Australia’s regions are in dire need of workers in a range of sectors. At the same time, many people in cities – including newcomers – are looking for employment. SSI’s Work+Stay business aims to bring the two together, helping to solve challenges for regional employers and to build stronger communities.

The program has a focus on right-fit employment and lifestyle solutions for newcomers considering relocation, and the right long-term workforce for employers in the regions.

This program supports new arrivals from humanitarian backgrounds by connecting them with established locals to make them feel safe and welcome in their new home. It has encouraged cross-cultural relationships in Australian communities since 2018.

The volunteer Welcome Ambassadors come together with local newcomers to enjoy a group activity based on common interests — be it exploring iconic landmarks, or finding a scenic picnic spot to share a meal.

The program began as Welcome2Sydney (W2S), co-designed with the City of Sydney, and was then named the Welcome Project. Following its award-winning successes, it evolved into SSI’s Welcome Program to expand into areas outside of Sydney like Coffs Harbour where it launched in June 2022.

We run activities in Metropolitan Sydney and Coffs Harbour. Here is how to get involved:

• For newcomers from humanitarian backgrounds, join free events to meet locals or other newcomers in your area
• Individuals who want to volunteer with refugees can become Welcome Ambassadors
• Corporate teams can volunteer by hosting a welcome activity for newcomers
• Community partners can support us through connections to local activities and sites or hosting events. They include local governments, businesses, community groups and organisations and many others

At SSI, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive—whether through employment, upskilling, or building their own business. That’s why our Employment Services division offers a powerful and person-centred approach, designed to put your goals at the heart of everything we do.

Ignite, our flagship program, is embedded within Employment Services, bringing together entrepreneurial insights and practical supports to offer real choice and flexibility. From skills development to self-employment pathways, we help you shape a future that’s meaningful to you.  With specialisation helping entrepreneurs with disability, and supporting women with aspirations to explore self-employment, our programs are tailored to meet your needs.

Whether you’re ready to step into the workforce, explore a business idea, or gain the confidence and skills to take your next step, we’re here to support your journey—every step of the way.

SSI’s Ignite mentoring program is available for individuals who have:

• a solid business idea,
• skills to match their idea,
• passion and enthusiasm for running the business and
• most importantly, have time to develop that idea.

Currently we have a program that is specifically for:

• People with disability interested in starting a business,
• People who are carers of people with disability.

Still needing to know more about starting a business? For all stages and abilities, we recommend Ignite’s Exploring Self-Employment e-learning course. It’s available to anyone interested in self-employment and small business. You can:

• work at your own pace
• learn the basics of self-employment
• access useful tools and templates

Our volunteer team consists of business volunteers, low-bono professionals, pro-bono industry mentors/experts and students.  If you are passionate about giving back to the community, supporting those with barriers to receiving mainstream support and believe in economic participation for all,  we would love to hear from you.

Our goal for clients is to help expand their networks with service providers and supporters that are safe, kind and caring, knowledgeable and invested in helping others to develop their businesses.

Click here to view our volunteering opportunities and to apply.

We’re proud to showcase a range of businesses we’ve worked with. For your convenience, we’ve included links to their websites.

Please note that since we don’t maintain these external sites, we can’t guarantee the links will always be active or up to date. If you encounter a broken link, feel free to let us know.

Australia is a vibrant, multicultural society, with one in four residents born overseas and over 400 languages spoken. Yet few businesses and organisations fully harness the enormous potential diversity offers.

Based on more than 20 years’ experience as a leading provider of services to multicultural communities, SSI’s Diversity Training transforms how people respond to diversity in ways that are thought-provoking, inspire curiosity, and build confidence.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive society where everyone is valued and can meaningfully participate and meet their potential. Through positive learning and sharing stories, we empower people to engage more effectively with people around them – no matter their background.

Our facilitators are an experienced, passionate team who have lived experience working in culturally diverse workplaces, and are skilled in the design and delivery of transformative learning experiences that are culturally responsive and trauma-informed.

For more information, you can reach out to us:

e: diversitytraining@ssi.org.au
p: 02 8799 6700

Get in contact to find out how your organisation can live and breathe diversity.

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Female leaders from within culturally and linguistically diverse communities represent a powerful tool for change. SSI’s Supporting U program is designed to leverage the strengths of women leaders within Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.

Under the program, female leaders are trained to act as social responders to drive change and address issues of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV). Sharing their experiences with other leaders, they are trained people of influence who listen to victim-survivors, prioritise their safety and refer them to appropriate services.

The Supporting U Project has been successful and far-reaching – creating a network of connected and empowered social responders who will support their communities into the future. To ensure the valuable insights and stories of Supporting U leaders were captured and shared, a series of vignettes were created, called In My Voice.