Community collaboration to support Gazan families to settle in Australia

Twenty-seven-year-old, soon-to-be mother, Rana* arrived in Sydney 36 weeks, or 8 and a half months, pregnant in November 2023. She carried with her few belongings, and the immense physical and emotional toll of her journey from Gaza to Australia.????

Arriving on a temporary visa, Rana was not eligible for assistance, such as Medicare or housing support, or the government funded Humanitarian Settlement Program.??

Recognising the complexity of her situation, SSI, in collaboration with several community organisations, connected Rana with the essential medical support, information, and essentials she needed to bring her baby into the world.??

On Christmas morning, 2023, Rana gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Read her full story here.??

This moment of joy in an otherwise challenging time underscores the complex settlement journeys many new arrivals from Gaza are facing. Rana’s story is also an example of the collaborative efforts SSI and other non-profit and community organisations are making to support individuals to feel safe and welcome in Australia.?

Our support of newly arrived families from Gaza?

In November last year, we established the SSI Crisis Response Fund. This fund was set up to close a gap in available government funding and help ensure newly arrived Gazan families receive essential settlement and humanitarian assistance and feel welcome in Australia.?

Our people raised more than $1,300, which has helped to positively impact the settlement of more than 70 newly arrived individuals from Gaza, including 23 children, who contacted SSI for assistance.??

I am deeply grateful for the generosity and compassion of SSI staff, their families, and friends. The response we received is a testament to the strong value system of our people and commitment to caring for people experiencing a period of vulnerability.?

The donations helped to provide families with vital resources, including medicine, grocery vouchers, Kmart vouchers for clothing and toys, and Opal cards with credit. They have also enabled delivery of critical settlement support, which remains unfunded by government.?

Many organisations are working to support people fleeing the crisis. If you want to donate to organisations providing aid on the ground in Gaza, you can donate to the?Médecins Sans Frontières, International Committee of the Red Cross, or the World Health Organisation, which all have Occupied Palestinian Territories appeals. To support organisations assisting those who have evacuated to Australia, donate to the Palestinian Christians in Australia accommodation drive or the Al-Ihsan Foundation Alternatively, our fundraiser is still open and you can donate here.?

How new arrivals fleeing the Gaza crisis are settling in?

Finding suitable accommodation is one of the top priorities newly arrived Gazans are facing. SSI has been connecting individuals with community organisations, Merciful, Palestinian Christians in Australia and Al lshan to find appropriate housing solutions.?

We have also been running orientation sessions with new arrivals, along with support individuals and families to connect with the Australian community and diaspora groups via community events.??

An achievement I want to particularly commend is the fact that all the children and young people from Gaza we support have now been enrolled in school. A vast majority of families have or are in the process of applying for protection visas with the support of RACS or private lawyers.??

There are still significant challenges ahead, such as navigating the complexities of the visa application process, bringing loved ones to Australia, and securing long-term housing for new arrivals. The intensifying humanitarian crisis in Rafah is only adding to the immense pressure Palestinian families in Gaza, Australia and abroad are feeling. Despite this, I have been truly heartened by both the community response that has wrapped around this cohort of newcomers and the humanity and dignity Gazan families have shown despite the adversity they face.???

As we continue our efforts, it's crucial to remember that successful settlement is not only a matter of logistical support, but also built on a foundation of compassion, solidarity, and community collaboration.