SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said:  “SSI values its ongoing partnership with Multicultural NSW and is a proud sponsor of the Australian Multicultural Marketing Awards, the Annual Multicultural March — including the NSW Premier’s Harmony Dinner — and the Annual NSW Premier’s Multicultural Media Awards.”

“The Multicultural March program aligns with SSI’s vision to achieve a society that values the diversity of its people and actively provides support to ensure meaningful social and economic participation and to assist individuals and families reach their potential.”

Multicultural NSW CEO Hakan Harman said our diverse communities play an important role in building a stronger and more socially cohesive and harmonious multicultural New South Wales.

“Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest assets and I am pleased to see Settlement Services International support the Premier’s Harmony Dinner.” 

SSI is the state-wide umbrella organisation for 11 Migrants Resource Centres and Multicultural Services across NSW, and its staff is locally based in these centres so that they can work directly with the community to deliver SSI programs. 

Since it was established in 2000, SSI has provided support to new arrivals in NSW assisting them in reaching their full potential as members of their local and wider community. This mission has continued and expanded, with programs that support and promote cultural diversity and inclusion, such as SSI Foster Care, Ability Links NSW, and helping to secure housing for refugees, asylum seekers and people at risk of homelessness through our Housing Services program. 

Through its Community Engagement program, SSI organises several events each year to celebrate culturally and locally significant events. During the month of March, SSI will be holding special celebrations for International Women’s Day on March 9 and for Nowruz — the Iranian New Year — on March 23, as well as a fundraising event with the screening of the award-winning Tamil movie The Crows Egg at Event Cinemas in Parramatta on March 7. 

Throughout 2015, SSI celebrated special cultural events such as Deepavali, Tamil New Year and Eid Mubarak, where 250 members of the Muslim and broader community celebrated the end of Ramadan. 

SSI’s Harmony Day celebration on March 23 will feature cultural performances, live music and lunch shared with SSI clients, staff and members of the community, who will celebrate together the cultural and ethnic diversity that makes up contemporary Australia. 

Media enquiries:

SSI Executive Manager Corporate Communications Angela Calabrese, 0401 284 828

SSI Communications Coordinator Rekha Sanghi 0422 304 578

 

 

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SSI General Manager, Peter Zographakis; Sera Kebabjian; Ruby Tran; Souad Boutros; Maxeem Georges; Abdelraheem Altabaibeh; Allianz Australia Managing Director, Niran Peiris

Over the next two years, Allianz will offer permanent placements for up to 10 SSI clients per year, with SSI identifying potential recruits and providing ongoing support. The first group of new employees includes three women and two men from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Vietnam, who came to Australia as refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. Their qualifications are in the areas of accounting, business management, community services, legal, banking and insurance.

The scheme is designed to mirror the first year of Allianz’s successful graduate program and will include two job rotations in the company within the 12 months that align to the employees’ background, skills and experience. After the two rotations, Allianz will work with participants to identify a suitable permanent role.

In announcing the partnership, Mr Peiris said “Allianz looks to afford opportunities to all sectors of society that have the skills to be part of our future workforce and this includes refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.

“Allianz is proud to support diverse communities in Australia and to give an opportunity to some of those who have come to this country as a result of dislocation from their homeland,” Mr Peiris said.

Commenting on the partnership, Ms Roumeliotis said both organisations desired a long-term, sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship. “Allianz and SSI both have a vision of playing a key support role in the community in the areas of education, employment and addressing social justice issues,” she said.

“Increasing access to education and employment opportunities ultimately increases social participation, independence, and economic and personal well-being for those from a refugee background. Large corporates like Allianz have enormous potential to create jobs, open access to education and basic services, and deliver innovative solutions.

“Both research and SSI’s anecdotal experience as a humanitarian settlement organisation tell us that although the motivation to work is high among refugees who settle in Australia, this does not necessarily lead to employment. Refugees with no Australian work experience, no affordable options for the recognition of their skills and qualifications, and limited access to English language tuition face difficulties in gaining access to sustainable employment pathways.

“Approaching this problem through a win-win ‘working partnership’, we feel we are now creating new solutions,” Ms Roumeliotis added.

