June 18, 2025This week marks Refugee Week 2025, Australia’s annual opportunity to raise awareness of the experiences, challenges and contributions of refugees within our communities.
Refugee Week is not only a time to reflect on global issues of displacement, but also to recognise the courage, determination, and strength shown by those who have sought safety and built new lives in Australia.
This year’s theme, ‘Finding Freedom’, highlights the importance of welcome and belonging in the refugee journey. For many refugees, freedom is not just the absence of conflict or persecution, but the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe, supportive environment where their stories are heard, their skills are valued, and their families can thrive.
The significance of this theme was powerfully brought to life at the Refugee Study Day held on Monday 16 June, where staff had the privilege of hearing a deeply moving lived experience presentation from Northern Health’s consumer S.J. Her personal story of displacement, resilience, and ultimately, hope, offers a powerful reminder of the real-life journeys behind the statistics, and the vital role health services like Northern Health play in supporting newly arrived families as they rebuild their lives.
I’m a Refugee
“The war in Syria began during my third year of university. Many innocent people lost their lives, including loved ones, and daily life became impossible. University studies stopped because it was too dangerous to leave the house, with constant threats of kidnapping or death. Access to basic needs like food, medicine, or medical care was incredibly difficult.
I lived through eight years of war before moving to Erbil, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. During those years, I lost what should have been the most beautiful time of my youth—my ambitions, dreams of a secure life, a career, and a hopeful future. I witnessed painful things I still prefer not to recall.
In 2018, my husband and I decided to leave Syria. We had lost hope that the war would end, and our lives were under continuous threat. We sought refuge in Jordan and applied for Australia’s Special Humanitarian Visa. Leaving our home was the hardest decision—it meant years of separation from our families. And so began a new journey of unknowns and challenges.
Life in Iraqi Kurdistan was not easy. We didn’t speak Kurdish, and language quickly became our biggest barrier. Finding housing, work, or even a doctor was overwhelming. I remember visiting an emergency room and being unable to communicate my condition because no one spoke Arabic or English.
We spent three years in Erbil, and then COVID-19 arrived. Lockdowns made life even harder, and our dream of a safe future in Australia felt more distant than ever. I often asked myself, “Why wasn’t I born in a safe country? Why can’t I live a normal life?”
The medical system in Syria and Iraq is very different from what we’ve experienced in Australia. You don’t need a referral – you rely on word of mouth, friends’ advice, or even social media to choose a doctor.
In 2021, I had my first child with the help of a Syrian doctor in Erbil. I had a C-section and because of COVID-19, I was discharged on the same day. I informed the Australian embassy in Jordan about the birth, and they guided me in adding my newborn to our application. I informed the Australian embassy in Jordan about the birth, and they guided me in adding my newborn to our application.
We finally arrived in Australia in March 2023. At Melbourne airport, AMES staff welcomed us and helped us settle into temporary accommodation. The very next day, my daughter developed a high fever. It was a public holiday, and I was told to call 000. I was so grateful they arranged for an Arabic interpreter and reassured me despite my English not being too bad.
Since our arrival, we’ve received a lot of support – Centrelink, Medicare, a bank account, guidance on public transport, and referrals to community services. We enrolled in EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes to better understand the language and community.
Now, I am a Master of Public Administration student, and I can’t wait to graduate and begin my career.
As a mother, my daughter’s health has always been a concern. She has a dairy allergy and needs regular monitoring. Our GP referred us to a specialist at Northern Hospital in Epping. It was our first experience with Australia’s referral system, and it took time to understand how it works. We received a letter with all the appointment details, followed by reminder messages.
What stood out was the availability of an interpreter, the kindness of the medical staff, and their understanding of our concerns. Pathology and test results were prompt, and the entire experience was supportive. My daughter now sees the specialist annually. The only challenge has been the long wait—sometimes over six months – for appointments after a referral.
We’re still learning every day about life in Australia. We are truly thankful to this country for embracing us and giving us the opportunity to rebuild the life we once dreamed of – safe, stable, and full of possibility.”
S. J’s story is a powerful reminder that for many refugee families, freedom is found not only in safety but in the kindness and support of the communities that welcome them, from housing and education to accessible healthcare, language services and compassionate care.
At Northern Health, we take pride in being part of this journey, with many of our staff coming from refugee backgrounds. Their unique experiences and dedication enrich our workplace and strengthen our ability to provide culturally sensitive care to the diverse communities we serve.
Throughout this week, the Northern Health Refugee and Asylum Seeker Sub-Committee, together with the Transcultural and Language Services (TALS) team, have organised a range of activities for staff and the community to deepen understanding and foster meaningful conversations about the refugee experience.
We encourage all staff to take part, reflect on these stories of resilience, and celebrate the rich diversity that strengthens our health service and community.
For more information on Refugee Week activities at NH – click here
