Tag: settlement

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SydWest and Western Sydney MRC Champion increase in Refugee Intake

Posted on | by Vikki Hine

Media Release
12 June 2025

SydWest Multicultural Services and Western Sydney MRC, both members of the Western Sydney Region Settlement Consortium, are proud to announce its upcoming advocacy event, aimed at championing an increase in Australia’s refugee intake and enhancing the resettlement experience for migrants and refugees.

The event, set to take place on 17th June at West HQ will bring together community leaders, peak bodies, policymakers, and advocates to drive meaningful discussions and push for positive change.

With global displacement increasing year after year, Australia has a unique opportunity to strengthen its commitment to humanitarian support.

This event will shine a spotlight on Australia’s refugee response compared to other nations and the challenges refugees face upon arrival, while presenting solutions to their inclusion and belonging.

The event will feature speakers from SBS, SSI, Refugee Council of Australia and UNSW, some of whom were refugees themselves.

Attendees will have the chance to engage with policymakers and stakeholders, reinforcing the call for increased intake and a more compassionate and structured support system.

“This event is a crucial step toward ensuring Australia remains a leader in humanitarian action,” said Clement Meru, Settlement and Community Services manager at SydWest. “By advocating for an improved resettlement experience, we aim to empower refugees and build a stronger, more inclusive society.”

Members of the public, media, and key decision-makers are encouraged to attend and take part in shaping the future of refugee support in Australia.

Event Details:
Date: 17th June
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: West HQ, 33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill
Registration: https://sydwest_refugee_week_2025_in_conversation_with.eventbrite.com.au/

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Zawmyo’s story of settlement

Posted on | by Vikki Hine

An inspiring success story

In 2017, Zawmyo arrived in Australia from Myanmar, facing numerous challenges, including language barriers, finding employment, and navigating the citizenship process. With the dedicated support of the SydWest Settlement Services team, Zawmyo embarked on a transformative journey.

Through our step-by-step guidance, Zawmyo attended our citizenship classes, significantly improving his English language skills. We also provided comprehensive assistance with his citizenship application and job search.

Not long after, Zawmyo reached out to express his heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you so much for your support. With your citizenship classes and the services provided through SydWest, I secured a job at the well-known store Fabre Castell Pencils in Seven Hills and successfully passed the citizenship test!”

Zawmyo’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of community support. His success inspires us all and highlights the importance of the services we provide at SydWest Multicultural Services.

[first published in Community Connections No 1, 2025 ]

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Job Readiness in Construction: a success story

Posted on | by Vikki Hine

The importance of collaboration between the sector and NFP

For the past three years, SydWest has teamed up with John Holland and TAFE NSW to help newly arrived migrants and refugees kickstart careers in construction. The latest 9-week program, completed in late 2024, saw 15 participants gain essential skills, hands-on experience, and a White Card.

Meet the Participants:

  • Adam: A civil engineer from Sudan, Adam improved his English at TAFE NSW while completing the program. He’s now working part-time with a local construction company.
  • Reza: From Afghanistan, Reza specialized in bricklaying and concreting. The program boosted his confidence and skills, leading to full-time work with a building contractor in south-west Sydney.
  • Jonathan: Originally from Tanzania, Jonathan recently finished high school in Australia. Excelling in the program, he secured a full-time job with a large landscape and civil construction service.

With another program starting mid-2025, interest is already high. This success is thanks to the strong partnership between SydWest, TAFE NSW, and John Holland, ensuring smooth transitions into the workforce for migrants and refugees.

For more information, contact SydWest on info@sydwestms.org.au

First published in Community Connections, Issue 1, 2025 (March)

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New consortium to boost settlement support in Greater Western Sydney

Posted on | by Vikki Hine

Media Alert
24 September 2024

Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs the Hon. Julian Hill MP will officially launch the new Western Sydney Region Settlement Consortium – a group of 4 community organisations delivering settlement services for refugees and migrants. 

The consortium will build on best practice and expand specialised services to support new arrivals to Australia acquire critical services such as English language skills, jobs and access to education and training. 65% of all new refugee and humanitarian entrants to NSW settle in Western Sydney. 

Led by SydWest Multicultural Services, the consortium includes Accessible Diversity Services Limited, Community Migrant Resource Centre, and Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre. 

Speakers: 

  • Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs the Hon. Julian Hill MP will launch the consortium 
  • SydWest CEO Elfa Moraitakis on what the consortium means for Greater Western Sydney 
  • John Holland Group Workforce Development Manager Sharon Stevenson on how the consortium can work with business to address skills shortages.   

Date: Friday, 27 September, 2024 

Time: 11am 

Location: The Colebee, Narragingy Reserve, Knox Rd, Doonside. 

Parking is available at the rear of the venue. 

Entertainment on arrival will be provided by Larissa Kovalchuk who will play the bandura, the national instrument of Ukraine.  Larissa is a contestant on The Voice, 2024. 

Here is a link to a short social media video about the initiative.  A longer video will be showcased at the event which describes the new consortium and benefits to community. 

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