Australia is home to more than three million women from migrant backgrounds. In the upcoming Federal election on 18 May, we all have the opportunity to the shape our country’s future. But in order to do that, we have to participate.
Confusing Australia’s humanitarian migration intake with the broader issues of border control and population policy harms our country’s reputation as a responsible global citizen. Earlier this week, as I heard about Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s proposed freeze on Australia’s refugee intake during an impassioned call for greater control over who calls Australia home, I couldn’t help asking, "Why now?"
Read more: From the CEO: Tough border talk muddies the water for refugees
The 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63) recently took place at the UN Headquarters in New York. UN entities and NGOs from all regions of the world attended, including SSI youth advocate and delegate Rooan Al Kalmashi.
Settlement Services International’s (SSI) vision is of a society that values the diversity of its people and helps them to achieve their full potential, a goal that we’re closer than ever to reaching in our work with people with a disability.
Read more: SSI seeks to overcome barriers with Disability Confident Recruiter status
Volunteer with SSI Coffs Harbour, Paul Hemphill, uses his passion for people and Arabic language skills to make new arrivals feel welcome in their new home.
In 2017, a Community Hub was opened at Villawood East Public school, an area with a high migrant, low socio-economic population. At the time, many parents were hesitant to engage with their school community, and low English comprehension was identified as a barrier.
Read more: Community Hub gives chance for parents to blossom
With the support of IgniteAbility® Small Business Start-ups, high-achieving entrepreneur and autism advocate Haydn Payne is developing a podcast series for high functioning young adults on the autism spectrum.
Read more: Community advocate develops podcast to raise awareness about life on the autism spectrum
Engagement officer for Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) Thomas Kuzma is developing his online business — TK Hubworld — with the support of IgniteAbility® Small Business Start-ups.
Read more: Advocate develops online platform to enable a new world for people living with Autism
Ania Kebabjian fled Syria via Lebanon and arrived to Australia in 2016 as a refugee. She admits that starting up a new life and settling in takes time - but 2017 was different, Ania explains to Marie Claire magazine, as she finally feels at home.
