalists, comedians and writers will explore the blurry lines between freedom of expression and cultural appropriation at an event that will tip the traditional debate format on its head.

Cultural appropriation controversies continue to dominate headlines, targeting everything from festival wear to the hairstyles of the Kardashians, but critics argue these continual outcries are stifling the creative expression. Should artists be restricted by cultural boundaries when creating their work?

Refugee entrepreneurship making million-dollar economic contribution

Details: Published: Wednesday, 29 March 2017 10:57

A report to be released on Thursday March 23 finds evidence that, with the right support, refugee entrepreneurs provide significant economic benefits to Australia.

The report, From Refugee to Entrepreneur in Three Years, looks at the existing and potential contribution of refugee entrepreneurs to the Australian economy and society. It was prepared by Professor Jock Collins of UTS Business School and will be launched by the Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Craig Laundy MP, in Canberra.

SSI's response to Multicultural Australia – United, Strong, Successful

Details: Published: Monday, 20 March 2017 17:35

With today’s release of the Multicultural Australia – United, Strong, Successful, Settlement Services International welcomes the Federal Government’s strong and unequivocal endorsement of a multicultural Australia and the highly successful humanitarian settlement and migration programs that have been the centre of that success for more than 70 years.

Inclusive celebration captures International Women’s Day spirit

Details: Published: Friday, 10 March 2017 08:48

An International Women’s Day event has embodied the inclusive spirit of the day with a celebration involving women, men and children of all ages and backgrounds.

Not-for-profit humanitarian organisation Settlement Services International (SSI) hosted the event for Auburn locals, community groups and individuals and families who are new to Australia.

Report finds Ability Links NSW is making a social and economic difference in our community

Details: Published: Monday, 06 March 2017 14:04

Ability Links NSW (ALNSW) has heralded a new approach to supporting people with disability, their families and carers, and is making a significant economic and social impact across the state, according to a newly released independent report.

Syrian arrivals in Fairfield: sorting fact from fiction

Details: Published: Tuesday, 21 February 2017 11:25

A number of media reports since the start of 2017 have claimed communities in western Sydney are concerned about the arrival of the extra cohort of 12,000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees, using figures that are not supported by facts.

As one of the largest settlement services providers, we know that the main reasons our humanitarian clients choose to settle in an area are: affordability, availability of suitable housing, access to services such as schools, IEC, SSI, and proximity to family.

SSI partnership Thrive Refugee Enterprise fast-tracks refugee business plans

Details: Published: Thursday, 08 December 2016 15:38

A new SSI partnership operating nation-wide will help entrepreneurs from refugee backgrounds fast-track their business plans and achieve their goal of establishing a successful business in Australia.

SSI has partnered with Thrive Refugee Enterprise, which aims to support the entrepreneurial spirit of refugees by providing microfinancing and mentoring support to aspiring business owners from refugee backgrounds.

Youth symposium supports multicultural youth to break through barriers in education system

Details: Published: Wednesday, 30 November 2016 11:28

Multicultural youth from across Greater Western Sydney came together for the 20 Voices Youth Symposium on Education yesterday to break through barriers in Australia’s education system and build solid foundations for their future.

Hosted by the Youth Collective, the 20 Voices Youth Symposium provided a forum for young people to share skills and experiences, build new networks, and learn how to navigate the education system to work towards their career goals.

Five stars for SSI jobactive

Details: Published: Monday, 14 November 2016 18:03

Amina Khatoon has found her first job and Cicilia Rigas was employed after just two months with the Settlement Services International (SSI) jobactive service.

These are just two examples of why SSI has again been awarded a five star rating by the Department of Employment for its efficiency and effectiveness in placing job seekers into sustainable work.

Conference to challenge thinking about multicultural women

Details: Published: Tuesday, 01 November 2016 16:02

Politicians, practitioners and women from diverse backgrounds will this week take part in a dialogue designed to drive social and economic change for multicultural women.

The inaugural National Multicultural Women’s Conference 2016 – Influencing Change: Vision and Impact (NMWC) will showcase the resilience and strength of women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and discuss effective strategies, services, programs and approaches for supporting them in Australia.

Success stories

Talar Hagob Syrian graphic design teacher secures a role with Australia for UNHCR

Being witness to acts of war as an adolescent has increased the maturity of 22-year-old graphic design teacher Talar Hagob, who has recently secured part-time employment with Australia for UNHCR.