SSI

At SSI, when we welcome refugees to their new home, we do so on land First Nations peoples have walked on and cared for over 65,000 years. This is a privilege, but also a responsibility to create shared spaces that foster understanding of the rich culture and identity of our First Nations peoples.    Earlier this month, newly arrived Karenni families experienced a warm welcome to Country during a special cultural exchange with the Gumbaynggirr community. Organised by our Coffs Harbour Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) team in partnership with the Bularri Murlay Nyangan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC), the Giingan Experience saw families listen to ancient Dreaming stories, watch the Wajaarr Ngaarlu dancers perform, and participate in traditional ceremonies, including dancing and a smoking ceremony. For many, this day was not only a chance to experience something new, but an opportunity to understand more First Nations culture, and the deep relationship between culture, Country, and community. When newcomers are welcomed into meaningful cultural experiences like this, they don't just learn about the host culture, they develop a sense of belonging understanding that is foundational to successful settlement Thank you to BMNAC and the Gumbaynggirr community for their generosity and leadership in creating such a powerful and welcoming experience on Country. Learn more about how we support newcomers: https://lnkd.in/gVzkMu8W SSI is contracted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to deliver the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP)

“It might sound clichéd when people talk about values aligning, but for me, it’s the absolute truth and what I love most about SSI.” “SSI's values aren’t just words – they are truly present, evident in the advocacy that takes place, the passion of the staff, and the support the organisation provides to both clients and employees.” Tariro Mapfumo started with SSI in the Humanitarian Settlement Services program in 2012 before moving to the Multicultural Child and Family Program where she was promoted into different roles. In 2017 she moved to Newcastle as Manager Hunter Central Coast, a position she held until 2023 when she moved to Victoria and took a job with a local not-for-profit. But in 2024, she returned to SSI in a new role as Child Safety Specialist.  “SSI’s values align so deeply with my own that when I passed the interview and got the call, boy, did I celebrate! My first email from SSI simply said: WELCOME HOME! It doesn’t get any better than that,” she said. Tari worked in the corporate sector until the birth of her second child when she realised she wanted more from her career. "At Centrelink one day, I overheard a heartbreaking conversation and thought: I want to do work that truly matters to me — that creates purpose and makes a difference, one life at a time.” While on maternity leave, Tari threw herself into reaching her new career goal, completed a TAFE diploma and progressively completed a Bachelor's in Social Science and Masters in Public Health. She has continued her studies over the years, most recently completing a Graduate Certificate in Project Leadership and Management. Tari said the growth of SSI provides every staff member the chance to grow and thrive. “As SSI flourishes, so too do the possibilities for every one of us to evolve – not just within our own programs, but across the entire organisation.” ✨ We’re celebrating 25 years by sharing stories that showcase how SSI has grown and flourished over time. These stories highlight the incredible people and achievements that have shaped SSI’s journey. Read more about our journey over 25 years: https://lnkd.in/gt3-7yTD

Few things are more quintessentially Australian than spending time at the beach, but our beautiful coastline can be dangerous without the right knowledge Last week, nearly 60 newly arrived refugees learnt vital water-safety skills at a special beach safety day at Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club with Surf Life Saving NSW and special guest Ian Thorpe. From learning how to spot a rip to taking their first swim in the surf, participants gained practical, potentially life-saving knowledge. And who better to help show them the ropes than Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe? Coming from Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Iran and Congo, the newcomers are part of our Humanitarian Settlement Program (Australian Department of Home Affairs) and were excited to experience an Australian beach for the first time. Beyond the safety lessons, we celebrated with a coastal walk, and plenty of time for families to connect and enjoy the beach together. Experiences like this are invaluable for newcomers to build real independence and navigate life in Australia, particularly around water safety where the stakes are so high. Our culturally responsive approach, with interpreters and tailored support, helps newcomers embrace what their new home has to offer, safely.  Through collaboration with partners like Surf Life Saving NSW, and supporters like Sutherland Shire Council, Jack Boyd GAICD and Ian Thorpe, we're creating experiences that go beyond basic settlement support - building confidence, connection and the practical skills needed to thrive in Australia. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special day!  Hear more about the special excursion: https://lnkd.in/gvgyJ6nA 

