SSI

Yesterday, we held our Annual General Meeting in Sydney, commemorating 24 years of contribution and celebrating the positive impact that our organisation, staff, volunteers, and supporters made in the lives of over 67,000 Australians during the 2023-2024 financial year. Through nearly 60 programs, numerous partnerships, and dedicated advocacy efforts, our team has worked to stand alongside individuals to achieve their goals and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. This year's theme, 'in community, with community, from community', reflects our commitment to collective action. Community stands at the heart of everything we do, and who we are. The reference to ‘from community’ acknowledges that our skilled and lived experienced staff reflect our diverse and vibrant communities. Of our team, 71 percent were born outside Australia, one in ten identify as living with disability, and one in five have experienced forced displacement. A huge thank you to SSI staff member Anastasia Kachurovska who took the stage as the MC at yesterday's event, proudly represented her own Ukrainian community. With special thanks to our speakers, Elder Michael West, Hugh de Kretser, Australian Human Rights Commission, Israa, Hassan Moussa, Arab Council Australia, Juliana Nkrumah AM, SSI, Melinda Ham, Rami Al-Eden, Sara M H, Olga Kurushna, Damon AMB, Nadia Khan. As we look forward, we're excited to embrace new opportunities and continue our mission of building a more inclusive and equitable society. Read our 2023–2024 annual report: https://lnkd.in/gmeTg9Ki Violet Roumeliotis AM, Sandy Fitter, Yamamah Agha, Sonia Vignjevic Ben Fioramonte, Ben Fioramonte, Sharon Lanyon, Ram Neupane, Caroline Reid, Katia Kullengren, Deloitte. Voula Messimeri AM MAICD, Rola Hijwel, Tharani Jegatheeswaran, Janet Matton AM, Sujeet Rana, Dushy Thangiah OAM, Angela Tsoukatos, Peter van Vliet.

On a rainy day in Logan last week, former and current staff from our QLD offices came together to commemorate 2 Carmody St – set for demolition today.   SSI, in partnership with the Queensland Government, has co-invested in a flagship community infrastructure project aimed at uplifting Logan City by giving locals, job seekers and employers access to better economic opportunities and outcomes.    2 Carmody St will come down and a brand new four-level facility will be built in its place. This building will be a central hub for communities to access, transcending barriers and transforming lives, and leading to positive economic contributions and change in the Logan community.     While we reflected on the many years of service the current building has offered to the staff and individuals over the years, it’s with great excitement that we embark on a new journey, with our communities alongside us, as we build this brand-new facility in the heart of Logan.   If you’re interested in supporting this new development, sharing space with us, or would like to learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gmkZgryn   Due to be built in 2026. Watch this space!

"She saw me as someone who shared her background and spoke the same language. She asked, 'Is there any way you can support me? You're my sister. You understand how to help me." First-line responders like Sara*, a community worker, are the hidden workforce supporting culturally diverse women and girls experiencing violence. Educators, health practitioners and other providers of social support are often the first point of call for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds experiencing or at risk of family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV), who may be unfamiliar with the service system. To support equity, safety and quality in FDSV response, it is imperative that these workers are appropriately trained and supported to recognise and respond to disclosures of FDSV. More investment, means more safe hands. This week, over 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, SSI are united in the UN's call for more Investment to prevent violence against women and girls - like training and support for first-line responders who are the safe hands that many women turn to. Read their stories: https://lnkd.in/gB_NjtZ4 #16DaysOfActivism #16Days

