The Journey to Bass Coast
We can only imagine the life experiences refugee families have prior to arriving in Australia and the trauma they deal with still, but we can all be very proud of our generous community. We should all quietly celebrate our fortunate lives and the gift we have to make a difference for others. It is a privilege.
The Ali family – from Syria
Lukman, Khadija and their children arrived from Syria in 2022. They were one of the first families settled into a rural community on the CRSA pilot program. They are the stars of the HumanKIND video about the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP).
The Ali Family has settled into life in Bass Coast with great enthusiasm. They continue to attend English classes at Bass Coast Adult Learning (BCAL) and the children are doing well in school.
Lukman has obtained his driving license and is enjoying more freedom to explore the region with his family. Khadija has joined the Multicultural Women’s Group at Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre at Mitchell House.
The family is pictured here with group member Maddy in 2023.
Zamin – from Afghanistan
Many of you in Bass Coast may have met Zamin – one of our new Aussie residents that began his life in Afghanistan. Zamin arrived in Australia in 2013. He has established a tiling business in Bass Coast and continues to support himself and his family.
Zamin’s wife and four children fled the Taliban in Kabul to shelter in Pakistan. They lived in precarious conditions for many years until September 2024 when finally with our support Zamin was successful in his application for a Family Reunion visa that enabled his wife and children to join him in Australia. It was a joyous reunion as you could imagine.
Zamin, his wife Shafiqa and their children have a home in Wonhtaggi and are beginning the long journey to resettle. Shafiqa has joined the multicultural women’s group and the children are all enrolled in school.
While Zamin and his family are not part of the CRISP program they are part of our ‘family’ and we continue to support them in our community.
The Al Habra family – from Syria
The Al Habra family were displaced by war in Syria in 2012 and lived in difficult circumstances in Lebanon for ten years. The family arrived in November 2023 and settled into a home in Wonthaggi sourced, prepared and furnished by our group and many volunteers and generous supporters around the Shire. The children attend school and have settled in well.
Hossam and Eman (parents) have begun English classes at BCAL and are progressing nicely. Both Hossam and Eman have successfully passed their Learner’s driving test and are currently being supported with practical training. Our group is actively supporting this family as part of the CRISP program. If you would like to contribute to their integration, especially in finding work, please get in touch.
The family want us to share how incredibly grateful they are to everyone who has and is helping them to make a home here. They are so happy it fills our heart every time we support them navigate the complex and often confusing (even to us) systems and processes of immigration, Centrelink, Medicare, banking, telecommunications, transport, etc, etc.
The Darwesh family – from Syria
Displaced by war and fearing further upheaval, the Darwesh family arrived in Australia in September 2024, via the refugee camps in Iraq. Their journey is unimaginable.
Sabri and his wife Jihan are settling with their family of five children into temporary accommodation in Wonthaggi. They are incredibly grateful for the support and kindness received so far. They are all healthy and excited to begin school, improve their English and become an active part of our community.
Our group and the Ali and Al Habra families are working closely with the Darwesh family to help them become independent and self sufficient Aussies.
Our group is continuing to raise funds and seek volunteers to enable us to support more refugee families settle in Bass Coast. Please get in touch if you would like to be part of this journey. It is incredibly rewarding and a privilege.
Contact Us if you would like to get involved or donate to support resettle refugees in Bass Coast. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you.