“I knew I could help out in the kitchen, I’m a wife and a mum, I like to talk, and I was a newcomer once too.” This is the self-described list of prerequisites SSI volunteer, Ashley Thomas, cites as her motivation for getting involved in Settlement Services International’s (SSI) Community Kitchen.
Here at SSI, diversity and inclusion is at our heart, and our diverse workforce, programs and initiatives allow us to engage with clients and communities across a broad scope.
Read more: From the CEO - International Day of People with Disability 2018
Since 2015, Settlement Services International’s (SSI) Friendship Garden in Auburn has welcomed people from many diverse backgrounds, however it was limited in what it offered to people living with disability. But this year, the garden has seen an unprecedented evolution.
Read more: Friendship Garden now more accessible and helping everyone to grow
At SSI, we are getting ready to celebrate International Day of People with Disability (December 3), a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance, and recognises the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
The arts and culture festival that brings diversity, to the fore — the SSI New Beginnings Festival in Spring — took place at the iconic Darling Harbour on Saturday, November 3, 2018.
Sunday November 25 was International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, marking the launch of 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign to galvanise action to end violence against women and children. It will conclude on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
Read more: Community of Practice will provide collective response to domestic and family violence
Emma Mackenzie is an Ability Links participant living with cerebral palsy and mild intellectual disability in the Hills area. She met SSI Ability Links linker Sonal one year ago and worked with her on creating opportunities to fulfil her dreams.
Read more: Dream to achieve: Ability Links participant speaks out
SSI celebrated its annual fundraising event — the SSI Mosaic Gala — at the glamorous Merivale Ivy Ballroom on September 14, with entertainment by Lucky African Drum and Sirens Dance, guest speaker Matt Okine and the announcement of winners of the Ignite Multicultural Women’s Business Scholarship.
Read more: Ignite Multicultural Women’s Business Scholarship winners announced at Mosaic Gala
This Australia Day Behrooz Gouniai and his family will be at the beach, like millions of others, celebrating what being Aussie means to them. Behrooz, 64, came to Australia as a refugee more than 30 years ago after being pushed out of Iran first, and then India.