"Life was so difficult. I couldn't even afford to have my own mobile phone so I couldn't even capture what my paintings are about." Ezra, an 18-year-old aspiring artist born in Congo, spent almost ten years growing up in a refugee camp in Malawi, where he nurtured his passion and talent for art. Since arriving in Sydney with his family of eight, Ezra has joined an arts mentorship program through SSI's Creative Compass Program and the Community Refugee Welcome Centre. Ezra has been able to connect with other aspiring artists from refugee backgrounds and mentors to help build his skills and career in Australia. His fusion of realism and abstract art has become a powerful way for him to process his experiences and rebuild his life in Australia. The program works closely with these artists, offering consultations, introductions to the Australian arts industry, and professional practice sessions. Ezra is currently working hard on several new paintings for our upcoming arts exhibition marking International Human Rights Day. Join us to see and support Ezra and other refugee artists at the ground floor of 1 Elizabeth Street in Sydney CBD on December 3 and 4, from 11am to 3pm. By providing a platform for connection and self-expression, arts initiatives like this can empower individuals, bring communities together and help build a stronger society. Read Ezra's full story: https://lnkd.in/gjYvxeDV Australian Associated Press (AAP), Farid Farid, Ghasan Saaid, Yamamah Agha, Amitabh Rajouria, Jeffrey Ma, Moones Mansoubi

"When my daughter finally started attending [early education], she cried hysterically every day. I was so worried because I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t speak enough English to ask the staff what was happening. The centre wouldn’t provide an interpreter – I felt helpless. I had to withdraw her.” These are the words of Leila*, a mother of three young children from Afghanistan. Multicultural children in Australia, like Leila’s children, all of whom are on the autistic spectrum, are missing out on early childhood education and early intervention programs. As a result, they are more likely to be developmentally vulnerable when they start school. The good news is that in Victoria, multicultural parents like Leila will now have improved access to early childhood education and support, ensuring more children have a strong start in life. We welcome the Victorian Government’s announcement of $7.47 million in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Outreach Initiative grants for 25 councils. This investment represents an important step toward helping children from multicultural families across Victoria access and attend kindergarten. The new initiative aligns with our Stronger Starts, Brighter Futures II research, conducted in collaboration with researchers at Education Futures, University of South Australia, and released earlier this year by Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth Dr. Anne Aly.  In line with the report’s recommendations, the initiative will see CALD teams employed by councils work directly with local families to support kindergarten enrolments. They will lead information sessions to enhance understanding of kindergarten, assist families and educators in maximising attendance, and provide support for families during the transition from kindergarten to school. Participation in early childhood education is a powerful investment that benefits not only children and their families but also generates a ripple effect of significant advantages for Australia's economy and society. Thank you, Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn, for taking this important step in the right direction. We urge governments at all levels and across all states in Australia to take meaningful action to improve access and participation for CALD children in early childhood education. It is essential that planning and funding for early childhood education reflect the significant numbers of CALD families needing access to support. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/gkXB76EB Tadgh McMahon, Sandy Fitter, Sally Brinkman, Violet Roumeliotis AM, Sonia Vignjevic, Yamamah Agha, Ben Fioramonte, Ghassan Noujaimm Rose Vearing, Robert Hoitink

Extensive cost barriers to accessing healthcare have come to light in new ABS findings, but these challenges are even more pronounced for people from CALD and refugee backgrounds. Our communities face additional hurdles such as the lack of culturally appropriate services, poor health literacy, and difficulties navigating complex healthcare systems. Similarly, people experiencing homelessness often encounter stigma, mental health issues and addiction, further complicating their ability to receive the care they need. At SSI, we understand these challenges and are working to ensure that everyone - no matter their background or circumstances - has access to the care they deserve. Commencing in January 2025, our health navigation service in south west Sydney will bridge these gaps by providing tailored support to individuals who face significant barriers to healthcare access. Email clientservices@ssi.org.au for more information on this initiative, established with thanks to funding from the Australian Government through South Western Sydney PHN. Read the ABS findings: https://lnkd.in/gWApkJ8D

Have you seen our latest foster care campaign?  As part of our ongoing efforts to recruit foster carers, we’re excited to promote our foster care program with vibrant billboards, newspaper ads and displays in shopping centres across south-west Sydney, Newcastle, and the Central Coast! True to our commitment to recruiting carers who care about culture, we’ve designed these ads with a unique touch. The illustrations you see are inspired by the carers and children from our program and celebrate the diverse cultural activities and traditions that make our foster care community so special. We believe that every child deserves to stay connected to their culture, and we’re looking for foster carers who feel the same.  Learn more about SSI foster care: https://lnkd.in/gcPs8wNY 

