Refugee Week: A time for healing and helping others, says Western graduate Basim Shamaon
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
‘I see you everywhere!’ is a comment often heard by Basim Shamaon. The Western Sydney University graduate has volunteered for more than 30 organisations since arriving in Australia from Iraq in 2005. Recognised in the NSW Humanitarian Awards last year, Basim dedicates much of time to tirelessly serving the community by utilising his fluency in four languages and drawing on his lived experience as a refugee.
“When I arrived in Australia I had nothing and spoke little English. I had experienced first-hand what it means to live is a war-torn country, struggle at a very young age, and then move to a new country to start a new life. All these things have helped me to connect, advocate and assist so many migrants/refugees settling in Australia.
“I just want to serve the community any way I can. Initially I wanted to be a priest, but I feel that as a lay man I can serve the community with the work I do and will continue to serve the community for as long as I can! Sometimes it’s just translation assistance, like in 2014, with the arrival of refugees from Syria and Iraq, I approached Fairfield Library and offered them free interpreting and justice of the peace services, I just wanted to do whatever I could.
“Sometimes, it’s just time that people need. One of the projects I am very proud of is one that involved simply visiting local nursing homes through South West Sydney Local Health District and Catholic Care organisation. I was the youngest volunteer in the entire group in Sydney, but it was so rewarding because I was able to bring a smile back to some residents, some of whom had no one visiting,” said Basim.
A graduate of the Bachelor of International Studies, Mater of Arts (TESOL) at Western Sydney University, Basim said the degree changed his life.
“Even though I was offered a scholarship to study at another university, I chose Western because of the understanding environment they provided, English is my fourth language, and the tutors and lecturers were so understanding of that and helped me so much on my journey to graduation,” said Basim.
Basim currently works at Navitas Skilled Futures where he is Stakeholder Engagement Manager. He joined the organisation – which help deliver programs that help students from diverse backgrounds to improve their English language and employability skills – in 2005 and says the organisation has provided him with endless support to work in communities that need his skills.
To launch this year’s Refugee Week theme, ‘healing’, the Refugee Council of Australia noted that in the wake of the pandemic, ‘Australia and the rest of the world have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hit the reset button on how we behave towards one another.’ With his tireless serving of all in his community, Basim has been setting an example on how to do this for many years.
Basim is currently a member of Fairfield City Multicultural Advisory Committee, Fairfield Employment and Community Services Forum, Fairfield Emerging Communities Action Partnership, Fairfield Multicultural Interagency and Fairfield Police’s Community Safety Precinct Committee. In 2014 he was named Fairfield’s Young Citizen of the Year and in 2021 was presented with the prestigious NSW Humanitarian Award for his outstanding work with refugees.
ENDS
21 June 2022
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.