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.

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.

The holiday season at SSI always brings to the fore the warmth and compassion that exists within our community. In contrast to the commercialism often intertwined with the gift-giving season are the actions of folk like the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group and Ashfield Public School P&C ― just two of the many groups who, in recent weeks, have delivered gifts for the individuals and families SSI supports.

SSI staff made a positive difference in the lives of nearly 27,000 people who came through the doors of the organisation’s four primary offices during the most recent financial reporting period, SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis told SSI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sydney last week.

Violet Roumeliotis has been recognised as the 2017 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year.