SSI welcomes the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute’s Mapping Social Cohesion 2024 Report released today that shows while Australia’s social cohesion remains stable, it is under strain due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures and economic concerns.  From the programs and services we deliver at SSI, we have anecdotally observed newcomers feeling less welcome. This insightful report helps to capture evidence of these trends on a broader scale. The report shows that while Australians continue to support multiculturalism, with 85% believing immigration is generally beneficial for the country, this support has declined from 89% last year, which was already a record low in almost 20 years. The findings suggest that the shifts in sentiment are likely not due to opposition to diversity, with 71% of Australians still agreeing that accepting immigrants from various countries makes Australia stronger. Rather, this change in public opinion is likely driven by economic and cost-of-living concerns. Through our work, we know that migrants in Australia are part of the solution to these challenges, not the problem or the cause.  Earlier this year, we commissioned research from Deloitte Access Economics that found that Australia could unlock $9 billion annually by fully harnessing the skills of migrants already living in Australia. Migrants are 1.7 times more likely than the Australian-born workforce to hold a university-level qualification. A better match between migrant talent and employment outcomes would transform Australia’s economy – increasing employment, boosting productivity at the industry level and lifting wages for migrant and non-migrant workers alike. SSI’s Activate Australia’s Skills campaign is leading a diverse coalition of Australian organisations calling to activate over 600,000 highly skilled migrant workers living in Australia who are blocked by our complex skills and recognition skills from contributing to their full potential. The Mapping Social Cohesion 2024 Report reveals that the public trusts and values the support provided by frontline community services and has high levels of active engagement locally with their communities.  Many Australians are participating in social, community, religious, civic, and political groups. While we have also observed this anecdotally, these findings provide useful insights into broader trends. The more people can participate in the economy, the more they can also participate in social and community initiatives, fostering stronger connections, trust and overall social cohesion. Learn more about Activate Australia’s Skills campaign: https://lnkd.in/gZ3MCYJR  Read the Mapping Social Cohesion 2024 full report: https://lnkd.in/gWfrQcvC Violet Roumeliotis AM, Dane Moores, Sharon Lanyon, Sandy Fitter, Lily Jiang, Brad Chilcott AM, Peter Stahel, Hannah Gartrell

Now's the time to advance disability inclusion in the workplace. Pathways to Possibilities is your chance to join like-minded professionals, share ideas and discover how we can unlock the economic potential of people with disability. Last chance to register - don't miss out! 👉 https://lnkd.in/gh_X2j3T There's an untapped pool of one million people with disabilities eager to work. This is a unique opportunity for businesses to bridge the gap and tap into a skilled workforce. Come along to celebrate International Day of People with Disability at the launch of the Pathways to Possibilities report! 📅 Tuesday, November 26, 6pm 📍 Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney Image: Artwork is 'Possum' by Bridget Kelly, 2021. #PathwaysToPossibilities #DisabilityInclusion #Networking #InternationalDayofPeopleWithDisability #WorkplaceInclusion #EconomicParticipation #DisabilityAdvocacy #Accessibility #NetworkingEvent #DisabilityEmployment

BEMAC is doing big things!   SSI’s Queensland based arts program, Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC) was recently a semi-finalist for the Awards Australia Foundation Diversity and Inclusion Award.   The program has been showcasing some of the most diverse and inspiring artists in and around Brisbane.   Hannah Attwood, BEMAC Program Manager, says BEMAC’s growing visibility is about staying true to the program’s values.    "Our vision encompasses not just the presentation of diverse arts, but the fundamental transformation of how cultural expression is valued, supported, and integrated into Queensland's artistic identity. "The landscape we enter in 2025 is markedly different from the one our founders encountered in 1987. Today's artists navigate hybrid cultural identities, digital platforms, and audiences that demand both authentic cultural expression and contemporary relevance."   Next time you're in Brisbane, book in to see an incredible show: bemac.org.au   Season 2 is on its way!