At SSI, living our values means working together across teams, programs, and social enterprises to create real impact.   Our Inclusive Employment Australia team is breaking new ground, helping people with disability from refugee backgrounds find meaningful work. It's complex, important work that demands both cultural wisdom and deep empathy.   Recently, Janet Irvine, SSI Diversity Training Manager, spent the day with this newly formed team and shared practical insights on delivering trauma-informed and culturally responsive support, while learning from the lived experience and passion of the Inclusive Employment team.   Moments like these show the strength of SSI’s ecosystem. The insights from frontline programs strengthen the training we deliver, while our training enhances the impact of our services across communities.   The SSI Diversity Training team is energised by the passion and purpose this group brings to creating inclusive employment opportunities for all.   Learn more about Diversity Training: https://lnkd.in/g39tzUXr

Celebrate International Day of People with Disability with us and Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO). Join us for a special virtual event bringing together changemakers and advocates to commemorate this year’s theme, ‘Fostering disability inclusive societies for social progress’. This free event also marks this year’s final Pathways to Possibilities Community of Practice meeting, amplifying the voices of people with disability to improve workplace inclusion and remove barriers to employment and career development. The event is hosted by disability and human rights advocate Giancarlo de Vera 🌈 MAICD, featuring an address by NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner Jeff Smith and a panel discussion with thought leaders Dr George Taleporos (GAICD, PhD), Téa Rundback, Sharon Xabregas and Laura Imbruglia. When? Wednesday 26 November 2025, 11:30am-1:30pm AEDT Where? Online (Auslan and live captioning available) Register now: https://lnkd.in/gcJTYGnX Join us to learn from industry leaders and discover how we can build a truly inclusive future — together. [Image description: A graphic explaining the time and date of the Pathways to Possibilities event with headshots of speakers and logos for AFDO and SSI.] #IDPWD2025 #PathwaysToPossibilities #DisabilityEmployment #DisabilityInclusion

Last week, over 20 refugee artists from Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, Congo, Myanmar, and Iraq shared their work with thousands of Sydneysiders at the second Beyond Borders exhibition at 1 Elizabeth. The impact extends far beyond the gallery walls. One year on from our inaugural exhibition, the artists’ growth has been extraordinary. Many have secured employment and study placements that recognise their prior skills, formed deep friendships across languages and cultures, and built a powerful network of mutual support. What began as individual creative journeys has become community. Several pieces were sold, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the artists, supporting their financial independence. What’s equally significant is seeing artists who were tentative last year now confidently engage visitors, asking for their interpretations before sharing their own. This confidence reflects over a year of mentorship, tailored workshops, and artistic collaboration. This is Creative Compass, our unique initiative pioneered within SSI’s Humanitarian Settlement Program that invests in the creative and economic futures of artists from refugee backgrounds. It recognises that meaningful integration requires holistic support across employment, wellbeing, social connection, and belonging. At a special afternoon tea, artists, families, staff, and supporters gathered to celebrate and hear the stories behind the creations. The room was filled with resilience, creativity, and the human spirit that inspires everything we do at SSI. Our deepest gratitude to 1 Elizabeth for providing the space and support to bring this vision to life, and to the Macquarie Group Foundation for generously matching all donations. This is what collaboration can achieve. Congratulations to the artists and team who brought this exhibition and remarkable program to life.  Learn more about Creative Compass: https://lnkd.in/gTdmEc52 SSI is contracted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to deliver the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP). Ghasan Saaid, Moones Mansoubi, Anastasiia Kachurovska, Zoe Lusted, Jeffrey Ma, Claire Nemorin, lara Shaana, Mojtaba Hakimi, Amitabh Rajouria, Violet Roumeliotis AM, Yamamah Agha

