Australia Afghanistan Initiative Inc.

02/06/2026

Australia Afghanistan Initiative is launching Start Your Own Home Catering Business, a practical workshop helping women turn their cooking skills into real income opportunities.

This session is delivered alongside our Career Counselling and Mentorship Workshop, supporting participants to build confidence, plan goals, and explore business pathways.

Our guest speaker will cover council requirements and food‑safety essentials. AAI thanks the Scanlon Foundation for their generous support.

Register BEFOR 12 JUNE, by email or scan the QR code.

25/05/2026

Career Counselling & Mentorship Workshop for Women – Delivered by AAI & SMRC
AAI, in partnership with Southern Migrant Resource Centre, successfully delivered a Career Counselling and Mentorship Workshop for women. Our guest speaker shared her inspiring success story and highlighted the importance of having a mentor on your career journey.
This program is designed for newly arrived refugees and migrants, offering culturally responsive, trauma informed support. Participants can access up to two hours of one on one career counselling in Dari, Hazaragi, Farsi or English. This service is available to non citizens.
Women and youth can register for our workshops, after which we will arrange individual career counselling sessions for those interested. You may also directly submit an Expression of Interest for one on one support.
This project aims to create meaningful employment pathways for unemployed and underemployed individuals, including newly arrived migrants, asylum seekers, multicultural youth and mid career adults.
Next Session: Youth Workshop Friday, 5 June 2026
SMRC Office, Dandenong
To register, please scan the QR code on the flyer or email your Expression of Interest to [email protected] with your full name, suburb of residence, and phone number.
AAI thanks Scanlon Foundation for their generous support in making this program possible
Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScT4RsrQ2JSkyNMhjOxLKzKsUbSOaOd_K-jI6QmCFtpNQvHRw/viewform?usp=dialog

بنیاد ابتکار استرالیا افغانستان ورکشاپ مشوره شغلی را برای خانم ها به همکاری دفتر اس ام آر سی به تاریخ 22 می برگزار کرد. ورکشاپ بعدی به تاریخ ۵ جون در دفتر اس ام‌آر سی برای جوانان برگزار میشود. علاقه مندان برای ورکشاپ های آینده و مشوره شغلی با کلیک کردن روی لینک یا اسنک کردن کیو آر کود، ثبت نام نمایند.

09/05/2026

It was a pleasure meeting with Gabrielle Williams MP state member for Dandenong, Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for Public and Active Transport & Minister for Women and Girls.
We talked about our association’s current work and the priorities shaping our future.We shared updates on our social cohesion and employment initiatives, and reflected on how these projects are strengthening our communities.Grateful for the continued support and collaboration that helps our communities thrive excited for what’s ahead. 🌱🤝

30/04/2026

Hi everyone
As promised, here is the short video of our ANZAC Day Event.

Cr Samantha-Jane Potter. Officer Ward, Cardinia Shire Council
RSLGembrook
Julian Hill MP
Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria
Trudi Paton for Westernport Ward, Cardinia
Councillor Jack Kowarzik - Pakenham Hills Ward, Cardinia Shire

سلام بر همگی
همان طور که قول داده بودیم، ویدیوی کوتاهی از محفل انزک دی که قبلا برگزار شده بود، خدمت شما تقدیم است.

27/04/2026

AAI Board Member and Executive Team attended ANZAC Day commemorations in Dandenong, Cranbourne and Officer, laying wreaths to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions.
ANZAC Day is one of the most significant national days of remembrance in Australia. On this day, we pay our respects to those who gave their lives and futures to protect our freedom, democracy, and the values we share as Australians.

23/04/2026

د انزک ورځې اهمیت:
تاریخ، ارزښتونه او څو کلتوري راتلونکی
د اپرېل د ۲۵مې د انزک ورځې د پروګرام پته او وخت

21/04/2026

We were honoured to host our ANZAC Day Multicultural Event this past Saturday, bringing the community together to commemorate this important national occasion.
With more than 200 attendees from diverse cultural backgrounds, the event was a powerful reminder of the strength we find in unity. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Stronger Communities Programme round 9, generous supporters who supported the event, and our inspiring keynote speakers who shared their insights and reflections. It was especially meaningful to see new arrivals and community members with limited English engaging, learning, and preparing to participate in official ANZAC Day commemorations.
ANZAC Day is one of the most significant days in Australia’s history. It honours the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who gave their lives and futures so that we can live in a free and democratic society. Their legacy is something we all share, across cultures, communities, and faiths.

Our community consultation's part on Australian values explored how multicultural stories and shared values would connect with ANZAC Day and NAIDOC Week, honouring service, sacrifice, and mutual respect.