In a second component of the partnership, Allianz will provide educational scholarships to assist recently arrived refugees and asylum seekers to integrate successfully into their new communities. The scholarships aim to minimise the impact of structural disadvantages that refugees often experience during the early settlement phase by increasing access to education.

For more information and interview opportunities, contact:

Allianz

Nicholas Scofield
General Manager
Corporate Affairs
Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd | 2 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: +61 2 9390 6596 | Fax +61 2 9390 6676 | Mobile 0416 088 414
Email: nicholas.scofield@allianz.com.au

Allianz – Employer of Choice for Gender Equality 2014 – 2015
Allianz – Employer of Choice for Women (EOWA) 2009 – 2013

SSI

Angela Calabrese
Executive Manager
Corporate Communications
Settlement Services International
Ph: +61 2 8799 6700 I Mobile 0401 284 828
Email: acalabrese@ssi.org.au

About SSI

SSI is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation providing a range of services in the areas of humanitarian settlement, housing, asylum seeker assistance, foster care, disability support and employment services in NSW.

About Allianz Australia

Allianz Australia delivers a wide range of personal, commercial and corporate insurance products and services to more than 3 million policyholders. Over 50% of Australia’s top 200 BRW-listed companies have some form of insurance cover with the group and the group provides worker’s compensation services to around one-fifth of Australian employees.

Large General Insurance Company of the Year 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2009*
Best General Insurance Company of the Year 2014, 2012, 2010, 2007, 2006**
Workplace Gender Equality Award 2015, 2014
Women’s Council Employer of the Year Award 2013

*Australia & New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards **Australian Banking and Finance Insurance Awards

SSI Work for the Dole participant Marcel Tawbeh (left) and staff member Napoleon Mansour.

The Staples Bag was developed as part of the CoAct/SSI Work for the Dole (WFD) program. It provides access to discounted essential groceries and also provides job seekers with tangible skills in a range of areas including logo and website design, packaging and warehouse maintenance, customer service and direct marketing.

“The SSI Staples Bag is a great program that has given me experience in different things, and I’ve discovered that working with people and in retail is really fun and much easier than I thought it would be,” Mr Tawbeh said.

Brad Reed of Croydon Park has been with SSI’s Work for the Dole program for less than three weeks but has already had five job interviews in that time; more than he has had in the past eight years of unemployment.

Mr Reed moved from Broken Hill to help his aging grandmother and to find work. He said he was ‘stoked’ about his employment prospects and can’t believe that people in Sydney say it’s hard to find work.

“I moved to Sydney because I want to be a good role model for my two sons and I don’t want them to see me sitting around unemployed and unable to provide for them” Mr Reed said.

“SSI has really looked out for me and found opportunities that I’m interested in.

“Working with the Staples Bag team is helping to me keep busy, learn new skills and meet new people, and it gets me closer to bringing my boys to Sydney to join me.”

Mr Tawbeh is a keen gamer and hopes to get a job in an electronics shop, while Mr Reed is interested in security work.

Both men however are extremely motivated and happy to find any employment, and attribute this motivation to SSI.

“I do extra hours with Staples Bag because I enjoy it so much,” Mr Tawbeh said.

Settlement Services International (SSI) is a community-based not-for-profit organisation that provides a range of services in the areas of humanitarian settlement, accommodation, asylum seeker assistance, multicultural foster care, employment services and disability support in NSW.

As a member of CoAct, a national network of locally-embedded community service providers, SSI delivers the Australian Government’s jobactive service.

Job seekers can find the CoAct/SSI job active office at 308 Beamish Street Campsie. To purchase the Staples Bag, visit the warehouse at 449 Canterbury Road, Campsie or go to website www.thestaplesbag.org.au

Media enquiries

SSI Communications Coordinator Rekha Sanghi 0422 304 578

 

 “This really is welcome news for our clients who until now have had to pay full public transport fares while living on limited income,” according to SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis.

 “The concession card is an early Christmas present for our clients. Having the concession card can mean savings of up to $12.50 per day, or $50 per week, for people seeking asylum.

Our clients will no longer be limited by transport costs, allowing them to access a broader range of social and community services.

“It will also help to improve the standard of living of the most vulnerable, which delivers a multitude of health and social benefits.”

Ms Roumeliotis also congratulated the efforts of NSW Premier Mike Baird, who championed the travel concessions for asylum seekers and announced the move earlier this year.

