Festival gives refugee artists a new beginning
The New Beginnings Festival for Refugee Week brings together new and established communities for a program of visual arts, film, installations and workshops. The festival will include the Singular/Plural art exhibition, featuring established contemporary artists Lindy Lee, Aroha Groves, Alex Seton and Garry Trinh exhibiting alongside newly arrived artists from refugee backgrounds, including Sameer Dakhil — an expert engraver from Iraq.
Freedom of expression vs cultural appropriation
Journalists, comedians and writers will explore the blurry lines between freedom of expression and cultural appropriation at an event that will tip the traditional debate format on its head. Cultural appropriation controversies continue to dominate headlines, targeting everything from festival wear to the hairstyles of the Kardashians, but critics argue these continual outcries are stifling the creative expression. Should artists be restricted by cultural boundaries when creating their work?
SSI celebrates success of scholarship recipients
The delight, pride and gratitude were palpable when recipients of the Settlement Services International (SSI) Allianz Australia Refugee Scholarships were acknowledged during a multicultural afternoon tea in Bankstown on April 12.
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Affordable housing - why is it so hard to find and how do we work together to fill the gap?
SSI Mosaic Gala
{loadposition gala-1} Download Sponsorship Prospectus The event The SSI Mosaic Gala will be held at the stylish Ivy Ballroom on Friday, September 14, 2018. An estimated 400 guests will attend. Purchase tickets/tables now! The concept of a mosaic is about bringing many different elements together to form a beautiful whole. In this way, it […]
New Yagoona Hub building will help enrich lives of whole community
Yagoona Public School celebrated Harmony Day, March 21, by launching its new $100,000 building for the Community Hubs Program.
Are refugees contributing to housing stress?
Global polls consistently rate Sydney as one of the least affordable cities to find a home. The problem is universal, affecting buyers and renters of all ages and backgrounds. This ongoing issue has once again attracted significant media attention in 2017.
Refugee entrepreneurship making million-dollar economic contribution
A report to be released on Thursday March 23 finds evidence that, with the right support, refugee entrepreneurs provide significant economic benefits to Australia. The report, From Refugee to Entrepreneur in Three Years, looks at the existing and potential contribution of refugee entrepreneurs to the Australian economy and society. It was prepared by Professor Jock Collins of UTS Business School and will be launched by the Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Craig Laundy MP, in Canberra.
Multicultural Australia – United, Strong, Successful
With today’s release of the Multicultural Australia – United, Strong, Successful, Settlement Services International welcomes the Federal Government’s strong and unequivocal endorsement of a multicultural Australia and the highly successful humanitarian settlement and migration programs that have been the centre of that success for more than 70 years.
SSI’s response to Multicultural Australia – United, Strong, Successful
With today’s release of the Multicultural Australia – United, Strong, Successful, Settlement Services International welcomes the Federal Government’s strong and unequivocal endorsement of a multicultural Australia and the highly successful humanitarian settlement and migration programs that have been the centre of that success for more than 70 years.
Inclusive celebration captures International Women’s Day spirit
An International Women’s Day event has embodied the inclusive spirit of the day with a celebration involving women, men and children of all ages and backgrounds. Not-for-profit humanitarian organisation Settlement Services International (SSI) hosted the event for Auburn locals, community groups and individuals and families who are new to Australia.
Report finds Ability Links NSW is making a social and economic difference in our community
Ability Links NSW (ALNSW) has heralded a new approach to supporting people with disability, their families and carers, and is making a significant economic and social impact across the state, according to a newly released independent report.
Bird themes prompt stories from Auburn’s multicultural community
A partnership between Auburn Diversity Services Inc. (ADSi) and the Family Creative Hub at Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) at Parramatta has resulted in a beautiful, bird-themed picture book that reflects the stories of communities that live in Auburn.
Allianz engages the humanity of employees to support refugees
By Elise Marley-Wallace, Allianz Public Relations and Social Media Manager In December 2016, more than 20 Allianz Australia employees volunteered over 200 hours to support not-for-profit humanitarian organisation, Settlement Services International (SSI), as part of Allianz’s community outreach program.
SSI has a new Board and Chair to lead it in 2016-2017
A number of new directors were welcomed to the Settlement Services International Board Annual General Meeting, while three stepped down, including long-term Chair Kamalle Dabboussy.
Five stars for SSI jobactive
Amina Khatoon has found her first job and Cicilia Rigas was employed after just two months with the Settlement Services International (SSI) jobactive service. These are just two examples of why SSI has again been awarded a five star rating by the Department of Employment for its efficiency and effectiveness in placing job seekers into sustainable work.
SSI Speakers’ Series explores rights at work for migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum
Recent media reports have highlighted migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum as highly vulnerable at work. Accounts of low-paid work, unpaid wages, unsafe work conditions, exploitation and abuse are not uncommon.
Conference to challenge thinking about multicultural women
Politicians, practitioners and women from diverse backgrounds will this week take part in a dialogue designed to drive social and economic change for multicultural women. The inaugural National Multicultural Women’s Conference 2016 – Influencing Change: Vision and Impact (NMWC) will showcase the resilience and strength of women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and discuss effective strategies, services, programs and approaches for supporting them in Australia.
SSI Ability Links helps North Ryde resident pursue his sporting passion
Despite his mobility restrictions caused by cerebral palsy, North Ryde long term resident Brett Dyer isn’t the type who gets intimidated by day to day challenges. “I live by myself and when I’m at home I use a walking stick,” said Mr Dyer. “Outside, I use a scooter to get around and I’m pretty good with it. I use it even if I have to go far, like Macquarie Park.” Therefore, when he was told he couldn’t play lawn bowls at his local bowling club, he teamed up with his local Linker Ms Hiroko Kawashima from Settlement Services International (SSI) and his Occupational Therapist (OT) from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Michelle Cohen, to find a solution.
Sydney says welcome at Walk Together 2016
Close to 1,000 Sydneysiders braved the rain to show their support for a more compassionate, inclusive and welcoming Australia at Walk Together 2016, in Sydney on Saturday.