Settlement Council of Australia in Deakin | Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

Settlement Council of Australia

Locality: Deakin

Phone: +61 2 6282 8515

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25.01.2022 Started by Cambodian refugees on an unusual site, Goldenfield is a powerful reminder of how important locally grown ingredients are.

23.01.2022 In this article, Felix reflects on the support and kindness he received from the community in Canberra, including from one of our members, Canberra Refugee Support - ACT.

23.01.2022 The Brotherhood of St Laurences Youth Program engages young people aged 15-25 from refugee, asylum seeker and migrant backgrounds to support them to engage in education, employment and social inclusion activities. Due to COVID-19, they have had to adapt how they run their social inclusion activities, using Instagram, WhatsApp and other forms of social media to connect. Instrumental to the success of these activities has been the use of platforms which young people are alre...ady using, and the fact that rapport had already been established before COVID-19 through face to face interaction. To read more about this case study, click here: http://scoa.org.au//Brotherhood-of-St-Laurence-case-study-

22.01.2022 "To mark Refugee Week, we spoke to four women whose parents came to Australia as refugees to find out how their family background shaped their life and their identity." https://primer.com.au/daughter-refugee-alyce-tran/

20.01.2022 Innocent Makuza has been helping to sow a small patch of land with his mum, and said he has been enjoying the peace that living in Australia has offered him. https://www.abc.net.au//congolese-refugees-farm-/12374438

20.01.2022 During COVID-19, Ishar Multicultural Womens Health Services Inc remained connected with women and families by developing Posted Home Packs, and through regular phone check-ins. Read the full case study here: http://scoa.org.au//FINAL-Ishar-Neighbourhood-Mothers-Prog

20.01.2022 "When Jaswinder Singh Dhaliwal became a permanent resident of Australia in 2016, the young farmer from India decided to follow his passion for agriculture, which meant that the family moved from a big city to a regional country town." https://www.sbs.com.au//prosperous-happy-and-healthy-young

19.01.2022 "A shoebox can have a powerful impact on young people trying to rebuild their lives and settle into a new future in Australia. This gift of giving is not just about the contents of the shoebox - it's in the gesture, the generous intent and the message from young people in our Blue Mountains community." https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au//shoeboxes-of-wel/

19.01.2022 MYAN Australia is excited to share their Day in the Life video series amplifying the voices of young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds around Australia on COVID-19 Young people have said that they want to see the voices of young people at the forefront of discussions on the COVID-19 pandemic and were prepared to put themselves forward to counter negative and inaccurate stereotypes. The videos were developed by young people (including some whod never before made ...or edited a video!) and share their real narratives of staying safe and healthy, supporting each other, their families and communities during this time. Watch out for more videos throughout May on MYAN Australias Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

18.01.2022 Samah Shda and her family made the journey from Iraq to Australia as refugees in 2019 and food and heritage were central to their collective. https://www.sbs.com.au//iraq-australia-story-resettlement-

18.01.2022 Diverse communities across Australia are taking action against violence this White Ribbon Day - here is just one of them. In order to eliminate violence against women all spheres of influencecultural communities, religious communities, workplaces, friendship circles and othersneed to have the difficult conversations and make considered changes. May all of our spheres of influence be engaged in this work today, and every day! #whiteribbonday

17.01.2022 SCoAs May Newsletter is out now! In this edition, we focus on COVID-19, and share 7 case studies that show the innovative ways settlement services have adapted in light of the pandemic. Find it here: https://mailchi.mp/scoa/scoa-newsletter-october-7842828

16.01.2022 My mother had nine children. I remember seeing her bedridden, suffering from complicated pregnancies, but somehow, she always found time to care for others. She taught me that the meaning of life is to help people," he says. "So, if I can help other women not to suffer as my mother did, I am happy. For the past 20 years, Quang has delivered an average of five babies per week at his surgery and at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital in Sydney. He also works at an IVF clinic and prev...iously was a senior lecturer at South Western Sydney Clinical School. He also teaches medical students and doctors from Vietnam to improve healthcare for people living in poverty. https://www.sbs.com.au//ex-refugee-who-fled-a-jungle-war-i

15.01.2022 SCoA very much welcomes todays announcement of changes to the Adult Migrant English Program, including the removal of the five year time limit and the cap of 510 hours. Migrants and refugees overwhelmingly want to learn English and give back to Australian society. These announcements will mean more people can do that. Read our full statement in the link:... http://scoa.org.au//Media-release-AMEP-changes-28-Aug-2020

