NSW Settlement Partnership, a dynamic network of leading organisations, led by Settlement Services International (SSI), is celebrating seven years of supporting refugees and migrants to settle in Australia.
The network includes 21 organisations who work together to empower refugees and migrants to thrive independently, socially and financially in their new home.
It has delivered staggering results since its inception in 2015. Collectively, the partnership has supported 185,886 clients via 546,628 instances of service across 88 Local Government Areas. Clients from 177 client countries/cultures speaking over 160 ethnic languages have been assisted on their journey to settlement.
Consortia members include the leading migrant resource centres (MRCs), multicultural services and ethno-specific agencies. Together they deliver settlement services under the Department of Home Affairs’ Settlement Engagement and Transition Support Program (SETS).
Violet Roumeliotis, CEO, SSI, says the partnership is a driving force for the SETS Program with its goals front-of-mind for each of the organisations.
“We are incredibly powerful together, leveraging grassroots experience and the power of a large network. Together, we represent the leading minds in the settlement sector who are all working to achieve mutual goals – the success and independence of refugees and migrants.
“The purpose of the network is to simplify the process of government-funded initiatives, by providing one port of engagement, making us a trusted and reliable government partner.
“We are very proud of our results working in and amongst complex and multi-faceted issues. NSW Settlement Partnership has a reported 91.5% positive satisfaction outcome and a 91.8% overall positive goal outcome,” said Roumeliotis.
Antoinette Chow, CEO of Advance Diversity Services, says ADS is proud to have been part of the NSW Settlement Partnership since its inception because the network enables leaders in the settlement sector to exchange skills and information and to speak with one voice.
‘Ultimately, the network strengthens each of the organisations involved to provide refugees and migrants with a smooth an empowering path to settlement in Australia. Advocating on settlement issues together multiplies our effect.’
The partnership offers an innovative service delivery model to address the diverse range of needs of clients, community and government. The NSW Settlement Partnership offers equitable participation in Australian society, promoting social cohesion and productive diversity.
The NSW Settlement Partnership delivers:
- Professional support and training to the settlement workforce
- Organisational and governance support
- Exchange of information, expertise and experience
- Place-based support and volunteer opportunities
- Advocacy as one for the settlement sector
Find out more about the NSW Settlement Partnership here.