For newly arrived refugees, navigating unfamiliar systems such as healthcare is a vital part of building a sense of belonging in their new home. Last week, fifteen newly arrived refugees joined us for a guided tour of their local Fairfield Hospital. For many, it was their first time walking through a hospital in Australia, and a chance to see the hospital not as an intimidating place, but as a welcoming community resource designed to support them.  Together with SSI and hospital staff, the group from our Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) explored departments that they may need one day, such as emergency care, dental services, radiology, and physiotherapy. Along the way, they learned how to access emergency care, book dental appointments, understand referrals, and navigate the system with confidence. Beyond information sharing, the trip was about building confidence and connection. By becoming familiar with essential services and meeting the dedicated hospital staff, the group left feeling safer, more connected, and empowered to advocate for their own health and their families' wellbeing. Thank you to the team at Fairfield Hospital (South Western Sydney Local Health District) for their hospitality and support. Learn more about how we support newcomers: https://lnkd.in/gVzkMu8W  SSI is contracted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to deliver the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP). 

We are proud to officially launch our new Multicultural Family Based Care Program, a culturally and linguistically diverse initiative supporting children and young people in out-of-home care across Logan. Funded by the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, the program was officially launched on 30 October with Acting Executive Regional Director Alicia Kelly, department representatives, community leaders, and First Nations Elders joining us to mark this milestone. The program will commence with plans to deliver 26 culturally informed family-based care placements for children and young people under 18 who are in the department’s care - a significant step towards achieving better outcomes for multicultural children and young people in out-of-home care. Research shows that kinship and culturally appropriate care lead to stronger childhood outcomes. Children thrive when they can learn about and maintain their culture, language and religion. Our goal is simple yet vital - to place children with family (kin) wherever possible, ensuring their safety, belonging and wellbeing. When family placement isn’t possible, we work to connect children with carers from their cultural community. Together, we are building a care system where every child can feel safe, supported and proud of who they are. Learn more about the program here: https://lnkd.in/g-d-mK5F

Refugee protection is a global responsibility, and it begins with local action.  At our recent SSI International Speaker Series, leaders, advocates, and community representatives came together to explore regional and global challenges in refugee protection, from mixed migration trends and shrinking humanitarian space to how civil society partnerships and new pathways are responding.  Moderated by Rooan Al Kalmashi, the panel featured Dr Graham Thom (Refugee Council of Australia), Sonia Vignjevic (SSI), Razia Muradi (SSI) and Hafsar Tameesuddin (Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) Network) who brought incredible insights that shaped discussions on how collaboration can turn shared challenges into shared solutions. These discussions were particularly valuable as our International team’s advocacy and engagements continue to focus on regional challenges, including the ongoing Rohingya crisis, and champion sustainable, community-led responses. A highlight was hearing from Razia Muradi, our new colleague who joined SSI through a complementary pathway facilitated by Talent Beyond Boundaries, sharing her lived experience and demonstrating what sustainable solutions can look like in practice. Together, the event reinforced why partnerships, advocacy, and locally led solutions are key to advancing global refugee protection. Read our full event wrap-up and key discussion points here:  https://lnkd.in/ddPrpD4z Carmen G., Rooan Al Kalmashi, Sonia Vignjevic, Graham Thom, Hafsar Tameesuddin, Razia Muradi, Violet Roumeliotis AM, Naji Nader, Jemma Bailey

Earlier this month at Parliament House, SSI had the privilege of contributing to the Thriving Kids Inquiry, sharing our vision for a future where every child can truly thrive - regardless of background or ability. We highlighted the unique challenges and strengths of children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, especially those living with disability or developmental needs. Our experience shows that supporting these children means more than just providing services - it’s about listening, understanding, and co-designing solutions with families and communities. SSI’s core belief is simple: every child deserves to flourish. Achieving this requires embedding cultural safety, amplifying community voices, and ensuring equity is at the heart of every policy and program. We advocated for people with lived experience from CALD backgrounds to be central in shaping, delivering, and evolving the Thriving Kids Program. We’re excited to continue this important conversation, learn from others, and work together to build a future where all children can reach their full potential. Read more in our submission: https://lnkd.in/gqVxhhXH Ben Fioramonte, Nicole Smith, Eric Harper, Tri Nguyen, Sonia Vignjevic, Violet Roumeliotis AM