Iranian-Australian community member Houra Zare says Knox's growing Iranian community is experiencing deep concern for the safety of family and friends in Iran, mixed with hope for a brighter future.
Secretary of the Australian Iranian Society of Victoria, Houra also works with the Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne), which has a permanent seat on the Knox Multicultural Advisory Committee (KMAC).
"From morning to night, we go through so many different emotions," she says. "There is deep concern for the safety of loved ones and for innocent civilians affected by the situation. At the same time, people are hopeful for a brighter future where they can live with democracy, human rights and dignity.
"When you leave your country and leave everything behind, you face challenges from the very beginning. Over time, you learn how to survive.
"You have the biggest smile on your face, go to work every day, do your job and then come back home. And in your own time, if you want to grieve, you grieve."
This year's Refugee Week, from 14-20 June, carries the theme of A Million Stories. It marks the milestone of Australia issuing one million permanent humanitarian visas since the 1947 agreement to receive 4,000 refugees from central Europe after World War II.
Council is committed to supporting refugees and migrants from all countries. This includes through KMAC, which advises Council on multicultural issues and the promotion of cultural diversity.
Did you know?
- Our community includes people from over 130 different countries.
- 33.1% of residents were born overseas.
- 28.7% speak a language other than English at home.