15.01.2022 Anyier Yuol launched her own modelling agency to bring greater diversity to the industry, with the support of Thrive Refugee Enterprise. Watch Anyiers journey here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uzrkhSvRAM&feature=youtu.be

15.01.2022 Women in the western Sydney communities that Kariuki-Fyfe supports with her volunteering work have other terms for her. "A lifesaver," says one. "A connector," says another. "A mum to everybody," says a third. https://www.smh.com.au//how-big-mama-rosemary-is-changing-

15.01.2022 "Wednesday nights episode of MasterChef Australia: Back To Win was not only an emotional one for contestants, but struck a heartfelt chord with many viewers too. The challenge involved each contestant receiving a surprise photo from their childhood, some even including family members in the shots. They were then asked to create a special dish that reminded them of their loved ones. Many viewers shared their joy during the episode, praising the show for portraying touching... stories that depict the migrant experience in Australia." https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au//masterchef-australia_au

14.01.2022 "Australia has given Iraqi refugee Zaman Roomi a second chance." "I am so happy, because I love this country and in my country we didnt have a chance to live," said Ms Roomi. https://www.liverpoolchampion.com.au//new-citizens-love-a/

14.01.2022 https://www.sbs.com.au//volunteer-english-teachers-are-hel

13.01.2022 The SA Refugee Week Youth Poster Awards always showcase incredible talent and thoughtful artwork. A browse through the online gallery (or the physical gallery if you can) is highly recommended! Well done Australian Migrant Resource Centre!

12.01.2022 Recognising that many of their clients are not literate in their first language, CatholicCare Social Services - Toowoomba Region worked with the local Primary Health Network and the local hospital and developed audio translations of key restriction updates and health information. These were then distributed to service providers, and widely shared through Facebook and WhatsApp. The audio resources have made it much easier for service providers to communicate with clients. As... a result of the information being in a format that is more accessible, and shared through mediums client groups already frequently accessed, the local community has a better understanding of the pandemic and current health advice. You can read more about this case study, including challenges, outcomes and key learnings here: http://scoa.org.au/wp-conte/uploads/2020//CatholicCare.pdf

12.01.2022 Melaleuca Refugee Centres Family Harmony Program provides a series of workshops and activities that support families as they adjust to their new community and life in Australia. The workshops are complemented by more informal group activities, and one on one mentoring. Central to the success of the program is its strengths-based community development model. Read the full case study here: ... http://scoa.org.au//FINAL-Melaleuca-RC-Family-Harmony-Prog

11.01.2022 One of my earliest experiences in Australia was having my first Tim Tam in the hotel room in Adelaide after a very long flight. I remember thinking, Oh my God,... I have to keep the other one for my husband!, but then after an hour, saying, Nah, and eating it myself! At that time, I was 35 weeks pregnant, and I had a 4-year-old son. We were making our way to Loxton, a town in the Riverland, where my husband had found work as a doctor. When we finally arrived, everyone in the community was so welcoming. There was even a welcome pack for us in our home with all the food we needed. When I gave birth three weeks later, many people offered help. One person was Betty, who took me to the shops to buy baby things. From there, our friendship grew, and we now we call her and her husband our kids Australian grandparents. They even come over for Christmas dinners! After a while, I started to think about working again. I had been a lawyer before, but when I first contacted the law society here, they gave me this long list of subjects to do, as I hadnt practiced for 10 years. So I put that list in a drawer and forgot about it. Instead, I got a job in the homelessness sector as a case officer. And I went on to have another child. But then, when the children were all at school, I brought out that letter again. I ended up deciding to do my law degree again from scratch. My husband was really supportive and that went a long way, but it wasnt easy. I was still working part time, and of course I had three kids. There were times when Id drive to the riverfront and just study in the car. Or before I went into the bedroom to study, Id lay out a big tray with all kinds of food, and say, Mummy has to study for two hours. So if you are not on fire, dont come in! After I finished, the tricky bit was getting work in the Riverland. When I finally did, I had to go to the firms head office in Adelaide every week to do supervised training. In 2018, my position in that firm was made redundant because they closed the Riverland office. So I decided to start my own business, a migration agency. I also began work as a solicitor part-time with another local firm, but finally, last year, I was able to go out on my own both as a lawyer and as a migration agent, which I am very proud of. When we first arrived, I told my husband that I didnt want to pack our lives into another suitcase in a long, long time. I said, This has to work. And having that intention has been helpful to both of us. Overall, its been more than a 10 year journey for me. But I eventually got here, with a few grey hairs along the way! Chioma Nigeria Arrived 2006 Read more inspirational stories in the New Humans of Australia coffee table books: www.newhumansofaustralia.org/shop Support my storytelling work: www.patreon.com/newhumansofaustralia Tell your story: https://rb.gy/kd5kqu #migration #Nigeria #LoxtonSA #RiverlandSA #SouthAustralia #Australia #inspiration #determination #newhumansofaustralia #storiesnotstereotypes

