18/08/2026
17 August 2026
Afghan Peace Foundation and Australian Federal Parliament Unite to Recognise Afghanistan’s August Milestones and Afghan Australians’ Contributions
CANBERRA, Australia — Members of the Afghan community, Australian parliamentarians, resettlement organisation leaders and distinguished guests gathered at Australian Parliament House to recognise and reflect on three significant events remembered during August: Afghanistan’s Independence Day, the arrival of the first documented Afghans in Australia, and the fall of Kabul on 15 August 2021.
The gathering provided an important opportunity to reflect on Afghanistan’s history, recognise the resilience of the Afghan people, and acknowledge the longstanding contributions Afghan Australians have made to Australian society and the nation.
Among the distinguished guests were the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Senator Paul Scarr; the Hon Julian Hill MP; the Hon Alicia Payne MP; Mr Peter Cain from the ACT Legislative Assembly, representatives of the Australian Government; resettlement organisations; community leaders; and other distinguished guests.
The Hon Penny Wong and other Australian parliamentarians acknowledged the significance of the fall of Kabul and the profound impact of 15 August 2021 on Afghan people in Afghanistan and around the world. They recognised the resilience of the Afghan people in facing and enduring what remains a deeply painful and difficult day in the Afghan calendar.
Parliamentarians also acknowledged the important contributions Afghan Australians have made to building Australia. This contribution has a long history, extending back to the arrival of the first documented Afghans in Australia and continuing through generations of Afghan Australians who have contributed to Australian communities, society and the nation.
Afghan Peace Foundation Calls for Continued Engagement
The gathering was opened by Tahera Nassrat, CEO and Founder of the Afghan Peace Foundation, who emphasised that the event should not be viewed as a one-off gathering, but rather as the beginning of an ongoing series of conversations focused on supporting the Afghan community in Australia.
Ms Nassrat highlighted the importance of maintaining communication, following up on issues raised during the gathering and developing stronger cooperation between the Afghan Peace Foundation, the Australian Government, community organisations and service providers.
«“This gathering is an opportunity to begin an ongoing conversation. We want to ensure that the issues affecting Afghan Australians are not only discussed, but followed up through meaningful engagement and practical action.”»
The Foundation identified several key areas requiring continued attention, including settlement, employment, mental health, social inclusion and the empowerment of Afghan women.
Supporting Afghan Women and the Broader Community
The event was followed by remarks from Dr Nadir Saikal, ACT Director of the Afghan Peace Foundation, who reinforced the importance of continued practical work to support Afghan women and the broader Afghan community in Australia.
The discussion highlighted the need for stronger support services and greater opportunities for Afghan Australians to participate fully in Australian society.
Particular attention was given to employment opportunities, settlement support, mental health and initiatives that empower Afghan women and girls.
Visa Processing and Family Reunification
The Hon Julian Hill MP also acknowledged the significance of the August events and the experiences of the Afghan community.
Mr Hill provided an update on visa processing for Afghans in Australia, noting that visa applications continue to be processed. He also acknowledged that family reunification processes can be lengthy, with families sometimes facing extended periods of separation, while confirming that applications continue to be processed.
The Afghan Peace Foundation welcomed continued engagement on these issues and emphasised the importance of keeping Afghan communities informed and supported throughout these processes.
Afghan Women’s Cricket Team Inspires Guests
Another significant moment during the gathering was the introduction of the Afghan women’s cricket team.
Team captain Tooba Sarwari was introduced to guests and spoke about the team and the importance of creating opportunities for Afghan women and girls through sport.
Her participation demonstrated the strength, resilience and potential of Afghan women and provided an inspiring example of how sport can create opportunities, build confidence and strengthen social inclusion.
Building an Ongoing Partnership
The gathering created an important space for dialogue between Afghan community representatives, government representatives and other stakeholders.
While the event provided an opportunity to remember significant moments in Afghan history, it also focused on the future and on identifying practical ways to strengthen support for Afghan Australians.
The Afghan Peace Foundation aims to continue working with the Australian Government, parliamentarians, community organisations and service providers to identify the needs of Afghan Australians and contribute to practical solutions.
The Foundation believes that sustained engagement and collaboration are essential to ensuring that Afghan Australians have access to appropriate support, opportunities and services, while recognising and building upon the significant contributions they continue to make to Australia.
— ENDS —
Media Contact:
Afghan Peace Foundation
Tahera Nassrat
CEO & Founder