The official ANZAC Day services will be held on 25 April, please check our page for the locations and timings of services across South East Melbourne.
For further details about ANZAC Day 2026 please visit: https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-day
Together, we remember. Together, we stand.
A short video from the event will be shared soon on our page, stay tuned!

Day 2026


Julian Hill MP
-Marie Hermans MP
Renda
Cr Samantha-Jane Potter. Officer Ward, Cardinia Shire Council
Councillor Brett Owen - Beacon Hills Ward, Cardinia Shire
Trudi Paton for Westernport Ward, Cardinia
Councillor Jack Kowarzik - Pakenham Hills Ward, Cardinia Shire
RSLGembrook
ما افتخار داشتیم که رویداد چند فرهنگی روز
ANZAC
را در شنبه گذشته
میزبانی کنیم و جامعه را برای گرامی‌داشت این مناسبت مهم ملی گرد هم بیاوریم.
با حضور بیش از ۲۰۰ اشتراک کننده از جامعه های فرهنگی مختلف، این رویداد یادآور از نیرویی بود که در اتحاد به دست می‌آوریم. صمیمانه از همه کسانی که به ما پیوستند، حامیان سخاوتمندی که از این برنامه پشتیبانی مالی کردند، و سخنرانانی که با سخنان خود برای غنامندی محفل افزودند. ، سپاسگزاریم. دیدن تعداد زیادی از اشتراک کنندگان در محفل که به تازگی به استرالیا مهاجرت و این کشور را خانه خود انتخاب کرده اند، بسیار ارزشمند و معنادار بود.
روز
ANZAC
یکی از مهم‌ترین روزها در تاریخ استرالیا است. این روز شجاعت، خدمت و فداکاری کسانی را گرامی می‌دارد که جان و آینده خود را فدا کردند تا ما بتوانیم در یک جامعه آزاد و دموکراتیک زندگی کنیم. میراث آنان چیزی است در بخش مشورتی با اشتراک کننده گان دربارهٔ ارزش‌های استرالیایی بررسی کرد که چگونه داستان‌های چندفرهنگی و ارزش‌های مشترک با روز انزک و هفتهٔ نایدوک پیوند می‌خورند و روحیهٔ خدمت، فداکاری و احترام متقابل را گرامی می‌دارند.
که همه ما فراتر از فرهنگ‌ها، جوامع و باورها در آن سهیم هستیم

مراسم رسمی روز
ANZAC
در تاریخ ۲۵ اپریل برگزار خواهد شد, لطفاً برای اطلاع از مکان‌ها و زمان‌بندی برنامه‌ها در سراسر جنوب‌شرق ملبورن، از صفحه فیسبوک ما دیدن نمایید.
برای جزییات بیشتر در برنامه انزک دی سال ۲۰۲۶ به اینجا کلیک کنید.
https://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-day
ویدیوی کوتاهی از این رویداد به‌زودی در صفحه فیسبوک ما منتشر خواهد شد!

18/04/2026

17/04/2026

The Importance of Day: History, Values & a Multicultural Future

10/01/2026

AAI Annual General Meeting 2025 – A Decade of Impact and Future Vision

On 20 December 2025, the Australian Afghan Initiative (AAI) proudly hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM), marking a significant milestone in our journey of fostering community engagement and cultural harmony. The event brought together community leaders, AAI members, women representatives, and participants from our career counselling workshops, reflecting the strength and diversity of our network.
Key Highlights of the AGM

Our distinguished guest speaker, Julian Hill MP,
Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Assistant Minister for International Education delivered an inspiring address on the importance of building a cohesive society. Emphasising early engagement, Hill highlighted the need for children from different schools to learn about each other’s cultures from a young age, promoting mutual understanding and harmony in Australia’s multicultural landscape.
• President’s Report – A Decade of Achievements
Ali Yaghobi, AAI President, presented a comprehensive report on the organisation’s 10-year project, outlining key accomplishments and the impact of initiatives that have strengthened intercultural connections and empowered communities.
• CEO’s Address – Career Counselling Initiatives and future of AAI’s vision
Naser Fekrat, Chief Executive Officer, shared details of four career counselling workshops successfully delivered under a project funded by the Federal Government. These workshops have provided valuable guidance and opportunities for professional growth for new arrival women and youth within our community.
• Treasurer’s Report – Financial Overview
Asghar Andish, AAI Treasurer, presented the 2025–2026 financial report, reaffirming AAI’s commitment to transparency and sound financial management.

Celebrating Community and Collaboration
The AGM was not only a platform for reporting and reflection but also a celebration of collaboration and shared vision. Together, we continue to work towards creating an inclusive, harmonious, and intercultural environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.