Eva is a Consumer Partner and member of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Working Group, Consumer Partner Steering Committee, Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre Advisory Group, and Interview Panels. Her country of origin is Ukraine.
“Refugee Week means a lot to my family and me. It’s a time to share our story and reflect on our journey. We came to Australia seeking asylum because our country was no longer safe for our family. We needed a place where we could live without fear, and we found that here.
Life in Australia has been both challenging and rewarding. When we first arrived, we faced many difficulties adjusting to a new environment. However, the Asylum Seekers Welcome Centre of Uniting and our church community supported us. They provided us with food, shelter, and a sense of belonging. Without their help, surviving those early years would have been much harder.
Our daughter, who is now 15, has also faced many challenges. Starting a new school in a new country was tough, but she has grown so much. She has made friends and learned new things, and we are so proud of her resilience. There have been many happy moments, too. Celebrating our first Christmas in Australia with our new friends, watching our daughter excel in her studies, and finally getting our work rights are just a few of the highlights.
To us, freedom means living without fear. It means having the opportunity to build a better life for our daughter and ourselves. It’s about being able to contribute to the community and feel safe and respected.
During Refugee Week, we want to share our story to help others understand what refugees go through and how important it is to provide support and welcome to those seeking asylum. We hope that by sharing our story, we can foster empathy and understanding. Refugee Week is a chance for everyone to learn about the contributions refugees make to Australia and to celebrate the rich cultures that refugees bring with them. It’s an opportunity to stand in solidarity with people seeking safety and to create a welcoming environment for all.”
Learn more about Uniting’s Multicultural Services.
