With 2020-21 Budget, Australia is building back worse not better
Settlement Services International is dismayed that Australia’s 2020-21 Budget has delivered stimulus and incentives to businesses and those on high incomes by sacrificing those most vulnerable — in Australia and overseas – to a future of destitution.
SSI congratulates new Chair of SBS, George Savvides
Settlement Services International congratulates George Savvides AM on his appointment as the Chair of the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) and looks forward to working with him for the next five years, as the media organisation continues to give a voice to all Australians, regardless of gender, geography, age, cultural background or language.
Iraqi-born researcher and refugee gets work published in prestigious scientific journal
Iraqi refugee and PhD student of astronomy Rami Alsaberi arrived in Australia in December 2016 with his parents, brothers and sister as a family unit of seven from Iraq after spending three years in Jordan.
Refugee settlement in Australia during COVID-19
With the emergence of COVID-19, it would be easy to forget that more than 70 million people globally are still living displaced from their homes. Although we have adjusted the way we work, SSI’s reception team has continued to support newly arrived refugees in their settlement journey through this hard time.
Newcomer family faced with special challenges during COVID-19 lockdown
Some refugee families attempting to home-school during the COVID-19 lockdown are finding it particularly difficult without access to suitable technology.
Refugee eager to make a contribution finds dream job at Fairfield High School
When Yasser Ibrahim arrived in Australia in 2017, he knew little about the country that would become his new home.
SSI submits pledges ahead of UNHCR Global Refugee Forum
The first Global Refugee Forum (GRF) will be hosted by UNHCR in Geneva December 17-18.
ARIA-nominated hip hop artist joins global talent line-up at New Beginnings Festival
L-Fresh the Lion to perform as part of leading arts and culture festival’s fifth-anniversary celebrations The annual arts and culture festival that showcases Australia’s leading talent from refugee and migrant backgrounds has announced its most eclectic and renowned program to date.
NSW leads the country in unlocking employment potential for refugees
State government agencies and their partners work in collaboration to connect refugee job seekers with secure, long-term employment When Rania Shahoud, her husband and their two sons arrived in Australia in 2017 from Aleppo, Syria, she didn’t know whether she’d ever find a job.
Groundbreaking partnership sparks opportunity for diverse female artists and musicians
For the second year running, Settlement Services International (SSI) is partnering with Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) to turn the spotlight on culturally diverse female artists and music practitioners through the SSI Diversity in Music Award.
Global refugee youth advocate pronounced chair of Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network
SSI Youth Collective steering committee member and refugee advocate Arash Bordbar has been elected Chair of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN).
Award-winning social entrepreneur nourishes next generation of business women
Budding entrepreneurs are challenging stereotypes about migrant and refugee women, with a helping hand from award-winning social entrepreneur Violet Roumeliotis.
SSI and Allianz announce scholarships for refugee education in NSW
Thirty-five people from a refugee background, needing financial assistance for their education or attaining local recognition for their qualifications, will get the support they need as part of the Settlement Services International (SSI) and Allianz Australia 2019 Refugee Scholarships.
Community Hub gives chance for parents to blossom
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.
Community advocate develops podcast to raise awareness about life on the autism spectrum
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.
The formidable women you won’t hear about on International Women’s Day
Awareness of women’s rights is rapidly increasing in the wake of global phenomena like the #MeToo movement and record-breaking Women’s Marches. But one vulnerable, yet formidable, part of the sisterhood is still missing out.
Free exhibition showcases work by refugee artists
Two exhibitions by refugee artists opening in Auburn this month — Fragments of Iran and ANA/MAN/MA — will showcase a range of diverse artworks that speak to the themes of resilience, humanity and dignity.
SSI calls for Thai authorities to release Bahraini refugee
Settlement Services International joins refugee and human rights advocates, football associations and concerned citizens around the world in calling for Thai authorities to immediately release Bahraini refugee Hakeem Ali al-Araibi and allow him to return to Australia.
Time to shine for the Daytime Singing Group
Ability Links NSW is always looking for opportunities to organise activities that bring people together, tackling social isolation and celebrating diversity and inclusion. A great example of this is the Daytime Singing Group based in Cooma, NSW who have just had their first opportunity to showcase what they love doing.
Lisa’s Update – Coffs Harbour Community News
Hello and welcome to the first edition of Settlement Services International’s (SSI) Coffs Harbour Community News! My name is Lisa Steward and I’m SSI’s Community Engagement Coordinator for the Coffs Harbour area.