10.01.2022 Peter Deng came to Australia as a refugee from southern Sudan after spending a decade in a Kenyan refugee camp. He has now established an independent book publishing company at the centre of a worldwide boom in African literature. https://www.sbs.com.au//how-the-search-for-an-out-of-print

10.01.2022 Amazing work by one of our members, Access Community Services Ltd!

10.01.2022 We were delighted to launch the revised National Settlement Outcomes Standards and the new Settlement Sector Quality framework at our AGM yesterday, with some fabulous speakers. Alison Larkins, the Commonwealth Coordinator-General for Migrant Services, spoke to the importance of a whole of community approach to settlement. Michael Zyrga and Kaveh Navaei showed us how these documents can be embedded at an organisational level, while Rosemary Kariuki showed us what the ideals o...f the Quality Framework look like when embodied by an individual. Keep your eyes peeled for further work we have planned to bring these documents to life! Click on this link to access the revised NSOS and the new Quality Framework: http://scoa.org.au//settlement-be/standards-and-resources/

09.01.2022 Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services Friday Food Safari started as a way for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to gain skills and share their cuisine with others. During COVID-19, they have adapted their business model to continue the program, using food as a way to connect people and communities during isolation. Read more about this case study here: ... http://scoa.org.au//2020/05/LCMS-Case-study-in-template.pdf

08.01.2022 I came to Australia by boat when I was 9 years old. Our family had to leave Iraq when their lives were put in danger by Saddam Hussein for political reasons, an...d we heard that this was the only immediate option for us to get away. At that time, wed never heard of Australia, and had no idea how far away it was. But my parents sold all their assets in Iraq, and we made our way to Indonesia. The next morning, we were taken down to the water at 2 am. It was pitch black, and all we could hear were children crying. We walked down to the end of a long jetty, where a man shoved us onto the boat, and told us the kids and the mums would be in one section and the dads in another. I still remember it was really hard for me to let go of Dads hand. We were put into a dark room where we could hear other people, but it wasnt until sunrise that we saw all the kids huddled around their mothers. The men were kept on deck. They cooked the rice, our only food, and I remember smelling the burn of the rice all the time. My mum didnt touch a bite for the whole journey. People were throwing up everywhere, and no-one wanted to eat because no-one wanted to go to the toilet, which was just a hole in the deck shared with everyone. After 5 days, the boat just stopped. Afterwards, we found out that the drivers had burned the motor of the boat so that we wouldnt be able to leave Australian waters. It was the stupidest decision because there was no land in sight, and not even a sign of the navy. By then, there wasnt much food left, so people were fighting everywhere, and everyone just wanted to kill the drivers. Luckily, the navy arrived the next day, and took all the mums and the kids on board. We were relieved, but at the same time scared, because their boat was so huge, and coming from Iraq, we didnt really know if we could trust the government. We were taken first to Darwin, followed by a long journey across the desert to the Woomera Detention Centre. At that time, there were just tents there and a couple of little caravans where they interviewed us. As we entered the interview, they said, You are no longer identified by your name and tagged us with a band around our arm. I was POK 003. It was a strange time. The kids attended school taught by some of the parents. But mostly, people just hung around waiting. After around four months, people became impatient and upset with the uncertainty of not knowing what was happening. Some people were admitted to the psych camp because they were suicidal, or had gone on hunger strikes or were planning riots. The purpose of the riots was to attract the attention of the media, because we werent sure if anyone in Australia even knew that we were there in the middle of the desert. My family was the first family to leave, 11 months after we arrived. We were taken to Adelaide by bus. It was a bittersweet feeling, as we were still worried about how we were going to live. But it was amazing to be outside after all that time, and when we arrived in Adelaide, we just fell in love with it it was so green and beautiful. We studied a special English program for a few years before transitioning to normal school. I was the only Middle Eastern, but it was surprisingly OK. I was always proud of who I was and open about coming to Australia by boat. Eventually, I melded into the school. Next, I started a degree in Law. But a year later, my parents became physically tired from working in a factory for 7 years. My brothers and I wanted to find a way to help them, so we told them we wanted to start a business with them, and they finally agreed, with the condition that none of us stop our studies. As we didnt want something that served alcohol, we decided to open a shisha bar the first shisha bar on Hindley Street! From the beginning, we wanted to share our culture, our food, and our music with Australians, not just with Middle Eastern people. At first, a lot of Aussies had no idea what it was about, so we used to do demonstrations about what the different teas were, and how to have a shisha. And people loved it! Eventually, our business grew so much, we opened another one. Most of the people we employed were Syrian and Afghani refugees who needed a job. They loved working there, and we built a really strong sense of family, both with our staff and with our customers. It was really beautiful watching the two cultures Middle Eastern and Australian mix over a cup of tea. The atmosphere was always like, Who cares where youre from, were just here to enjoy the music! After 7 years, our lifestyles changed, so we ended up selling the business to our staff. I went with my husband to Dubai for a few years, where I had two kids. But when I returned, we decided to open another business Levant Eatery, and a few years later, we opened another one. Mum and Dad are still involved in those businesses. But my brothers have started their own construction company, and Im now waiting to be admitted as a solicitor so that I can finally start practising migration law. Weve all achieved a lot, but still theres always a feeling when you are a refugee, that you need to show your parents what they went through wasnt a waste that it was all worth it. Zainab Iraq Arrived 1999 Read more inspirational stories in the New Humans of Australia coffee table books, now back in stock! www.newhumansofaustralia.org/shop Tell your story: https://rb.gy/kd5kqu #refugee #refugeescontribute #refugeestories #Iraq #Adelaide #Australia #newhumansofaustralia #storiesnotstereotypes

