Success Stories

Kamiran and Zozan - A taste of Syria in Coffs Harbour

Details: Published: Thursday, 30 May 2019 10:57

Kamiran and Zozan came to Australia from Syria with their family two years ago. Their life in Syria revolved around owning a restaurant specialising in delicious, local cuisine, frequented by friends, family and the community on a regular basis. Here in Australia, they’re re-discovering their passion for food, and are looking to bring a taste of Syria for the Coffs Harbour community to enjoy.

Adi Tefera: Ethiopian refugee recognised for strong entrepreneurial spirit in Sydney inner-west café

Details: Published: Thursday, 07 June 2018 12:00

Adi Tefera photographed by William Robinson in Summer Hill Ethiopian refugee and 33-year old single mother Adi Tefera arrived in Australia as a young child. Today she keeps herself busy in Sydney with her young son Yonathon along with her passion for food and a rapidly expanding pipeline of new business projects.

Four Brave Women: Summer Hill café empowers refugee entrepreneurs

Details: Published: Monday, 07 May 2018 10:00

Courtesy The Australian: Ethiopian refugee Adi Tefera, left, with volunteer chef Kate Spina at Four Brave Women Four Brave Women is open for business!

Developed as a joint initiative between The Trading Circle, a division of the charity Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand, and SSI, Four Brave Women is a café and community space where refugees have the opportunity to create a sustainable income for themselves using their culinary skills. It is a creative and inclusive space that celebrates different cultures through food and art.

SSI Volunteer Spotlight: Sue Vile

Details: Published: Friday, 04 May 2018 10:00

Courtesy The Australian: Ethiopian refugee Adi Tefera, left, with volunteer chef Kate Spina at Four Brave Women Sue Vile was among the first to be inducted into the SSI’s Armidale volunteer program, bringing with her a wealth of experience and existing training gathered from her time in aid work, in Australia and abroad.

A retired school teacher and nurse, Sue has dedicated an enormous amount of her time in recent years on the front line of humanitarian services, helping refugees at many stages of their journey to safety.

CEO Violet Roumeliotis 2017 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year

Details: Published: Wednesday, 04 April 2018 17:00

SSI CEO named 2017 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year Violet Roumeliotis has been recognised as the 2017 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year. As the CEO of SSI, Ms Roumeliotis has overseen innovative diversification leading to more than 1,100 per cent revenue growth

Bright future ahead for new Australian Dana Al Samaan

Details: Published: Wednesday, 04 April 2018 10:00

Dana is a young woman from Syria who came to Australia</p><pOriginally from Syria, Dana came to Australia via Iraq in search of safety.

I was born and raised in Damascus, Syria. Syria is the country where I attended school and university for free, where I enjoyed safety and security, where I learned to communicate and respect others even when we have differences in religion, thought, doctrine or ideology,” she said.

Ania Kebabjian story featured in Marie Claire Fashion Magazine: "I made Australia home"

Details: Published: Wednesday, 04 April 2018 10:00

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.

Bassam Maaliki, a 14-year-old student wins Youth Community Medal at NSW Premier’s Harmony Dinner

Details: Published: Wednesday, 04 April 2018 10:00

Bassam Maaliki, Youth Community Award Winner with The Hon. Ray Williams MP and Jada Mathyssen-Whyman goalkeeper for Western Sydney Wanderers. Bassam Maaliki, a 14-year-old student at Homebush Bay High School and founder of the social change campaign #uBelong, was announced winner of the Youth Medal at the NSW Premier’s Harmony Dinner on 21 March 2018.

Ignite helps Saman Khaladj Iranian refugee forge new career path

Details: Published: Wednesday, 04 April 2018 10:00

Saman Khaladj launched his own business with the support of the SSI Ignite Small Business Start-ups initiative. Arriving in Australia in 2013 marked the beginning of a new life and career for 49-year-old Saman Khaladj.

Quang Nyugen an entrepreneur with disability breaking down barriers

Details: Published: Wednesday, 04 April 2018 10:00

Entrepreneur with disability establishes business. No-one knows more about the barriers people with disability face every day than someone with a lifetime of first-hand experience. But what can apparently be a drawback has been used by Yagoona resident Quang Nyugen as a drive to establish his own business, while also finding a way to help the community.