“We applaud Premier Baird for recognising the importance of this issue and helping to break down barriers facing vulnerable communities,” she said.

“Mobility is instrumental for participating more fully in society and it applies equally for people seeking asylum.”

Ms Roumeliotis added that the travel concessions will support the mental and physical health of individuals and families who are seeking asylum in Australia.

“The majority of asylum seekers based in NSW are often required to travel widely to access the services they need such as medical care, counselling services, English language lessons and other training courses,” she said.

“Providing a fixed travel fare allows asylum seekers to use more of their limited financial support to cover basic living expenses and to access vital services to enable them to recover from their experiences of persecution and trauma and start rebuilding their lives.”

………………………………………………END……………………………………………………

Media enquiries:

SSI Communications Coordinator, Louise Wallace 0488 680 255 or (02) 8799 6741.

Participants learned the basics of surfing and water safety over the course of three months, and gained an insight into Australia’s surfing culture. They also connected with the local surfing community and enjoyed working towards a common goal with others, which supports mental health and wellbeing.

Participants were presented with towels and surfboards after completing the program, courtesy of generous donations from Let’s Go Surfing, community members and local businesses.

“Refugees and people seeking asylum are among the most vulnerable individuals in Australia, and the Surfing Without Borders program has allowed them to take their minds off the challenges they face and focus on learning new skills in a fun and welcoming environment,” SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said.

“Community engagement initiatives deliver a range of benefits such as improved health outcomes, confidence, and the ability to form more meaningful relationships and community connections. Ultimately, this helps individuals to realise their full potential, become more actively engaged in the community, and to contribute to society.

“This program has been a huge success, with participants developing a strong sense of comradery, and their confidence and English language skills have significantly improved in just three months.

“We are thrilled to see how far these men have come in the face of such adversity; it is truly inspiring and a testament to the strength and perseverance of all asylum seekers and refugees living in NSW,” Ms Roumeliotis added.

A diverse group of participants completed the inaugural Surfing Without Borders program, including individuals from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq and Iran.

Plans to develop the 2016 program are currently underway.

………………………………………………END……………………………………………………

Media enquiries:

SSI Communications Coordinator, Louise Wallace 0488 680 255 or (02) 8799 6741.

The project also aims to support the communities into which refugee men are settling, and people who work in the settlement sector.

The New Roots Project has been developed to build the health and wellbeing of men, aged 18-45, from Arabic, Farsi and Tamil-speaking backgrounds, who have recently arrived in Australia, and to help them overcome the daily challenges as they start a new life.

The app, which is the first of its kind in Australia, is free and available in Arabic, English, Farsi and Tamil for iPhone and Android devices.

The app is one component of the New Roots Project which has been developed by Settlement Services International (SSI) in partnership with beyondblue and funded by donations to the Movember Foundation. The other components are online training for caseworkers in settlement services and training for community leaders. 

The app includes information, tips and tools that help with starting a new life and staying positive in a new country. It has been developed to promote health and wellbeing, to assist with participating in community life and to help men access community and government services. Following a 12-month pilot phase in NSW, it is hoped the app will be made available in more languages and other project components will be promoted Australia-wide.

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said the project was based on research and community consultations.

“People from refugee backgrounds who are resettling in countries like Australia have typically been through traumatic experiences in the countries they are fleeing from,” Ms Roumeliotis said. “The stress of adapting to a new country and culture and securing the necessities of life can compound on that trauma and negatively affect physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

“The three elements of the New Roots Project — the app, community training and Online Toolkit — are designed to relieve some of that stress and to provide easily accessible tools and information that men can use to rebuild their own health and wellbeing. The design and content was all based on research and consultations with the communities that the project is intended to support.

“The app isn’t intended to replace traditional one-on-one support from a settlement caseworker, but is designed as an additional tool that men can use whenever they need.

“I’d like to thank beyondblue for its work throughout the development of this project, and the Movember Foundation for funding the project to support the health and wellbeing of these men.”  

beyondlue CEO Georgie Harman said beyondblue was delighted to support the New Roots Project and promote good mental health among newly-arrived refugee men. 

