When Yasser Ibrahim arrived in Australia in 2017, he knew little about the country that would become his new home.
Read more: Refugee eager to make a contribution finds dream job at Fairfield High School
In 2018, SSI merged with Access Community Services, one of Queensland’s leading organisations in settlement and transition, employment and training, social enterprise and youth service. This merger marked the beginning of a new chapter for the two organisations, enabling both to enhance operations and combine services across two states.
Read more: Unique sports-based program builds connections for newly arrived youth
SSI Youth Collective steering committee member and refugee advocate Arash Bordbar was elected Chair of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) in June 2019.
Read more: Global refugee youth advocate named chair of Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network
SSI’s history is inextricably linked to its membership base.
Few people can imagine the tumultuous mix of emotions refugees experience on arrival in their new country. Adam Bujairami, however, has no need to imagine, having been a refugee himself.
Read more: Delivering a warm welcome for newly arrived refugees
SSI has a rich history of providing support to and advocating for the rights of people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Read more: Enabling people with disability to live the lives they want
A unique approach to regional refugee settlement is delivering strong results in the new settlement location of Armidale, offering insights that will guide other regional centres seeking to welcome newcomers as long-term members of their communities.
Over four years of nurturing and growth, the Friendship Garden at the Auburn Centre for Community blossomed from a community engagement initiative owned and run by SSI to a community-run project.
Read more: How a garden fostered lasting support networks for the community
