Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc

18/06/2026

Awer Mabil reflects his refugee journey.

Australia is not weakened by diversity; it is strengthened by it.

First Nations peoples have lived on this continent for more than 65,000 years, speaking hundreds of languages and maintaining rich cultures long before modern Australia existed. Diversity is not new to this country it is part of its foundation.

Today, Australia is home to people from more than 200 countries. We speak hundreds of languages, practise different faiths, and bring with us unique histories, traditions, skills and experiences. Yet we share a common commitment to building a better future together.

A third of Australians were born overseas. Millions more are the children and grandchildren of migrants and refugees. They are doctors, teachers, tradies, business owners, artists, scientists, athletes and community leaders. They help make Australia more innovative, more prosperous and more connected to the world.

Tonight, ARFRI – Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc. is honoured to attend the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Multicultural Film Festival at ACMI, Federation Square, during Refugee Week 2026.

Refugee Week is a time to recognise the courage, resilience and contributions of refugees who have rebuilt their lives in Australia and continue to strengthen our communities through their skills, talents and lived experiences.

This week, many Australians were inspired by Socceroos star Awer Mabil, who shared a powerful message during Australia’s FIFA World Cup campaign:

“We all belong to this world together.”

Awer’s journey from a refugee camp in Kenya to representing Australia on the world stage is a reminder of what can happen when people are given safety, opportunity and a chance to belong. His story reflects the experiences of many refugee families who have overcome extraordinary challenges and gone on to make significant contributions to Australian society.

A history lesson is needed for those who question multiculturalism.

Unless you are Indigenous, every Australian’s story begins with migration. This nation was shaped by First Nations peoples, by British and Irish settlers, by Chinese migrants during the Gold Rush, by Europeans who helped build post-war Australia, by Greeks and Italians who transformed our food and café culture, by Lebanese, Vietnamese and Cypriot communities who enriched our society, and by refugees from Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq and many other parts of the world who sought safety and opportunity.

Refugees are not defined by the circumstances that forced them to flee their homes. They are parents, students, workers, entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders and future champions who enrich our nation every day.

At ARFRI, we hear stories of survival, resilience and hope every week. Stories of people who have escaped war, persecution and displacement, only to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to Australia. Many remain separated from loved ones overseas, which is why we continue to advocate for fair and accessible family reunification pathways.

As we celebrate Refugee Week, we stand in solidarity with displaced people around the world and acknowledge those still waiting for safety, protection and the opportunity to reunite with their families.

To everyone who has experienced displacement, separation and uncertainty: your story matters, your contribution matters, and your future matters.

Keep going. Keep believing. Your circumstances today do not define your future.

Diversity is not Australia’s weakness.

Diversity is the oxygen Australia thrives on.

17/06/2026

Refugee Week 2026,
Hope, Belonging and Opportunity
Tonight, Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc is honoured to attend the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Multicultural Film Festival at ACMI, Federation Square, during Refugee Week 2026.
Refugee Week is a time to recognise the courage, resilience and contributions of refugees who have rebuilt their lives in Australia and continue to strengthen our communities through their skills, talents and lived experiences.
This week, many Australians were inspired by Socceroos player Awer Mabil, who shared a powerful message during Australia’s FIFA World Cup campaign:
“We all belong to this world together.”
Awer’s journey from a refugee camp in Kenya to representing Australia on the world stage is a reminder of what can happen when people are given safety, opportunity and a chance to belong. His story reflects the experiences of many refugee families who have overcome extraordinary challenges and gone on to make significant contributions to Australian society.
Australia’s multicultural identity is one of its greatest strengths. Refugees are not defined by the circumstances that forced them to flee their homes. They are parents, students, workers, entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders and future champions who enrich our nation every day.
At ARFRI, we see these stories of resilience and determination in our communities every day. We also continue to advocate for safe and accessible family reunification pathways so that refugee families can rebuild their lives together with dignity and hope.
As we celebrate Refugee Week, we stand in solidarity with displaced people around the world and acknowledge those still waiting for safety, protection and the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones.
To everyone who has experienced displacement, separation and uncertainty: your story matters, your contribution matters, and your future matters.
Keep going. Keep believing. Your circumstances today do not define your future.

08/06/2026

Refugee Storytelling & Leadership Circle – Stories of Courage, Resilience, Healing and Hope

We are proud to share this video from ARFRI’s second Refugee Storytelling & Leadership Circle, held on 30 May as part of our Voices for Justice: Community Vision and Co-Design Forum project, proudly supported and funded by the City of Maribyrnong.

