From the CEO: A heartfelt holiday thank you
As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to reflect on the past 12 months and begin looking forward to the new year.
SSI and APRRN ongoing partnership advances refugee protection in the Asia Pacific
APRRN is an open and growing network of more than 450 civil society organisations and individuals from 29 countries committed to advancing the rights of refugees in the Asia Pacific.
New research finds that Australia’s refugees are settling well
The settlement experiences of 133 Syrian, Iraqi and Afghan refugee families living in NSW are examined in a new report, which highlights the importance of English language training and other support programs to ensure refugees have a great start to their new life.
National tragedy is a shared responsibility
Settlement Services International (SSI) acknowledges and honours the lives of two women who died on November 30, alleged victims of separate incidents of domestic violence.
Empowerment through the arts – for everyone
In 2014, SSI established an innovative Arts & Culture program inspired by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to develop their creative potential and participate meaningfully in Australia's cultural life — no matter where they come from, what language they speak, or their level of ability.
From the CEO: building back better
There is a long road ahead for Australia--and indeed the world--to rebuild and recover from the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and recession.
High-achieving refugee becomes university student peer researcher
When Abdallah Al Tibi and his family had packed their belongings in 2012 to seek temporary refuge from Syria in bordering Jordan, they did not anticipate that they’d never return, and packed for only two weeks.
Improving visibility of LGBTIQA+ refugees and newcomers
Culturally diverse individuals who identify as LGBTIQA+ are often less visible, which can leave them adrift without support and perpetuate a cycle of isolation. SSI is working hand-in-hand with the community to address this gap.
From the CEO: Our country is stuck in a toxic relationship
You know you’re in a toxic relationship when there is a negative change in the way you see yourself and your relationship with the world. For me, the signs have been clear for years: our country is stuck in a toxic relationship with itself, and we urgently need to come to terms with who we really are.
Renowned Syrian singer and refugee finds path to integration in music
Touching down at Sydney airport Syrian singer and oud player George Karam looked at his wife, Hana, and their daughter, Atra, and said: “Finally we reached Australia, a place where we will be treated with dignity and respect.”
SSI expresses appreciation for volunteers’ and collaborators’ profound contribution to communities
A retired police superintendent, a dance artist and members of a Community Hub were among recipients of SSI’s 2019 Community Appreciation Awards.
From the CEO: A long route to safety
Kurdish-Iranian journalist Behrouz Boochani’s long trip to safety made headlines around the world last month. After six years on Manus Island under Australia’s offshore processing regime, Behrouz obtained a temporary visa to visit New Zealand for a literary event and took a circuitous route to safety that involved a 19-hour layover in the Philippines.
New Beginnings Festival welcomes all to celebrate, regardless of ability
The Settlement Services International (SSI) New Beginnings Festival welcomes people of all abilities to join the festivities at Tumbalong Park, Sydney, on Saturday, November 16.
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.
From the CEO: Help new arrivals realise their full potential
Growing up as a member of the Greek diaspora, I saw a lot of people who were not able to realise their dreams due to barriers outside of their control.
Inaugural Homelands tour lights up Refugee Week 2019
Rhythmic vibrations, captivating performances and audience singalongs epitomised the first ever Homelands Tour as artists from refugee backgrounds came together in a musical collaboration to celebrate Refugee Week 2019.
New Beginnings Winter Festival forges connections between inner west locals and newly arrived communities
Marking Refugee Week 2019, the SSI New Beginnings Winter Festival attracted more than 300 inner west locals and newly arrived communities to the Community Refugee Welcome Centre in Lilyfield.
From the CEO: A global perspective on refugee settlement
The ‘international’ in Settlement Services International is not an aspiration. It is a reflection of the critical work we do engaging with our peers to gain a global perspective on, and contribute to, international dialogue on refugee and migration issues.
Australia must step up in response to record displacement
Figures showing another record year for global displacement emphasise the important role Australia can play in helping the world’s most vulnerable, according to one of Australia’s leading refugee settlement experts.
From the CEO: Individualism, elections and Refugee Week
Australia’s annual celebration of people who have found a safe haven on our shores — Refugee Week — is occurring at a time of heightened individualism.