SSI is a national not-for-profit organisation providing dedicated human and social services to a diverse Australia.
With community at the heart of everything we do, our purpose is to create a world in which everyone has access to equal opportunities.
SSI was founded in Sydney in 2000 with the aim of helping newly arrived refugees settle in Australia. Over time, our expertise in working with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds served as the foundation for a gradual expansion into other social services and geographical areas. We now deliver services across three states, have a dedicated research team informing our work and leading sector insights, and we advocate for our communities’ issues.
Youth Programs:
Provides a range of programs for young people and adults 15 to 25 years old from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, including asylum seekers.
The programs promote social inclusion and increase engagement in sport, education and leadership.
Interpreter services and volunteer opportunities are available.
Community Hubs:
Community Hubs support migrant and refugee parents and children as they develop school-readiness skills and navigate the education system and help to build parents' capacity to support their children's learning.
Community Hubs also offer migrants and refugees practical assistance to establish links with community services and supports in a safe and familiar setting so that they can build better lives and move towards full participation in Australian society.
Settlement Services Program:
The Settlement Services Program assists ethnic communities through direct service provision, advocacy and community development.
The Scheme provides information, referral, counselling and support to assist newly arrived migrants to gain access to basic services such as education, training, income support, health and language services.
The Scheme also identifies and meets the settlement needs of migrants and ethnic communities, analyses government policies and provides advocacy on policy issues.
Provides support for those who have experienced domestic or family violence and can also provide a referral to other agencies.
Translation assistance and support in a range of other areas is available for people from culturally & linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
*The service is available for all people who meet the eligibility criteria including asylum seekers.*
Support Services for Migrants & Refugees:
Various settlement support services for migrants and refugee humanitarian entrants are provided and may include the following:
Multicultural support groups;
Language support & translation services;
Employment support;
A community support program for people with multiple disadvantages when seeking employment;
A driving school;
Migrant information & referral;
Advocacy & community awareness;
Housing services including assistance with obtaining household goods, furniture & bedding;
Short-term counselling relating to torture & trauma;
On-arrival reception at the airport & emergency assistance;
Youth services & programs; and
Support services for those experiencing family or domestic violence.
Hours Monday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Tuesday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Wednesday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Thursday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Friday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
