Our brand and purpose

SSI stands for equality of life – for everyone. We believe in supporting and working with our diverse communities to inspire people’s lives and provide hope, create real opportunities, and strive for a fair and inclusive society.

SSI stands for equality of life. Our purpose is to create a world in which everyone has equal opportunity to achieve their potential in life.

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Our history

From humble beginnings to an organisation with a big purpose, SSI has come a long way since its inception in 2000 as the NSW Migrant and Refugee Centre. Our aim was to help newly arrived refugees settle in Australia – and that is still the core of what we do.

Over time, our expertise and organisation grew, we became Settlement Services International. In 2018, we merged with Access Community Services in Queensland, and expanded into Victoria.

We recently underwent a brand refresh, and now go by “SSI”, to better reflect our broader services and support offerings.

We now offer services and support in sectors like employment, disability, family preservation, at-home aged care, social enterprise and training across three states.

Read more about SSI’s story here.

What does SSI stand for?

  • Fully realised lives
  • A world in which everyone has equal access to opportunity
  • Breaking down barriers – like discrimination and injustice
  • Making all Australians, new and old, feel welcomed
  • Helping people with empathy and understanding
  • Empowering people to change their own lives

How we deliver on our promise

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Connected Human services

We provide holistic human services that connect people with opportunity. We connect individuals, children, families and communities with services that are defined by the strengths and needs of the people from diverse backgrounds and identities.

Ukrainian refugee Yurii Chuchenko and his heavily pregnant wife Inna arrived in Australia from Thailand after Russia invaded their homeland earlier this year.
Expertise through empathy

We support people through lived experience.

Community at the heart

We offer community engagement and development programs that progress society together.

Innovation with purpose

We embrace entrepreneurship to create and deliver social impact.

Our Values

At SSI, we are guided by three core values that guide our actions and behaviour.

Our values influence our approach to getting things done, the decisions we make and ultimately reflect SSI’s desired workplace culture.

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Respect

I accept people for who they are, and treat everyone fairly and empathetically.

Salwa walking down the street
Accountability

I take responsibility for my actions, act with integrity and honour our commitments.

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Inclusion

I foster belonging and value the diversity of people’s lived experiences, identity, knowledge and talents.