What it means to belong | Australian Citizenship Day
- Community First Step
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Australian Citizenship Day is a time to reflect on what it means to belong, and to celebrate what makes us Australian, what makes us human: the safety and freedom to call this country home. Since the 1940s, six million people have made Australia their home, with Fairfield City becoming a vibrant hub of diversity and new beginnings, while multiculturalism has become a cornerstone of our national identity.
People migrate for many reasons, and at times it becomes a vital path to safety, offering protection from conflict and persecution and the chance to rebuild their lives with hope and security.
No matter the circumstance, we welcome migration. Helping you find your place only makes our community stronger.
Awatif’s Story: Finding Safety and a New Beginning
Following the United States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003, civil war erupted, leading to the mass displacement of one million people within two years. By 2005, this number had risen to 4.7 million.
In her 50s, as Awatif’s country was consumed by war, she and her family were forced to leave their home to save their lives.
She is one of 4.7 million.
“My country was so beautiful but because of the war, we had to migrate”
In August 2013, Awatif came to Australia, alongside her husband and her sister, Awatif was reunited with her daughter, having come here three years prior, and here they commenced their new chapter.
Now, after seven years as an Australian citizen and as a regular member of our Arabic Women’s Group, Awatif reflects on her time “I've adjusted and I’m very happy here.”
Benedicta’s Story: From Uncertainty to Connection
In March of 2006, at the age of 24, Benedicta came to Australia. “It was my first time travelling on a plane by myself, I was excited but really nervous”.
Between 1985 and 2000, unemployment in Ghana increased from 0.400% to 10.36% (CEIC). As a result, over one million people lost their jobs. Understanding the country’s economic instability, Benedicta’s father travelled to Australia to study, and then when he was able, he brought his children over one by one.
Now a mother of four herself, Benedicta attends our Playgroup sessions multiple times a week with her youngest, five year old Samantha.
“It’s a funny story on how I found Community First Step. I met a woman with a pram who was coming here, and she told me “It’s not far from the train station”. At that time, I had my third child and then I fell pregnant with Samantha and have continued coming here since”.
While coming together with other parents has helped her come out of her shell, Benedicta’s connection is strongest when seeing her daughter connect.
“Samantha loves coming here. She enjoys what she’s doing here, she’s being loved, she’s being included. She always tells me “Mummy, when are we going to playgroup? Now we come three times a week”
What It Means to Belong in a Diverse Community
Diversity creates stronger communities and connection offers a lifeline. At Community First Step, we embrace and celebrate the diversity that makes Greater Western Sydney so vibrant. Guided by our purpose: to help people find their place and forge a fair future, we empower residents to build fulfilling lives and create opportunities for belonging, inclusion, and shared strength across our community.
How We Support Belonging at Community First Step
Seniors Support: People like Awatif have found connection through our free Seniors Support Groups, these include Sewing and Crafts, Vietnamese Men’s, English Conversational Classes, and Arabic Women’s Group.
Multicultural Supported Playgroups: For Benedicta and Samantha, a place to bond, learn, and play helps them to feel connected. Making our free Playgroups a safe space to connect with your child through play-based learning.
Additional Support: With Vietnamese and Arabic speaking staff members, we’re able to assist you with any form filling, and case management. From providing support with daily challenges and access to essential services, to child and family programs, youth services, and disability supports, we are here to help!
Explore all the ways we can support you here.