This gathering brought together refugee and migrant community members in a safe and empowering space to share lived experiences, foster civic engagement, strengthen community leadership, and reflect on the journeys that have shaped our lives.

Storytelling is more than remembering the past. It is about honouring lived experience, preserving history, building understanding, promoting healing, and creating pathways for leadership and change. Every refugee story carries lessons of resilience, sacrifice, survival, and hope.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the courageous individuals who chose to share deeply personal experiences with us. Speaking about trauma, loss, displacement, and rebuilding a life is never easy. Yet by sharing their journeys, they have helped educate, inspire, and strengthen our community.

A special thank you to Mr. Abdi Elmi Gedi, Chairman of the Madhiban Minority Community of East Africa – Australia, who shared his remarkable journey from Somalia’s civil war, through thirteen years in Kakuma Refugee Camp, to eventually rebuilding his life in Australia with his seven children.

Mr. Abdi reflected on the challenges faced by Somali minority communities during the conflict, the hardships of life in refugee camps, the loss of his wife before resettlement, and the hope that came with finding safety and opportunity in Australia. His story reminded us of the resilience of refugees, the importance of humanitarian protection, and the life-changing impact of compassion and inclusion.

We also thank Senada, who shared her refugee journey and reflected on the significance of White Armband Day, remembrance, and the importance of standing against hatred, discrimination, and injustice. Her story demonstrated how refugee experiences, despite many challenges, can become foundations for leadership, contribution, and community service.

A heartfelt acknowledgement goes to Sahro Hussein, a former registered nurse in Somalia, who bravely shared the story of “Margo”—a powerful reflection on the hidden impacts of trauma, displacement, family violence, and untreated mental illness.

Margo’s story highlighted how many refugees carry invisible wounds long after reaching safety. The story reminded us of the importance of recognising trauma early, reducing stigma around mental health, and ensuring culturally responsive support for those struggling with the long-term effects of war, displacement, and hardship.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Idil Jama for delivering an informative and thought-provoking presentation on Mental Health and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Idil highlighted the lasting impact that war, violence, displacement, family separation, and other traumatic experiences can have on individuals and communities.

Her presentation explored common mental health conditions, the causes and symptoms of PTSD, and the importance of early intervention, trauma-informed care, and accessible support services. Her contribution reinforced an important message: healing is an essential part of the refugee journey, and raising awareness about mental health helps break stigma and encourages people to seek support when they need it.

Throughout the evening, participants reflected on their journeys, shared lessons learned, discussed challenges facing refugee and migrant communities, and explored ways to strengthen leadership and civic participation.

Together, the stories shared by our speakers and the mental health awareness session created a powerful evening of reflection, learning, healing, and leadership.

The event reminded us that behind every refugee statistic is a human being, a family, a dream, and a future.

At ARFRI, we believe that when people are given safe spaces to share their stories, healing begins, understanding grows, and leadership emerges.

Thank you to everyone who attended, listened, shared, and supported this important gathering.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Baafo Media for professionally recording and documenting these powerful stories so they can continue to educate, inspire, and amplify refugee voices beyond the room.

Finally, we thank the City of Maribyrnong Council for investing in community-led initiatives that empower refugee and migrant communities to shape their future, strengthen their voices, and contribute meaningfully to Australian society.

Together, we are ensuring that refugee stories are heard, valued, and remembered.

❤️ Stories create understanding.
❤️ Understanding builds connection.
❤️ Connection creates stronger communities.

07/06/2026

On 30 May, Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc. (ARFRI) proudly hosted our second Refugee Storytelling & Leadership Circle, bringing together community members in a safe and empowering space to share experiences, foster civic engagement, and strengthen community leadership.

This gathering marked the second event in our Voices for Justice: Community Vision and Co-Design Forum initiative, proudly supported and funded by the City of Maribyrnong. Through this project, we are creating opportunities for community members to share their lived experiences, contribute ideas, and help shape community-led solutions for the future.

What began as a conversation became a powerful exchange of stories, resilience, and leadership. Participants reflected on their refugee journeys, explored shared challenges, celebrated achievements, and discussed ways to strengthen our communities.

The discussions reaffirmed something we have always known: stories matter. They carry wisdom, inspire action, preserve history, and create pathways for change. When people are given the opportunity to speak and be heard, communities grow stronger.

The success of our first two gatherings has strengthened our commitment to making the Refugee Storytelling & Leadership Circle an ongoing feature of our work. These spaces allow people to connect, reflect on their journeys, build confidence, and develop as leaders.

