National Test
Monday 27 July 2026. A test of Australia’s national emergency alerting system. More information at ausalert.gov.au.
Learn more about AusAlertEmpowering Victorian African communities through culturally responsive services that support refugees and migrants, including children, young people, women, families, older people, and people with disability, since 2004.
SWDA is a community-led not-for-profit organisation committed to promoting inclusion, social cohesion, and positive change through person-centred, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive programs that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
More than 10,000 individuals and families from Somali, Djibouti, Ethiopian, Kenyan, Sudanese and South Sudanese refugee and migrant backgrounds supported since 2004.
Over 3,000 housing relocations advocated for High Rise residents and families in need.
21 years of continuous, culturally safe support from our Kensington and Flemington offices.
Refugee Week 2026
SWDA proudly celebrated Refugee Week on 20 June 2026, in recognition of World Refugee Day under the global theme “Until Everyone is Safe.”
This important occasion honours the strength, courage, and resilience of refugees and people seeking asylum, while also recognising their valuable contributions to our community and to Australia.
Through this celebration, SWDA continues its commitment to inclusion, cultural diversity, and social connection, bringing together families, community members, and partners to share stories and stand in solidarity.
Together, we continue to work towards a future where everyone is safe, welcomed, and belongs.
What We Do
Culturally responsive support that helps people find work, learn with confidence, and build stronger futures.
Employment & Careers
Empowering African Australian jobseekers through employment pathways, skills development, and personalised support.
SWDA’s VACAP Employment Brokers Program provides culturally responsive employment support to help African Australian jobseekers overcome barriers, build confidence, develop skills, and connect with meaningful career opportunities.
Supporting refugees, migrants, young people, women, skilled professionals and jobseekers to navigate the Australian employment system and achieve their career goals.
Skills & Training
Building skills, confidence, and employment opportunities through practical, culturally responsive workshops.
SWDA’s Employment Brokers Workshops equip African Australian jobseekers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in the Australian workforce.
Education & Youth
Supporting children and young people to succeed through learning, mentoring, and educational pathways since 2007.
SWDA’s Homework Club provides a safe and inclusive learning environment for primary and secondary students, offering homework assistance, literacy and numeracy support, study skills development, and encouragement to build confidence and achieve their educational goals.
Safety & Wellbeing
Supporting individuals and families affected by family violence through safe, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed services.
SWDA provides confidential support, information, advocacy, safety planning, referrals, and practical assistance to help people experiencing family violence access support, understand their rights, and move towards safety, healing, and wellbeing.
We work alongside individuals and families with compassion, respect, and cultural understanding to create safer pathways and stronger futures.
Information & Awareness
Raising awareness and promoting safe, respectful, and healthy relationships in our communities.
Family violence affects individuals, families, and communities across all cultures and backgrounds. Raising awareness is essential to promoting safety, respect, and healthy relationships. Everyone has the right to live free from violence, fear, and abuse.
Need support? Call 03 8596 7651 — Somali Women's Development Association Inc.
How We Help
SWDA supports individuals, young people, families, older adults, and communities through culturally responsive, person-centred, and trauma-informed programs that promote wellbeing, inclusion, empowerment, and social connection.
We work alongside people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, including children, young people, women, families, older people, and people with disability, by providing practical support, advocacy, information, and pathways to opportunities.
Our Core Services
For more than 20 years, SWDA has been committed to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces where individuals and families can access support, build confidence, strengthen connections, and achieve their goals.
Emergency Food Security Relief
Providing emergency food relief and practical support to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and financial hardship.
SWDA's Emergency Food Security Program provides culturally responsive food relief, essential groceries, and referrals to support services, helping people meet their immediate needs while connecting them with pathways to long-term wellbeing, stability, and community support.
Support SWDA
Help us keep the Homework Club, Emergency Food Relief and community celebrations running for African Australian families across Victoria.
We thank all of our contributors for their enduring support. For every $1 raised from our government and corporate partners, trusts, foundations and individual supporters, 86 cents is spent directly on programs that assist disadvantaged people in our community.
How to Get Involved