When Afghan refugee Sanatollah fell off a building site in Turkey and broke his back it made his life even more precarious.

Unable to walk or work, he faced destitution in a country that did not recognise status and was suspicious of his language and culture.

But the accident was also the start of his journey to Australia.

Sanatollah had fled his home in the city of Takhar in 2010 as war engulfed Afghanistan as an allied troop surged aimed at sweeping the Taliban from power.

“I had to leave Afghanistan because of the war. There was no security and I could not find work and I had no opportunity for study,” Sanatollah said, speaking through an interpreter.

He initially found refuge in Iran where he spent four difficult years before looking for better opportunities in Turkey.

“In Iran life became very difficult. The government made it difficult for us to work. So I went to Turkey and I was there for eight years,” Sanatollah said.

“It was difficult living there because as refugees we did not share the same culture and language and there were severe restrictions on us but at least we could work,” he said.

That was until he fell on a building site incurring a back injury that left him unable to walk.

Fortunately, shortly after Sanatollah was accepted by Australia as a refugee under the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) through the UNHCR’s resettlement program and, with no existing connections in Australia, he was settled in the Mildura, in Victoria’s north-west.

He arrived in November last year and was supported in his settlement journey by refugee agency AMES Australia.

With no English and suffering a disability, an extensive suite of settlement, health and community services were put in place to support Sanatollah.

Not aware that he had mobility issues on arrival, AMES case workers had to work quickly to get him a wheelchair and some mobility equipment.

Disability support agency Kare ONE provided carers to support Sanatollah while an application for NDIS support was lodged. The carers were sourced through the Victorian Government’s JVES employment program.

Sanatollah has also had medical supported through regular appointments with refugee health nurses and a referral to a spine specialist in Melbourne.

Sanatollah was also referred to AMES Australia AMEP English language tuition program where he is learning English.

He is now looking forward to the future and ultimately plans to get a job.

“When I am able, I want to get a job and stand on my own two feet. I want to contribute to Australian society and be a good citizen,” he said.

But Santollah still has fears for his family still in Afghanistan and a brother still in Turkey.

“I would love to bring my family here. I love Mildura with its warm weather and friendly people,” he said.

“Life in Australia is good for me. I’m fortunate because there is safety here and respect for human rights. And I’m grateful for the services I’ve received.

“I want to bring my other family members to safety and I hope to learn English so I can learn about the culture and values of Australia and live here peacefully and engage with all of the communities that you find in Australia,” Sanatollah said.