Bringing Victoria’s Afghan community together

Published

August 20, 2021

Uniting Vic.Tas last night gathered a wide range of Afghan community leaders, support agencies and Victorian Government representatives to discuss our response to the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan.

As part of the online discussion, organised by our Komak (which means help or support in Dari) program, ideas were floated on how agencies and the Government could best support Victoria’s Afghan community during this time.

The Komak program is a specialised team that champions the local Afghan community and works to develop resilience and wellbeing and build community connections and engagement across Melbourne’s south east.

The gathering was called in response to the growing anxiety and distress being felt by Victoria’s Afghan community to the situation in Afghanistan.

It was attended by Victorian Government MPs, Victoria Police, Victorian Multicultural Commission, councils and local faith based and cultural support groups and associations.

Uniting Vic.Tas Senior Manager and event organiser Rabia Sikander urged the Afghan community to reach out with plenty of local support and resources available.

“The situation in Afghanistan is dire, there’s fear, there’s uncertainty and we know local Afghans is really hurting,” Ms Sikander said.

“Many people in our community have family and friends back in Afghanistan and they don’t know what will happen to them, if they will be able to escape and what their future holds.

“By gathering support agencies, key community leaders and politicians, we wanted to not only express our concern, but discuss the help that’s available and to push our Federal Government to do more.

“We want the Afghan community to know that we’re here for you. If you want to talk, we have people that can talk to you and to advocate on your behalf. Don’t be afraid to reach out to us.”

If you need support, phone Komak on 8792 8999 or contact us.

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