Finding Home Through Volunteering

When Palestinian twins Mariam and Adam arrived in Australia with their mother on humanitarian visas, they carried with them resilience, courage and hope for something they had rarely experienced before, safety. Having lived through two wars and a lot of their life in Iraq and Syria, the concept of waking up without fear was new. Adam now jokes that he no longer wakes to the sound of explosions, humour that gently masks a very real past. What stands out most to both of them about Geelong is the simple, powerful feeling of being safe and welcomed. Friendly neighbours, strangers greeting them with a smile and a good morning, and the sense of simply being another person going about their day have helped transform a new place into home.

For Mariam, Geelong represents the opportunity to dream. It is the first time she has felt able to plan a real future and set goals she can confidently work towards. She describes the city as a dreamland, not only for its blue skies and green spaces but for its warmth, opportunities and sense of belonging. Adam sees the same possibility in the festivals, study options, employment pathways and the countless conversations that open doors to new experiences. Together, they have discovered that Geelong is a place where passion can be pursued and purpose can be found.

Central to their journey has been the support of Cultura. Even before arriving in Australia, they were aware of the support available through Cultura for migrants and refugees. Once here, the Immigration Team helped guide their family through the complexities of settlement with care and professionalism. That early experience of being supported left a lasting impression. Rather than only receiving help, Mariam and Adam felt compelled to give back.

Volunteering became their gateway into community life. For Mariam, it was the very first step she took after arriving. Although she felt nervous at first, she quickly found herself embraced by a team that made her feel at home. Volunteering at a Healthy Living Centre, she supports clients through arts and crafts, puzzles, dancing, shared meals, outings and emotional connection. The joy on clients’ faces and the relationships she has built have become the highlight of her week. When clients ask where she is on the rare days she cannot attend, she is reminded that her presence matters. One light hearted moment during an outing, when she struggled to close a van door and clients reassured her with laughter and affection, remains a treasured memory that reflects the trust and connection she has built. Through this experience she discovered a passion for aged care and has since chosen to pursue it as a career.

Adam’s volunteering journey has unfolded across multiple roles, each deepening his connection to the community. He began by assisting in classrooms, supporting English and IT programs and helping students build confidence in their studies. He later volunteered with the migration team at Cultura, helping fill out visa forms for people beginning their own journeys to Australia. He has supported community events by setting up venues, assisting with food service and ensuring spaces feel welcoming. As a local guide and translator, he has walked alongside newly arrived families and young people, helping them navigate everything from public transport to banking systems and community events. His adaptability and empathy allow him to meet people where they are and ensure they feel understood.

One particularly meaningful moment for Adam was supporting a newly arrived young person who felt overwhelmed attending a school event. Through reassurance and patient explanation, he watched that young person shift from fear and hesitation to confidence and excitement, even sharing their dream of pursuing photography in Australia. Seeing someone move from feeling like an outsider to feeling like they belong captures exactly why Adam feels drawn to Community Services. He now plans to pursue formal study in the field, with the goal of helping others navigate settlement and find their place just as he has.

For both twins, volunteering has reshaped their understanding of giving back. In the past, helping others was often tied to necessity and survival. In Australia, they have experienced volunteering as a choice driven by compassion and community spirit. They have learned that you do not need to have faced hardship to support someone else. “You simply need empathy and a willingness to help others live with dignity”.

They are also passionate advocates for young people getting involved. Volunteering, they believe, is not a waste of time but a powerful pathway to experience, confidence and employment opportunities. It allows young people to learn directly from professionals, develop workplace communication skills and discover passions they may not have considered. Even a few hours can make a meaningful difference.

Mariam and Adam’s story is one of gratitude turned into action. From arriving in Australia seeking safety to now supporting others as they settle, study and rebuild, they embody the spirit of community. Their journey reminds us that volunteering is more than service. It is belonging, healing, growth and connection. In giving back to the place that welcomed them, they are helping ensure that others feel that same sense of safety and possibility.