When George left Syria as a refugee, he wasn’t sure what to expect from Australia: would it look like the postcards with koalas, kangaroos and beaches?

Would he feel homesick from the cultural whiplash?

Originally from Aleppo, George fled Syria in 2015 amid rising violence and religious persecution. 

He remembers his mum supporting the move, because she didn’t want another family member to die.

“I’d lost my dad when I was younger,” George said.

“Mum said, ‘have lost my husband already, I can’t afford losing my children.’”

George relocated to Lebanon before being granted permission to move to Australia in 2017.

“I touched the tiles on the Opera House to make sure it was real,” George said.

“Australia is a new place that we call home now.

“There is no better word to explain that: Australia is home [and] it is safe.”

Settling into a new country brought its share of challenges — from learning a new language to adjusting to unfamiliar customs – but with determination and the support of the community, George found his footing. 

He not only completed his studies in engineering but graduated at the top of his class, specialising in mechatronics and robotics.

“I’m happy,” George said. “I’m grateful and thankful many, many times over [to] have a life I only ever dreamed of.”

Now a refugee advocate, George is passionate about changing perceptions of those who move to Australia.

“The difference between a person who is refugee like me and a person who is an Australian citizen born and raised here, is just the place we are born and nothing else,” George said.

To make Australia feel like home for refugees comes down to being “welcoming and giving opportunities”.

“It’s most important,” George said.

“Because look at all the achievements I have done within a very short period of time.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva

About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.