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.

SSI CEO recognised as champion of diversity and inclusionThe 34th Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) Awards announced Settlement Services International (SSI)’s CEO Violet Roumeliotis for its ‘Woman of Influence Award’ last night, Thursday 19 November.

Settlement Services International (SSI) has welcomed the NSW Government’s $50 million boost for charities and not-for-profits rocked by the COVID -19 pandemic.

Settlement Services International is disappointed that the federal government is to cut the Coronavirus Supplement received by people on JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and parenting payments while extending it from January 1 to March 28.

Syrian refugee from LGBTIQ community overcomes social adversity and finds meaning working for the elderly.

From July 1, 2020, Settlement Services International (SSI), in partnership with the NDIA, began delivering Local Area Coordination (LAC) services for the NDIS across two districts in NSW.

SSI’s history is inextricably linked to its membership base.

A unique approach to regional refugee settlement is delivering strong results in the new settlement location of Armidale, offering insights that will guide other regional centres seeking to welcome newcomers as long-term members of their communities.

The Minister for Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne, yesterday announced Settlement Services International (SSI) would deliver a new state-wide gambling harm prevention and counselling service for migrant and refugee communities.

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.

While this has affected everyone’s freedom of movement, individuals and families from refugee backgrounds have been particularly hard hit.

Serina Saka arrived in Australia as a refugee from Iraq after spending four years in Lebanon with her parents and four siblings. 

In a National Press Club address, Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge said among new measures to enhance social cohesion the government would remove the cap of 510 hours of free language tuition, allow students to strive for “vocational English” rather than only “functional English”, and remove time limits for enrolment and completion.He said, “From today, this means that any permanent resident or citizen who doesn’t yet have functional English — that is, the basic language skills to enable participation in society — will be able to attend classes free of charge until they acquire this language capability.”SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said, “Foundational language programs such as AMEP beget benefits such as long-term employment outcomes and increased social participation.“As a community-based organisation supporting new migrants and other vulnerable communities who often grapple with the English language, we wholeheartedly agree with the government's swift changes to the program. We share the belief that the policy will further strengthen Australia’s resolve and success in the settlement and integration of migrant communities.”Ms Roumeliotis said, "Australia's high ranking under the Migrant Integration Policy Index, at eight of 38 participating countries, is global recognition of Australia's success in the settlement and integration of migrant communities, and this change in policy will further strengthen this capacity."We welcome any move that will further enhance social cohesion for new migrants and lead to better settlement outcomes, especially during these unprecedented times."

Hardworking taxpayers left with almost no support: an insightful read. Explore SSI's news article shedding light on crucial issues.

Mr Savvides took over the role made vacant by Bulent Hass Dellal in June, announced by the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher.

The pandemic has changed how communities come together, and 2020 presented a challenge that required Settlement Services International (SSI) and Refugee Week partners to readapt usual modes of engagement for events and celebrations.

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. 

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.

New research by Settlement Services International and the Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, challenges narrow economic definitions of successful refugee settlement and, instead, suggests social and civic dimensions are equally valid markers of refugee integration.

Settlement Services International (SSI) is collaborating with the University of Wollongong (UOW) in a research project to identify and address domestic violence experienced by newly arrived refugee women.