Looking ahead, we aim to highlight the diverse stories, achievements, and contributions of community members across the broader refugee and migrant communities, alongside established leaders whose work continues to inspire future generations.

Thank you to everyone who attended, shared, listened, and contributed. Together, we are creating spaces where stories become leadership, leadership inspires action, and action creates lasting change.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the City of Maribyrnong for investing in community-led conversations that empower refugee and migrant communities to shape their future.

03/06/2026

06/05/2026

At ARFRI, we believe refugee and migrant communities should not only be supported, they should also be heard, included and empowered to help shape the systems that affect their lives.

Through our ongoing community engagement, casework, leadership workshops, and advocacy work, we continue to hear recurring concerns around housing instability, settlement pressures, family reunification challenges, and access to coordinated support services.

These conversations remind us why refugee-led organisations matter.

Lived experience brings important insight, cultural understanding, and community trust. It allows organisations like ARFRI to bridge the gap between vulnerable communities and the systems designed to support them.

Our mission remains clear:
• Advocate for dignity and inclusion
• Strengthen community leadership
• Support vulnerable families
• Encourage collaboration and practical solutions
• Create spaces where refugee and migrant voices are respected and valued

Real change begins when communities are not only consulted but genuinely included in shaping the future.

“United in Dignity. Inspired by Hope. Integrated to Thrive.”

01/05/2026

We wanted to share an opportunity that may be relevant to some in our community.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has opened applications for scholarships supporting asylum seekers and refugee students commencing in Term 3, 2026. These scholarships may include tuition support, accommodation, and a living stipend.

Applications are open until 18 June 2026.

If you or someone you know may be eligible and would like guidance with the application process (such as understanding requirements or preparing a personal statement), ARFRI is available to provide support where possible.

Feel free to reach out to us via message or email.

UNSW offers a number of scholarships to support Asylum Seekers and Refugee students commencing full-time coursework study at UNSW. Some scholarships will provide full or partial tuition fee payment, while others provide a stipend to assist with the costs associated with your studies.

30/04/2026

You're Invited to

Refugee Storytelling Leadership Circle

Your story matters. Your voice matters. Your leadership matters.

Join us for a powerful community gathering where lived experiences are honoured, voices are heard, and leaders are strengthened.

About the Storytelling & Leadership Circle:

The Refugee Storytelling Leadership Circle is a community-led space where refugees and migrants share their lived experiences in a safe and culturally respectful environment.

It is part of our broader Voices for Justice: Community Vision & Co-Design, a project by our organization Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc. (ARFRI) that is aimed at empowering communities in Maribyrnong to lead change through storytelling, leadership, and participatory design.

The storytelling circle is designed to surface the real challenges our communities face from social isolation and mental health barriers to civic exclusion and turn those shared experiences into collective strength. Alongside storytelling, the Leadership Circle equips participants with civic and advocacy skills, building the confidence of emerging leaders, especially youth and women, to shape the systems that affect them. Together, these circles create a space where stories don't just heal they inspire action, drive solutions, and build a shared community vision.

🗓 Date: Saturday, 30 May 2026
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Unit 7/178 Duke St, Braybrook VIC

What to expect:

✅ A safe, trauma-informed storytelling circle
✅ Real conversations about lived experiences
✅ Connection with others who understand your journey
✅ Leadership insights and development
✅ A chance to shape community solutions together

This is a space for refugees, migrants, youth, women, and existing and merging leaders, anyone who believes their experience can inspire change.

Supported by Maribyrnong City Council

Register or learn more: www.arfri.org.au | [email protected] | 0432 560 684

United in Dignity. Inspired by Hope. Integrated to Thrive.

21/04/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard!

Adan De la Cruise, Raage Nur, Fatima Noura, Roble Ibrahim Abdulahi Efiye, Ahmed Nur Yusuf, Mohamud Nuur Finiin, Ahmed Taajir Abdirahman, Naasir Bulsho, Rahmo Rees Amiira, Mohamed Ali Ugunji, Cabdullahi Cali Abdi Rahman, Gobaad Moha, Ubah Gabris

15/12/2025

Our hearts are heavy following the horrific violence in Bondi.

We extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy. We acknowledge the pain, shock, and fear that such acts cause across our communities.

We thank the first responders and the brave members of the public who acted with courage and care in moments of crisis.

At times like this, we must reject hate and violence in all its forms. No one should ever feel unsafe because of who they are, how they worship, or where they come from.

We stand for unity, compassion, and dignity. We stand against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hatred.
We stand for a safer and more inclusive Australia.

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted. Let us look after one another.