SSI

SSI congratulates David Crisafulli MP on becoming Queensland’s 41st Premier and the Liberal National Party on forming government, following this past weekend’s state election.   As a leading provider of human services designed to overcome inequality, SSI welcomes the incoming government’s focus on the needs of children and young people, strengthening communities, and investing in the community sector.   We acknowledge the efforts of the outgoing Miles Government to support communities to overcome inequality and express our thanks for their service. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g9qbcuUT

Community is truly at the heart of everything we do ❤️ Step into a day with SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis AM as she connects with staff, partners and community members to strengthen our growing local support in Queensland. 

"Every refugee has a story of resilience and hope. It's about more than overcoming adversity; it's about seizing the opportunity to contribute, thrive, and be valued for their skills and potential." Jeffrey Ma, our Senior Manager of the Humanitarian Settlement Program, recently participated in an industry panel hosted by Macquarie Group that focused on the global refugee crisis and the critical challenges facing refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia. During the discussion in front of a packed room of staff and partners, Jeffrey shed light on the systemic barriers newcomers face – from unrecognised qualifications to navigating Australia's complex legal systems – while celebrating the immense value newcomers bring to our economy and society. The panel also featured experts from Human Rights Watch, Australia for UNHCR, and CareerSeekers. We extend our gratitude to Macquarie Group for hosting this vital conversation and bringing attention to these pressing issues. Together, we are committed to empowering refugees and people seeking asylum to build meaningful careers and futures in Australia.

Mark your calendars as the New Beginnings Festival is back! ✨ We will return to the Australian National Maritime Museum as part of the Sydney Festival on 25 January, 2025. Now in its ninth year, New Beginnings Festival celebrates the diversity of our community and ignites broader conversations about how we can foster equality for all. This free family-friendly event showcases inspiring performances and artworks that delve into themes of home and belonging, as experienced through the lens of Australia's diverse refugee, migrant, multicultural and First Nations communities. Stay tuned—big announcements about our performers are on the way! Learn more about the festival: https://lnkd.in/gm5Pg43R #newbeginningsfestival #newbeginningsfest #SydFest #SydneyFestival

We are delighted to announce that applications for the SSI Allianz Refugee Education Scholarships are NOW OPEN, offering a valuable opportunity to another cohort of deserving students from refugee backgrounds. This award-winning partnership has nurtured the aspirations of over 280 refugee students, like Simon, helping them pursue their education and obtain local qualifications. When Syrian-born Simon Issa arrived in Australia as a refugee, he held onto dreams of a career in medicine despite his stunted education and limited financial means Nearly a decade after receiving the SSI Allianz Refugee scholarship that supported his tertiary studies, Simon is now improving the lives of patients as a clinical measurement scientist, holding two degrees in medical science. "If you've made it as a refugee to this beautiful country, you can make it through the long journey to set up your future here," Simon said. Do you know a newcomer who could benefit from a scholarship? Share this invaluable opportunity with your networks. Get the details and read more of Simon's story: https://lnkd.in/g3zgrnr9

Congratulations to our incredible foster carer Aminah, winner of the long-term carer of the year award in the 2024 My Forever Family NSW Carer Recognition Awards! With nearly 600 nominations across all categories, the competition was fierce, showcasing the incredible work carers do to keep children and young people safe. Aminah has been a steadfast support for Nasir* for over ten years. Despite challenges, her commitment to his care has led to remarkable progress. Together, they've traveled to places like the USA, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, creating beautiful memories along the way. Aminah's collaboration with medical practitioners, allied health professionals, and Nasir's school has been crucial to his growth. She has also fostered a strong connection with Nasir's birth family, celebrating meaningful moments together, like Eid and Mother's Day. Thanks to Aminah's loving and supportive environment, Nasir is thriving and dreaming big—his sights are set on attending Harvard University, inspired by his foster brother's achievements! Join us in congratulating Aminah for this well-deserved recognition! *Name has been changed. Association of Children's Welfare Agencies NSW Office of the Children's Guardian Kate Washington MP

It was a privilege to bring together newly arrived young people and Liaison Officers from the Queensland Police Service for an engaging day focused on road safety education and community connection. Through interactive activities like vehicle safety checks, mock tests, and vision impairment goggles, participants gained valuable road safety skills while forming positive relationships with local police. These initiatives are crucial for creating pathways to independence and fostering connections that help newcomers thrive. Seeing the next generation of drivers eager to learn fills us with pride, and we can't wait for them to hit the road with confidence!

Last week, the federal government announced new visa pathways are being offered to recently arrived displaced Gazans, and Ukrainian entrants whose temporary protection visa has expired. SSI welcomes the extension of access to these visa pathways, which will benefit families like those we have supported (and some who are pictured) as they are beginning new lives in Australia. This will provide much needed stability and security to recipients.

Imagine being told you need a life-changing medical procedure—but in a language you don't fully understand. This is the confronting reality for many people in Australia today who face barriers accessing vital information in English. We all deserve to understand what's happening in our lives, to know our options, and to make choices based on clear information, no matter the language we speak. For Nasser, a professional interpreter from Jordan who now supports Arabic-speaking clients across Sydney, this isn't just about words. "Interpreting can be a life-changing service, especially for newly arrived migrants navigating healthcare or legal systems. We're not just translating—we're supporting people's rights to access services in a language they understand." We recently developed an e-learning course to help organisations make the most of professional interpreters like Nasser, ensuring that every client receives the service and information they need, regardless of the languages they speak. Read Nasser's story and find out more about our new course here: https://lnkd.in/gVNjQ_yF

The Migration, Pathway to Nation Building Report, released by the Joint Standing Committee on Migration this week, is a welcome recognition of the need for a fair and equitable migration system that is essential for nation-building Australia. We are heartened by the report's emphasis on activating underutilised skilled migrants already in the country, which aligns with our Activate Australia's Skills campaign and reflects a step toward the Canadian model. However, we are disappointed the report was silent on some of our sector's longer-term challenges, such as the four-year waiting period for permanent migrants to access income support. We believe it's essential to advocate for comprehensive solutions that support all migrants in their journey. Read our full response here: https://lnkd.in/gF2qAmEv