Children, volunteers, church groups and families from the Ku-ring-gai community have welcomed newly arrived refugees with open arms, showing their support with a welcome event, donation appeal and more.

A state-wide discussion about refugee-related arts practice will take centre stage at a forum SSI is co-hosting later this month.

Refugees and people seeking asylum were joined by other people from around western Sydney to celebrate the end of Ramadan, in a series of SSI events to mark the Islamic holy month.

SSI’s Community Kitchen was the scene of a colourful celebration in July, as people from all faiths and backgrounds celebrated Eid al-Fitr over a meal.

Nader Sameer and Nawar Hanna are unlikely friends, but bricks and mortar have brought the two former refugees from Iraq together as they start their bricklaying careers in Australia.

SSI led the “Every child has a culture” forum in Bankstown, on June 21, emphasising the importance of cultural recognition and diversity in out-of-home care.

Majed Al Zanad was four years into a medical degree when the war in Syria forced him to abandon his studies. Like many refugees, he is now facing the challenging process of getting his past experience recognised so he can resume his medical studies in Australia.

Blacktown North Public School launched its Community Garden on June 28, thanks to contributions from local businesses, community organisations and the school’s Community Hub leader, Hasret Mehmedali.

NSW Community Hub leaders came together in July for their regular school break team meeting.

SSI and the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) are seeking expressions of interest for the Young Refugee Women Scholarship Program to attend, and actively participate in, the National Multicultural Women’s Conference 2016—Influencing Change: Vision and Impact.

Few people can imagine the tumultuous mix of emotions refugees experience on arrival in their new country. Adam Bujairami, however, has no need to imagine, having been a refugee himself.

Despite his mobility restrictions caused by cerebral palsy, long-time North Ryde resident Brett Dyer isn’t the type who gets intimidated by day-to-day challenges.

Ability Links NSW (ALNSW) teamed up with Playgroup NSW and SSI Community Engagement on July 12 to hold an inclusive and fun day outdoors for children from all backgrounds.

Several newly arrived refugees have secured full-time work and dozens more have been offered paid apprenticeships as part of a joint venture to help new arrivals develop a career in the construction industry.

Settlement Services International (SSI) is taking part in the iconic City2Surf running event, with dozens of staff, volunteers and supporters joining the cause to support refugees and people seeking asylum in NSW.

Since arriving in Australia with his wife and son less than 12 months ago, Maxeem Georges has begun studying a master’s degree in finance and started working for a large insurance company in Sydney.

The past fortnight has brought heartening news for the refugee community, with the NSW Government’s announcement of a new round of funding to support refugee resettlement.

A talented refugee from Syria has used his IT and web science skills to co-develop an online platform to help bridge the gap on one of the greatest challenges facing newly arrived refugees – employment.

The New Beginnings: Refugee Arts & Culture Festival 2016 was a standout success, with more than three thousand people coming together to celebrate the talents and skills of artists who were refugees and asylum seekers.

Khaledah Alrubaie is a highly skilled engineer with two university degrees and a masters. She also happens to be a refugee.