When Iranian-born Mary Logan sought refuge in Australia, she hoped to continue her work in hair and beauty. However, her overseas experience and qualifications were not recognised, forcing the salon owner and manager to begin again as an apprentice.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023, Be a Voice for Generations, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. So what does this actually look like in practice?
Every day in our work at SSI, we see just what can be achieved by meaningfully incorporating the voices of people with lived experience into decision making. It’s important for refugees, for migrants, for people with disability and more. So too is it important for First Nations communities.
SSI has called for nine key areas of reform in the upcoming 2023-23 Federal Budget in order to optimise migration, Australia’s humanitarian program and our settlement services for the benefit of all Australians.
When Marina Poša, classically trained mezzo-soprano, was chosen as one of seven female musicians to attend the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) and conference last year, she was thrilled but had no idea how transformative those few days would be.
The world we live in today has greater connection between countries, cultures, and economies than our parents or grandparents could have ever imagined. This has led to greater mobility, but so too has it created disruptive migration trends such as the record levels of forced displacement due to conflicts and persecution.
Many young adults struggle to define their career aspirations and educational goals, but Ellen Brant has found guidance and support in a new pilot program by SSI’s Local Area Coordination (LAC) program.
Over the past year of war, millions of refugees have fled Ukraine — 4,500 of whom have found themselves in Australia. With no end to the conflict in sight, women like Valeriia and Olga are rebuilding their lives in local suburbs across the country.
Multiculturalism, social cohesion, and inclusion are at the heart of this week’s celebration of Harmony Week. Australia has a rich history of multiculturalism that has helped shape our country into the vibrant and diverse society that it is today.
Building your life in a new country can come with many challenges and it can help to have a group of people around you who understand your experiences. For peer group participants like Amreena, SSI’s Multicultural Peer Network (MPN) program has been a safe haven and a way to connect with community members who share her lived experience.
International Women’s Day is a global celebration that has become a focal point in the women’s rights movement. It offers an opportunity to reflect on successes that have helped to advance gender equality. Here’s what we’ve been doing at SSI to progress women’s rights over the last 12 months.
SSI’s brand – our image and visual identity – traces its roots back to where we began in 2000, as a small settlement agency supporting refugees in Sydney. Fast forward to today, we are a national not-for-profit organisation that offers a diverse range of human services and promotes equal opportunities for all.
Some 19,000 refugees on temporary visas will be able to apply for permanent visas under new changes announced by the Federal Government today.
Bridget Kelly is living her dream life as an artist and business owner, thanks to the support of her family and Ignite Small Business Start-Ups.
February marks two anniversaries that highlight the generosity and success of Australia’s approach to refugee resettlement.
SSI has offered diversity training in more than 50 Australian workplaces in the last year alone, including most recently at the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM).
Please join us for the launch of Untapped Potential research, conducted by NATSEM at the University of Canberra, in collaboration with SSI, which explores trends and disparities in the economic participation of migrant and refugee women in Australia. A policy brief, Unlocking Potential, will also be launched which outlines ways to unlock the potential of migrant and refugee women.
Renewal, shared purpose and reflection were at the heart of SSI’s 2022 Annual General Meeting, which brought together more than 160 staff and community members to celebrate the past year.
International Volunteer Day, held annually on December 5, is an opportunity to celebrate the important role volunteers, like Welcome Ambassador Ms. Alaa Al Karam, play in connecting communities and enhancing people’s lives.
SSI welcomes the news that the NSW Government will extend financial assistance to foster carers or people in care until the age of 21, bringing the system into line with all other states and territories.
Mohammad Jawid Rezaei arrived in Australia from Kabul, Afghanistan, in October 2021 after the Taliban takeover and now works with Southern Steel Supplies Pty Limited in Milperra.
Ignite client Lida Mangal created her business, Ghan Fashion, to employ women in Afghanistan to create her unique designs and help lift them from poverty.
Effective two-way dialogue between government and multicultural organisations is key to strengthening our sector. I recently had the privilege of sharing my thoughts on this at the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Inaugural Multicultural community Engagement Conference, where I shared a keynote session with Professor Peter Shergold.
Sonita Zainal was happily working at a local real estate agent and caring for her elderly mum when tragedy struck.