“beyondblue wants all people living in Australia to achieve their best possible mental health. Having access to this app and its practical information in their native language may help men cope with the stress of living in a new country and adapting to a new culture, and also explain about where to get help if they need it,” she said. 

Paul Villanti, Executive Director, Movember Foundation said the Foundation was proud to have funded the development of this app. “It’s critical that all men feel connected to their communities given what we know about the impact that can have on their health and wellbeing. The New Roots app will help new members of our community establish those important social connections here in Australia,” Mr Villanti said.

New Roots Ambassadors

Former Iraqi refugee Dr Munjed Muderis, who is now a leading orthopaedic surgeon in Sydney, is a New Roots Ambassador.

“I think this app is a great new tool that will be very helpful for men from a refugee background,” Dr Muderis said.

“I know from my own experience that this can be a very stressful and difficult period when settling in a new country. The New Roots app can help with staying healthy through exercise and eating well, as well as connecting with people by joining local community and sports organisations and attending cultural activities.

“These things can be overlooked during the initial turbulent period of settling in a new country, but they are essential for reducing stress and embracing the opportunities to make this time a happy, healthy and productive experience.”

Cricketer Hameed Kherkhah, who has played with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, is also a New Roots Ambassador. Mr Kherkhah moved to Australia from Afghanistan as a boy, when his family was given refugee protection.

“I was young, but I remember that my brothers and dad found it very hard and they had a lot of difficulties finding work, getting driving licenses, meeting other people and finding sports clubs,” Mr Kherkhah said.

“I meet a lot of people in my community who are in a similar situation today to what we were in. They need help to find work, housing, sports clubs and this app can help with these things. I think it’s great; all the information is there in your pocket, on your phone, and in your language.

“I wish this was around when my dad arrived, he would have loved it.”  

Download for Apple                                               

Download for Android

Media enquiries:

SSI Online Communications Coordinator, Callan Lawrence, 0478 156 491 or 02 8799 6746

beyondblue, Anne Wright, 0411 035 695 or (03) 9810 6108  

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In his report, Igniting the Entrepreneurial passion of Newly Arrived Refugees in Sydney, Prof Collins said the “innovative” and “unique” Ignite initiative shows the significant entrepreneurial potential of refugees and the contribution they can make when they have support to overcome settlement challenges.

An initiative funded by SSI, Ignite facilitates business creation for people of refugee background who are keen to set up a small business or expand an existing one. SSI was the first port of call for 12,000 refugees and asylum last year. Its case managers refer suitable candidates to the Ignite program and, so far, 30 have established a business, with another 5 in the planning stages.

Ms Forsythe said that well over half of all employment in Australia is generated by small business. “SSI has further developed a unique and innovative program that has demonstrated the great entrepreneurial potential of humanitarian migrants,” Ms Forsythe said. “It reminds us of the important economic contribution refugees can make as entrepreneurs and small business people, given the right support.” 

The report found there is a strong argument for a larger humanitarian intake not for just humanitarian reasons but also for an economic one.

“With the help of initiatives such as Ignite, refugees overcome the most incredible hurdles imaginable to start a small business and create income for themselves, their family and employment for others over time,” Professor Collins said.

“The report has shown that the Ignite concept works and, with the support of philanthropists and other sponsors, I’d like to see it rolled out nationally, across urban and regional areas.”

With Australia to receive 12,000 Syrian and Iraqi  refugees over the coming year, the success of  Ignite suggests a program to assist some of them to establish businesses in Australia would generate significant results, he said.

Having worked in settlement for more 30 years, SSI CEO and founder of the Ignite initiative Violet Roumeliotisrecognised the barriers faced by newly arrived refugees and migrants but also the wealth of skill and experience many bring with them.

“I had been carrying around this knowledge with me for a long time and I’d been on the lookout for an opportunity to create something for business-minded refugees,” Ms Roumeliotis said. Then in 2013 she met Dr Ernesto Sirolli of the Sirolli Institute, who piloted his model of Enterprise Facilitation in Esperance in Western Australia over 30 years ago. Ignite took up the Sirolli model and, for the first time anywhere in the world, applied it to a refugee community.

Ms Roumeliotis said: “We are thrilled and so proud this report has proven what many of us in the settlement sector already know: that refugees are keen to put their past behind them and grab with both hands the opportunities that life in Australia has to offer.”