17/07/2026
Thank you Councillor Michael Joseph 🙏
Sometimes we forget how lucky we are to live in the Douglas Shire, Far North Queensland, and in Australia more broadly.
We're also fortunate to share this community with incredibly gifted people who have chosen to become Queenslanders and Australians, joining us from all over the world to build a life of safety and peace.
Today I attended a lecture at the Cairns Institute, based at JCU, titled "Contemporary Perspectives on Iran."
I first met Dr Rana Dadpour at her Australian citizenship ceremony in Port Douglas. I remember being immediately drawn to her, sensing that she carried a powerful story, and today's lecture confirmed just that. Rana grew up in Iran and spoke about her experiences as a woman in what has become a deeply oppressive society.
Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert also shared her story, that of a travelling Australian academic who found herself in an unimaginable situation, becoming caught up in 'hostage diplomacy' and enduring over two years in an Iranian prison.
Thankfully, both of these remarkable and talented women are now safe, living in Australia, where it's actually safe to speak openly about these experiences.
As a Councillor, I'm acutely aware of the diversity within our Shire, and the wealth of stories our community members carry with them.
I've always had a soft spot for the Iranian people. They are strong, intelligent people...with a great sense of humour which is so Australian!
It's always good to listen.
Councillor Michael Joseph Rees
The Cairns Institute
FNQ Iranian Community
JCU: James Cook University, Australia
