SSI

Join us in celebrating and advancing disability inclusion! 🎉 Connect with like-minded professionals, discover new strategies to improve economic participation for people with disability, and be part of shaping the future of inclusive workplaces at the launch of the Pathways to Possibilities report on 26 November, in celebration of International Day of People with Disability. 📅 Date: Tuesday 26 November, 6pm 📍 Location: Doltone House - Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney Register for free by Tuesday 12 November 👉 https://lnkd.in/gh_X2j3T Following the discussions at the Pathways to Possibilities symposium earlier this year, we'll be unveiling groundbreaking insights on harnessing the economic potential of people with disability. Hosted by disability advocate and public speaker Scott Taylor, this event will bring together business leaders, community organisations, and individuals with lived experience to explore best practices, discuss barriers and solutions, and highlight the success stories shaping a more inclusive future. ✨ What's in store: - Welcome to Country by deaf artist Daniel McDonald - Addresses from Hon Kate Washington MP, Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Inclusion & The Hon Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC - A dynamic panel discussion featuring activists Dwayne Fernandes and Téa Rundback, along with representatives from City of Sydney, Allianz Australia, and Australia Post - Networking time with food and drinks You will also hear about our Community of Practice pilot program's progress, offering insights into the steps needed to create long-lasting, wide-ranging impact in disability-inclusive workplaces. Images: Photos of attendees at the Pathways to Possibilities symposium held in February 2024. #PathwaysToPossibilities #DisabilityInclusion #Networking #InternationalDayofPeopleWithDisability #WorkplaceInclusion #EconomicParticipation #DisabilityAdvocacy #Accessibility #NetworkingEvent #DisabilityEmployment

Big congratulations to Brendon Stanton, for winning Sport Administrator of the Year at the Logan City Council Sports Award at Griffith University! 🎉 As our Sports and Recreation Development Coordinator at the Multicultural Sports Club, Brendon goes above and beyond to facilitate programs that bring together community members of all ages and over 100 cultural backgrounds. Brendon's dedication to supporting our communities is unmatched, and we are so proud to see his efforts recognised! Our club was also a finalist for Sports Club of the Year - a testament to the incredible work our team does in creating a welcoming space, running impactful programs, and building a true community hub. Congratulations, Brendon, and thank you to the entire team for all you do! 🏆

Newly arrived refugee artists recently spent a day in the sun, exploring the iconic Sydney harbor, making friends, and drawing the iconic Sydney Opera House.       As part of the partnership between the SSI Welcome Project and the Sydney Opera House, newcomers could explore the iconic Aussie landmark and flex their creative muscles as part of the ‘Draw the House’.  For many, it was their first chance to experience this Aussie icon - beautifully captured by one of our artists, Hosna.     But this day wasn't just about art; it was an opportunity for participants to build confidence using public transport, explore new parts of the city, and make connections with people from all different areas and backgrounds.      Learn more about our initiatives for supporting newcomers: https://lnkd.in/gVzkMu8W

Meet Scott, a Community Development Officer at SSI, who brings a powerful blend of lived experience and professional expertise to his role. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth and told he might never walk or talk, Scott channeled early challenges into opportunities, building an impressive career that includes being the first person in a wheelchair to work at Apple's Sydney flagship store. After thriving there, he felt a calling to give back to the disability community. He joined SSI's Local area coordination team in January 2024, quickly advancing to his current position where he continues to drive positive change for people living with disabilities. As we celebrate our 6th Disability Confident Recruiter status, we remain committed to creating an inclusive candidate experience. Achieved through the Australian Disability Network, this recognition ensures we identify and remove barriers for all candidates. We can all help to foster workplaces where everyone can thrive.

We recently hosted a fantastic foster care picnic through our Multicultural Child and Family Program! 🌟 Families and carers came together for a day of fun, playing soccer, cricket, and bowling on the fields. It was wonderful to see the kids enjoying themselves while the carers connected with one another and our staff. Everyone indulged in a delicious lunch, and as a token of appreciation, both the children and carers received thoughtful gifts for their incredible efforts, including passes from SSI partner, the Australian National Maritime Museum. With 25 carers and 40 children in attendance, the day was a huge success, and we're already looking forward to the next event! Thank you to all our amazing carers for your dedication! 💖 Tina Koutsogiannis Association of Children's Welfare Agencies

Every year, our dedicated team supports thousands of newly arrived refugees to find a place they can call home, helping them feel safe and welcome as they begin their new lives in Australia. From browsing rental listings to attending property inspections, completing applications, and connecting to essential housing resources—our housing officers are there every step of the way. Their work, strengthened by strong partnerships with real estate agents, ensures newly arrived refugees have a roof over their head, culturally appropriate foods, and the essentials they need to start their new life. 🏡 Learn more about the refugee settlement experience and the support we offer: https://lnkd.in/gVzkMu8W

Last week, we had the honour of attending the launch of the Second Iranian Music Festival in Sydney—a powerful celebration of Iranian culture that bridges communities and backgrounds. A true highlight of the evening was a chance encounter with Arman, CozyMinimal's percussionist. Arman, now an award-winning architect and passionate musician, shared that he was once a client of ours back in 2018, shortly after arriving in Australia. He fondly remembered the case manager who helped him find his footing in a new country. Moments like these remind us of the long-lasting impact of our work. The festival launch, presented by CozyStage Inc., featured captivating performances, including a unique blend of traditional Persian instruments and live calligraphy by Reza Taghipour, which beautifully highlighted the healing and reflective qualities of Iranian music. As a proud sponsor of the festival for the past two years, we're honoured to support the vibrant Iranian community and celebrate the rich culture and talent they bring to Australia.

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.