The stories of refugees who have found new lives in Australia have inspired members of a local football club.

A recent President’s Lunch at the Red Hill Football and Netball Club, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, saw a group of former refugees share the stories of their journeys to safety.

The speakers, former clients and current employees of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, told of their journeys and the reasons why they had to flee their homelands.

Former Afghan refugee Jalal Ahmadzai was one of thousands of Afghans forced to flee when the Talban seized control of Kabul in August 2021.

“For a refugee, a journey of uncertainty begins as soon as you set out of your country in search of something better. It’s a decision not taken lightly or by choice by many, but one that reshapes their lives entirely,” Jalal said.

“To come from a country on the other side of the world, receive incredible support from day one, and actually having a full anticipation as well as expectation of integrating in society and being treated as equal and uniform members of that society doesn’t just sound like a dream, it actually is,” he said.

“Most of the people I came to Australia with seem to be on path towards sustainable employment in Australia in line with their experience which means not only are they able to provide for themselves and their families but are also able to contribute to the Australian economy as active taxpayers. And they have access to domestic student spots as permanent residents which means they can access government loans to study in Australian universities.

“I think that’s all thanks to the policies of the Australian government organisations like AMES Australia and its partners who help with the settlement of refugees and it’s thanks to everyone like the people present today in this room at the football clubs who strive to promote the inclusion of refugees in the Australian communities so thank you for the work that you do in bringing us together and creating space for the much-needed social cohesion in the country in the light of everything that’s happening around the world today,” Jalal said.

Nahid Kazemi told how she spent ten years struggling to survive in Malaysia as stateless refugee after fleeing Iran.

She said gaining a humanitarian visa to come to Australia gave her a second chance at life.

“Coming to Australia gave me a chance to rebuild my life and it gave my daughter the opportunity to have a bright future,” Nahid said.

“My journey in Australia has taught me that community is not just about where you come from. It’s where you are accepted, respected, and truly belong. As a single mother raising my daughter, I feel stronger every day, and the support from the people around me has helped me grow and give back in meaningful ways,” she said.

Red Hill FNFC President Graham Sherry said club members were informed and inspired by the event.

“At a time when there is a record number of conflicts around the world and with many countries closing their doors to people seeking safety, it was inspiring to hear how Australia’s humanitarian settlement program is making a positive difference in so many people’s lives,” he said.