Somali Community Inc.

What Somali Community Inc. does

Somali Community Inc. (legally Somali Community Victoria Inc.) is a Melbourne-based not-for-profit community organisation founded on 11 January 1990 by Farah Warsame, who continues to serve as President and Chairman. It operates from Office 1/120 Racecourse Rd, Flemington, with reach extending across Flemington, Carlton, North Melbourne, and all of Victoria, serving Somali-Australian youth, families, women, elders, and newly arrived migrants and refugees through culturally responsive programs. The organisation delivers 36+ core programs including a Homework Club and education support, youth development, family support, women's programs, senior programs, cultural programs, leadership development, sport and recreation, training and capacity building, community safety awareness, volunteer development, children's programs, settlement and integration support, community wellbeing programs, and community advocacy, alongside signature annual events such as the Somali Day Australia Festival, the Annual Multicultural Ramadan Iftar Dinner, the Multicultural Eid Festival, the Australia Day Somali Cultural Night, and the Mother's Day Community Event.

There is no proprietary technology stack; service delivery is built on a community-led engagement model combining in-person office visits, WhatsApp communications (notably +61 432 677 567), bilingual phone support, partner referrals, and community events, with the website (somalicommunity.org.au) and social channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube) serving as outreach and content layers rather than transactional platforms. Operational throughput signals include 100+ students supported annually, 15-20 professional support letters prepared weekly, 400+ COVID-era food relief hampers, and 31+ active volunteers supplementing 6 paid staff.

Revenue is not publicly disclosed. The organisation is funded by a mix of government grants (Victorian State Government, Moonee Valley City Council, Melbourne City Council, Victorian Department of Health and Human Services), charitable donations, and community contributions, with all services provided free of charge to end users. Strategic positioning is reinforced by 40+ recognitions including Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence (2015), the Premier's Volunteer Champions Award (2016), Melbourne Awards (2017, 2020), Victoria Police & African Australian Community Taskforce recognition (2019), the Moonee Valley Neighbourhood Spirit Award (2022), AUSOM Awards (2022), United Nations International Peace Day partnership (2022), and Victorian Multicultural Commission Community Leadership Recognition (2023).

Name

Somali Community Inc.

Legal name

Somali Community Victoria Inc.

Website

https://somalicommunity.org.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Somali Community Inc. is a Melbourne-based not-for-profit founded in 1990 that delivers free, culturally responsive programs — including education, settlement, family, women's, and youth support — to Somali-Australian families, elders, and newly arrived migrants across Victoria, funded by government grants and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community and Social Support Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (8134), Educational Support Services (611710), Human Rights Organizations (813311)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations (BPAGAHAD), Community Center Education Programs (EDAAAFAB), Indigenous, Ethnic & Folk Arts/Heritage Organizations (BPAGAHAI)

Keywords

• Community support services
• Multicultural settlement services
• Cultural preservation programs
• Refugee advocacy support
• Youth education tutoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Flemington

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants & Funding: Primary funding from Victorian State Government, local councils, and government agencies to support community programs, settlement services, and multicultural engagement initiatives.
2. Donations & Contributions: Charitable donations and contributions from community members, supporters, and corporate partners to fund essential community services and programs.
3. Free Community Services: All services provided free of charge to community members, funded entirely through external grants and donations rather than direct user fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Somali Community Inc. is a not-for-profit community organisation that delivers free, culturally responsive programs and support services to Somali Australians across Victoria. Core offerings include the Homework Club and education tutoring, youth and women's programs, family counselling and wellbeing, settlement and integration support, cultural preservation events, community advocacy, and sport and recreation. Services are funded through Victorian government grants, local council support, and community donations and are provided free of charge to community members.

