From the arts to technology, there are many different fields where refugees have made significant contributions to Australian society. But what are the factors that drive their success? And why is telling and listening to their stories so important? 

Starting a new school year or moving into a new area can be a daunting time for a child and their family. For many preschool children, their Community Hub will be their first interaction with their future primary school. Being a part of a Hub can help them to feel at home in their school environment and more prepared to start school.

Peter Rose’s experience volunteering with SSI has shown him many of the challenges that refugees and people seeking asylum face as they try to join the workforce in Australia.  Mr Rose said that an obvious reason was their lack of English, but there are others that are not as apparent.

When Mostafa arrived in Australia from Iran in 2013, he didn’t imagine he would work in a Sydney restaurant specialising in Italian cuisine. But his volunteer experience at SSI Community Kitchen, along with his determination and passion for cooking, landed him a job at a Rose Bay Italian restaurant.

A cooking enthusiast who is seeking asylum in Australia has capitalised on his volunteering experience with SSI to secure a restaurant job. For the past two years, Mostafa has cooked and provided support at Settlement Services International’s (SSI) fortnightly Community Kitchen at the Auburn Centre for Community.

Rediscovering his passion for competitive sport has put a smile back on the face of one young wrestler as he awaits the outcome of his refugee application. Yaser has been wrestling for 10 years, but said he had a tough time finding somewhere to continue his training when he first came to Australia to seek asylum from Iraq in 2013.

Simon Shahin is young, intelligent and has ambitious plans to contribute to the future prosperity of Australia. The 22-year-old is also a former refugee from Syria, who arrived in this country in September last year.

Before taking part in the Staples Bag SSI Work for the Dole program, Campsie resident Marcel Tawbeh would never have considered working in retail. “I was shy and lacked confidence, and thought I would only be able to work in the background,” Mr Tawbeh said.

Before taking part in the Staples Bag SSI Work for the Dole program, Campsie resident Marcel Tawbeh would never have considered working in retail. “I was shy and lacked confidence, and thought I would only be able to work in the background,” Mr Tawbeh said.

Dozens of people who are seeking asylum have started 2016 on the front foot thanks to the generosity and support of every day Australians. Community members contributed more than $3,500 in gift cards in the lead up to Christmas as part of the Give Hope campaign.

Mother of two Tatako Nishide found supporting her daughter’s autism needs while trying to settle in Australia from Japan a daunting experience, until she found Settlement Services International’s Ability Links NSW program.

Being a volunteer involves a high level of commitment, but it is thanks to those who can commit that some of the most beautiful causes in the world become possible. Volunteers are usually firm believers in a cause; they are trustworthy, professional and kind-hearted.

Finding work in Australia remains one of the greatest challenges for newly arrived refugees, but two sisters are helping to break down barriers by connecting refugees with job opportunities in Sydney’s competitive hospitality industry. Carol and Sharon Salloum run a popular Middle Eastern restaurant in Sydney, following in the footsteps of their parents who migrated to Australia more than 40 years ago.

Education for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds was the focus of a training event held by the NSW Settlement Partnership (NSP), recently. Loukia Zinopoulos, Settlement Services Manager for Settlement Services International, said the training event was a great opportunity for NSP members to hear how educational institutions could link recent migrants and people from refugee backgrounds to education and training opportunities.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, past and present, the Gadigal​ people of the Eora​ nation. Ten years ago, Clover Moore, the lord mayor of Sydney, talked at the National Maritime Museum, She said.

This January 26 will hold new significance for Simon Shahin, who will celebrate his first Australia Day since arriving in Sydney as a refugee from Syria last year. An ambitious 22 year old, Mr Shahin has adjusted well to life in Australia. He has made new friends, run a marathon, completed work experience through Youth Collective’s Gateway to Your Future project, and was actively involved in the inaugural Techfugees Australia Hackathon in November.

Virender Batra has been cooking for over 40 years, and has chef qualifications in Indian and continental cooking. Virender came to Australia 30 years ago, and after working in various restaurants as a head chef, he decided to open his own restaurants with his brother.

Settlement Services International has welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to allow asylum seekers in NSW to apply for Opal Card travel concessions earlier than planned, with 15,000 asylum seekers living in NSW now able to apply for the travel benefit. The travel concession, which was first scheduled to become available to eligible asylum seekers from January 1, allows people seeking asylum to access the same $2.50 all day travel benefit as other NSW concession cardholders.

A group of individuals seeking asylum in Australia have overcome social barriers and developed new community connections following the success of the inaugural Surfing Without Borders program run by Settlement Services International. The program introduced a number of individuals who are seeking asylum to the iconic Australian sport of surfing with regular lessons provided by Let’s Go Surfing, owned and operated by community surfing advocate Brenda Miley.

Discounted food parcels called The Staples Bag have been sold by CoACt/SSI jobactive program participants to help improve access to basic food supplies for people on low incomes. Now the Christmas Staple Bag includes food to help create a special feast for the end of year celebrations.