08.01.2022 MYAN is excited to be hosting a National Youth Panel led by young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, exploring the new normal during and beyond COVID-19 on Tuesday 21 July 11 am - 12.45 pm. MYAN recognises it is critical to listen and learn from young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds on issues that are directly affecting them This Youth Panel is an important opportunity to hear directly from young people about the challenges and solutions to COVID-19 in a... discussion focused on mental health, education and employment. RSVP here: https://youthpanelcovid19.eventbrite.com.au

07.01.2022 The Horne Prize is open for submissions on the theme of Australian life. The winning submission will be published in The Saturday Paper and awarded a $15,000 prize. A great opportunity to tell stories exploring Australian migration, settlement and diversity!

06.01.2022 Thanks to an initiative from the Department of Communities and Justice, our social worker Sineenat Khantaracha (Kay) successfully applied to the Stronger Commun...ities program to support a young refugee family to be gifted with a computer to stay connected during COVID-19 and beyond. Here Aziz and his younger brothers Showif and Awiz, proudly show off their new technology tool, which will ensure that nothing interrupts their keen young minds from continuing their studies. Bayside Council, Georges River Council, Settlement Services International - SSI, NSW Settlement Partnership, Sutherland Shire Council, Kogarah Community Services, The Kogarah Storehouse, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Asylum Seekers Centre, RACS - Refugee Advice and Casework Service, TAFE NSW, Refugee Health Service (NSW), Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA), Settlement Council of Australia

05.01.2022 In response to community concerns about social isolation during Coronavirus, Multicultural Australia launched the Culture of Connection social media campaign. The campaign invites people and organisations to share their stories and experiences through Coronavirus, so that people could remain connected online while experiencing physical distancing and various lockdown restrictions. You can read more about this case study, including challenges, outcomes and key learnings here.... http://scoa.org.au//around-the-se/multicultural-australia/

05.01.2022 'Coffs Harbour resident Cing Thatmun is not a doctor, or a nurse, or a paramedic. Yet, the Myanmar migrant is on the forefront of Australia's fight against the deadly virus. Ms Thatmun, who has been in Australia for 10 years, is working with Settlement Services International to translate vital COVID-19 information for her community.' https://www.abc.net.au//migrants-wait-for-timely-/12648730

05.01.2022 Multicultural Youth SA’s ‘Mum and Bubs’ Program includes direct service provision and community capacity initiatives in metropolitan Adelaide. The program includes Circle of Security Training an early intervention parenting program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children. Read more here: http://scoa.org.au///07/MYSA-Mums-and-Bubs-in-template.pdf

05.01.2022 New report: 'Communicating with migrant and refugee communities during COVID-19: Learnings for the future' In every emergency situation, clear and effective communications with everybody is essential. COVID-19 has given us reason to pause and reflect on how we currently do this with migrant and refugee communities, and what lessons we might be able to take in the future. Read our report at the link below.... http://scoa.org.au//Report-Communications-during-COVID-19-

