Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc

22/09/2026

Thank you, RiseLink Foundation for the warm welcome and meaningful conversation. ARFRI looks forward to strengthening this partnership, exchanging knowledge and working together to create meaningful opportunities for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds across Australia and New Zealand. Exciting possibilities lie ahead.

01/09/2026

I am truly honoured to be officially announced as a panelist at the Global Somali Diaspora International Conference 2026.

I look forward to contributing to the discussion on “The Role of the Somali Diaspora” and sharing insights from my journey in refugee advocacy, community leadership, family reunification, entrepreneurship and diaspora engagement.

I am proud to represent Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc (ARFRI), the communities we serve, and the wider Somali diaspora across Australia and New Zealand.

My sincere appreciation to the GSDIC 2026 organisers for this recognition and opportunity. I look forward to connecting, learning and contributing in Brisbane.

4–6 September 2026
Queensland Multicultural Centre, Brisbane

29/08/2026

I have just come across this wonderful story published by Volunteer West about my journey from settlement to supporting refugee and migrant communities.

My own settlement experience taught me how isolating and overwhelming it can be to navigate unfamiliar systems without the right information, guidance or community support. Those experiences continue to inspire my work through Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc (ARFRI), alongside my full-time employment.

A sincere thank you to Phuong MacCallum-Le Thanh and the entire Volunteer West team for taking the time to listen to my story, recognise our work and support ARFRI in strengthening our volunteer capacity.

We deeply appreciate this partnership and your commitment to helping community-led organisations grow and create meaningful opportunities for volunteers.

Together, we can help refugee and migrant families feel welcomed, connected and supported.

Read the story here:
https://www.volunteerwest.org.au/vollies-west/ibrahims-journey-from-settlement-to-community-support

After navigating the settlement journey himself, Ibrahim now supports refugee and migrant families so they do not have to face the process alone.

21/08/2026

It was a privilege to attend Galmudug Diaspora event as part of our Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc community engagement program.

27/07/2026

25/07/2026

Part one – The Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc. (ARFRI) has successfully concluded its “Voices for Justice: Community Vision and Co-design Forum” project, an initiative proudly supported by the City of Maribyrnong.

The project was designed to strengthen refugee and migrant leadership, amplify community voices, and create practical, community-led solutions to the challenges affecting refugee and migrant families across Melbourne’s west.

The project commenced with the Leadership and Communication Workshop in April 2026, where participants developed confidence, public speaking, advocacy, and leadership skills. This was followed by the Storytelling and Leadership Circle in May 2026, providing community members with a safe space to share their lived experiences, strengthen community connections, and identify common priorities.

The project concluded with the Community Vision and Co-design Forum in July 2026, bringing together community members, government representatives, service providers, local councils, and partner organisations. Through facilitated discussions, participants explored key issues including settlement, family reunification, housing, employment, youth leadership, mental health, community safety, and social cohesion.

Rather than simply identifying problems, the forum focused on co-designing practical solutions and building stronger partnerships between communities and decision-makers. The outcomes will contribute to a Community Vision Statement, a Community Priorities Report, and a Community Action Plan that will help guide future advocacy and collaboration.

ARFRI said the Voices for Justice project reflects its commitment to ensuring that refugee and migrant communities are not only consulted, but are active leaders in shaping policies, services, and decisions that affect their lives. The organisation thanked the City of Maribyrnong, its volunteers, community leaders, partner organisations, and all participants whose contributions made the project a success.

25/07/2026

SAWIRO: Part Two – The Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc. (ARFRI) has successfully concluded its “Voices for Justice: Community Vision and Co-design Forum” project, an initiative proudly supported by the City of Maribyrnong.

The project was designed to strengthen refugee and migrant leadership, amplify community voices, and create practical, community-led solutions to the challenges affecting refugee and migrant families across Melbourne’s west.

The project commenced with the Leadership and Communication Workshop in April 2026, where participants developed confidence, public speaking, advocacy, and leadership skills. This was followed by the Storytelling and Leadership Circle in May 2026, providing community members with a safe space to share their lived experiences, strengthen community connections, and identify common priorities.

The project concluded with the Community Vision and Co-design Forum in July 2026, bringing together community members, government representatives, service providers, local councils, and partner organisations. Through facilitated discussions, participants explored key issues including settlement, family reunification, housing, employment, youth leadership, mental health, community safety, and social cohesion.

Rather than simply identifying problems, the forum focused on co-designing practical solutions and building stronger partnerships between communities and decision-makers. The outcomes will contribute to a Community Vision Statement, a Community Priorities Report, and a Community Action Plan that will help guide future advocacy and collaboration.

ARFRI said the Voices for Justice project reflects its commitment to ensuring that refugee and migrant communities are not only consulted, but are active leaders in shaping policies, services, and decisions that affect their lives. The organisation thanked the City of Maribyrnong, its volunteers, community leaders, partner organisations, and all participants whose contributions made the project a success.