Product overview

Somali Community Inc. operates as a not-for-profit community organisation offering a comprehensive suite of community support programs and services. The core portfolio includes education support through the Homework Club, youth development, family support, women's programs, senior programs, cultural programs, leadership development, sport and recreation, training and capacity building, community safety awareness, volunteer development, children's programs, settlement and integration support, and community wellbeing programs. Annual signature events include the Multicultural Eid Festival, Australia Day Somali Cultural Night, Somali Day Australia Festival, Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner, and Mother's Day Community Event. Support services encompass housing and tenancy assistance, employment and training pathways, family wellbeing and counselling, and support letters and referrals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation also delivered emergency response programs including public health awareness and food relief.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Homework Club & Education Support After-school tutoring, literacy programs, and academic mentoring helping Somali children and youth achieve their educational potential through homework clubs and volunteer mentors.
• Youth Development Programs Leadership workshops, mentoring, career pathways, and personal development opportunities empowering young Somali Australians.
• Family Support Programs Practical support and guidance to families navigating housing, parenting, financial pressures, and settlement challenges.
• Women's Programs Dedicated programs supporting Somali women through skills development, social connection, health literacy, and community leadership opportunities.
• Senior Programs Enriching the lives of Somali elders through social activities, health support, cultural connection, and intergenerational engagement.
• Cultural Programs Celebrating and preserving Somali heritage, language, arts, and traditions to strengthen cultural identity across generations.
• Settlement & Integration Support Helping newly arrived Somali families navigate Australian systems, build networks, and establish stable, fulfilling lives in Victoria.
• Community Advocacy & Support Advocating for the rights and wellbeing of Somali community members, connecting families with essential services, legal support, and government pathways.
• Housing & Tenancy Assistance Assistance with tenancy applications, understanding lease agreements, and resolving housing-related issues.
• Employment & Training Pathways Connecting community members with employment opportunities, skills development, and vocational training for sustainable careers.
• Family Wellbeing & Counselling Culturally responsive counselling, mental health information, and wellbeing programs honoring Somali culture and values.
• Support Letters & Referrals Professional support letters and warm referrals to partner organisations helping community members access specialised services.
• Somali Day Australia Festival One of the biggest annual celebrations bringing together families, youth, elders, women, and children from across Victoria to celebrate Somali culture, heritage, and community.
• Annual Multicultural Ramadan Iftar Dinner Annual gathering during Ramadan to break fast together in a spirit of unity, respect, and community connection.
• Multicultural Eid Festival A landmark annual celebration featuring henna, food, music, and family activities welcoming all Victorians.
• Australia Day Somali Cultural Night Annual cultural night celebrating Australia's diversity, Somali culture, and community spirit through performances, dinner, and networking.
• Mother's Day Community Event Special Mother's Day celebration with family activities, food, and community connection.
• Sport & Recreation Promoting physical wellbeing, teamwork, and social inclusion through community sports activities, tournaments, and recreation programs.
• Training & Capacity Building Professional development workshops and training programs that build skills, confidence, and employment readiness within the community.
• Community Safety Awareness Working with police, government, and community partners to promote safety, reduce violence, and build safer communities.
• Volunteer Development Recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers who give their time to strengthen programs and community outcomes.
• Children's Programs Fun, safe, and nurturing programs for Somali children that promote learning, creativity, cultural pride, and healthy development.
• Leadership Development Building the next generation of community leaders through training, mentoring, networking, and civic participation programs.
• Community Wellbeing Programs Mental health awareness, social connection, and wellbeing initiatives that support resilience and positive community health outcomes.
• COVID-19 Community Response Public health awareness, translated information, food support, wellbeing assistance, and educational campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100+ students supported each year through education programs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Victorian State GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Partnership during COVID-19 pandemic for food relief and emergency community support. Government funding enabled delivery of food relief hampers, wellbeing packs, and emergency assistance to vulnerable families.
• Victorian Department of Health and Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Government department partnership during COVID-19 providing official acknowledgement of vital community support services. Collaborated on public health messaging and community health initiatives.
• African-Australian Community TaskforcecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Recognition and collaboration with African-Australian Community Taskforce for community advocacy, leadership, and policy engagement across Victoria.
• Moonee Valley City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partnership supporting community programs, neighbourhood renewal initiatives, and multicultural engagement in the Moonee Valley area. Joint programs include community events, settlement services, and social inclusion initiatives.
• Melbourne City CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with City of Melbourne supporting community development, cultural programs, and multicultural initiatives across Melbourne. Collaborates on community events and city-wide multicultural engagement.
• Victoria PolicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrusted partnership focused on community safety, trust-building, and positive police-community relations. Includes diversity recruiting programs, community safety awareness, and collaborative initiatives to build safer communities.
• Flemington Neighbourhood RenewalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting neighbourhood renewal initiatives in Flemington, focusing on community development, social inclusion, and improving outcomes for local residents.
• African-Australian CommunitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with other African-Australian community organisations across Victoria to strengthen community voice, share resources, and advocate for multicultural communities.
• Local Schools and Educational InstitutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnerships with schools across Victoria supporting homework clubs, tutoring programs, student mentoring, and educational pathway guidance for Somali-Australian students.
• Victorian GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary government partner providing funding and support for community sport, recreation, and multicultural programs across Victoria.
• Victorian Multicultural CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment body partnership for multicultural community development, awards recognition, and multicultural Victoria initiatives.
• Universal Peace Federation (UPF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational peace-building organisation partnership supporting UN International Day of Peace celebrations and peaceful coexistence initiatives.
• HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational peace organisation partnership for peace-building initiatives and community harmony programs.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre: Victorian migrant settlement and community services organisation providing settlement, education, youth, and family support programs. Direct comparable in scope, funding model, and target population to SCI.
• Multicultural Youth Advocacy (MYAN): National peak body for multicultural youth issues, providing advocacy, programs, and capacity building for CALD young people. Overlaps with SCI's youth development and advocacy programs.
• New Hope Foundation: Victorian not-for-profit providing community services, settlement support, and family programs for culturally diverse communities. Direct comparable in service mix and target demographics.
• Horn of Africa Community Network: Australian community organisation serving Horn of Africa diaspora communities including Somali Australians. Closest demographic peer to SCI, providing settlement, advocacy, and cultural programs.
• Australian Somali Women's Association: Community organisation focused on Somali-Australian women, providing women's programs, social connection, and advocacy. Direct peer for SCI's women's programs segment.

Broad incumbents

• AMES Australia (Settlement Services International): Largest Victorian settlement services provider, now part of Settlement Services International. Delivers settlement, education, and community programs across Victoria and nationally — a much larger incumbent operating in SCI's space.
• Brotherhood of St Laurence: Major Victorian social-services organisation running education, youth, family, and community programs with strong government funding relationships. Comparable broad community-services model, though much larger and less culturally specific than SCI.
• Australian Red Cross: Major humanitarian and community-services organisation running settlement, family support, and community programs including multicultural initiatives. Overlaps with SCI's community support and emergency response functions at much greater scale.

Regional players

• Multicultural Communities Council of SA: South Australian peak body for multicultural communities delivering advocacy, community development, and capacity building. Comparable mission and governance model to SCI, though regionally focused on SA rather than Victoria.

Others

• Flemington Neighbourhood Renewal: Council-led neighbourhood renewal initiative in the Flemington area, partnered with SCI on community development. An adjacent ecosystem partner rather than a direct service competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@somalicommunityvictoria
• Facebookfacebook.com/SomaliCommunityInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/somali-community-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/somalicommunityvic

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Somali Community Inc.