04.01.2022 The Australian Migrant Resource Centre and ACCSA collaborated to create a video to inform African clients, ethnic and community leaders, other services and community supports of the multilingual telephone service to ensure services and support amid Coronavirus. The video is part of a cultural video project produced by and featuring people speaking in different languages regarding precautions to take and the multilingual telephone service implemented amid Coronavirus. The vid...eo serves a number of purposes, including, developing production skills, public speaking and community capacity building in a format driven and organised by a number of the African communities. Read more about this case study here: http://scoa.org.au//2020/05/AMRC-Case-Study-In-template.pdf

04.01.2022 "Another plus is telehealth offers people a chance to access mental health professionals from anywhere in the country, which means those in small communities have more options and more privacy when getting help." https://www.abc.net.au//seeing-a-psychologist-vi/12705482

04.01.2022 Swinburne Business School is researching the COVID-19 related experiences of refugee and humanitarian migrants in Australia and seeking participants to interview. The study aims to understand the extent and the nature of structural and socio-economic challenges faced by refugees and humanitarian migrant communities in Australia during COVID-19, including factors impacting wellbeing and employment and labour market experiences. For more information about the project and how to participate, click here: http://scoa.org.au//migrants-experiences-pandemic-austral/

03.01.2022 This article highlights the important role of interpreters in supporting refugees as they settle in Australia. It is also great to hear about CatholicCare Social Services - Toowoomba Region CatholicCare Interpreting Program which supports people to gain recognition or certification through the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). https://www.abc.net.au//high-demand-for-interpret/12529840

03.01.2022 "The Settlement Council of Australia, the peak body for migration settlement, has used the inquiry to call for a reassessment of the migration programs future. It is inevitable that it will be some time before the migration program will resume at its prior scale due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the council wrote in its submission to the inquiry. In the intervening period, there is an opportunity to reconsider the policy settings applying to temporary migration. ... "The Settlement Council of Australias submission has warned against an "over-reliance" on temporary migration moving forward. Permanent migration, and clear and transparent pathways to permanency for temporary migrants, facilitate improved settlement outcomes, it wrote. https://www.sbs.com.au//how-australia-s-coronavirus-crisis

02.01.2022 You can see the latest job opportunities around the sector on our website! Click the link below to see jobs at South East Community Links, Illawarra Multicultural Services, Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY), SydWest Multicultural Services and more, as well as PHD opportunities at Monash Migration and Melbourne Social Equity Institute. http://scoa.org.au/category/sectorupdates/sector-jobs/

02.01.2022 'Brimbank Council has a fresh new look and, in line with the rest of the Victoria, more women elected than ever before. At just 23, Jasmine Nguyen, is the youngest councillor to be elected this year and will represent the Harvester ward. The daughter of Vietnamese refugees, she said the privilege of being born in Australia has been deeply ingrained in her, along with the sense of responsibility to give back.... Cr Nguyen was one of six second-generation Vietnamese Australians to run for local council seats across Victoria in 2020.' https://brimbanknorthwest.starweekly.com.au//women-a-voic/

02.01.2022 Centacare FNQs Our Place project provides opportunities for communities from diverse backgrounds to have conversations, create connections, build relationships and grow their own social initiatives. Read the full case study here: http://scoa.org.au//FINAL-Centacare-FNQ-Our-Place-in-templ

02.01.2022 https://www.abc.net.au//refugee-community-garden-/12217592

01.01.2022 Multicultural Youth Affairs Network - MYAN NSW has taken a youth-led approach to adapting its work during COVID-19. They have been running a range of youth-led activities, including online games, facilitating social connection between youth, meditation and yoga sessions, and consultations with young people to understand how young people are feeling at this time. The young people at MYAN NSW have been instrumental in supporting the organisation to use new technologies, and a... key lesson learnt for MYAN NSW is the value of employing young people. You can read more about this case study, including challenges, outcomes and key learnings here: http://scoa.org.au///MYAN-NSW-Case-Study-In-template-1.pdf

01.01.2022 This year for Refugee Week, we have asked our Board Member, Clement Meru to share his reflections with us. Clement came to Australia from South Sudan as a refugee, and is now a leader in the settlement sector assisting others to make a new life in Australia. Read the full message here: ... https://mailchi.mp/scoa/gbr73ocaua-7853140 See more

01.01.2022 Victoria University, Melbourne Australia and Diversity Council Australia are seeking input from women from culturally diverse backgrounds to help them understand what would attract you to be, and retain you as, a leader in sport. They are seeking all women, even those not interested in sport. Click and complete this survey to share... your voice to help increase the representation of culturally diverse women in sport leadership roles: https://vuau.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEEKoQVbsHGLxgV See more

01.01.2022 https://www.sbs.com.au//community-rallies-to-supply-comput