Celebrating Resilience This World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of those forced to flee.
This World Refugee Day, genU's disability employment service, MatchWorks, celebrates the resilience of refugees like Atoor, Marleen and Zahra, who are building brighter futures through connection, confidence and community support.
MatchWorks delivers tailored refugee programs that provide meaningful support and opportunities to help people from refugee backgrounds gain employment and successfully integrate into Australian life. One standout initiative is the Kickstart Program, a personalised mentoring and goal-setting program that equips participants with the skills, confidence and guidance needed to navigate the Australian job market.
Atoor Tamis is the true definition of a survivor. Born and raised in Iraq, she was forced to flee in 2009 after repeated threats to her life. Despite the trauma of displacement and the grief of losing both parents, she rebuilt her life in Australia.
Today, as MatchWorks’ Refugee Liaison Officer, Atoor mentors other refugees, offering guidance through the challenges of resettlement and employment. Her strength and community spirit inspire those she works with daily.
“Many believe they can’t attend health and wellbeing services,” Atoor explains. “I talk to my clients about my own positive experiences with employment and mental health services, and I can see they recognise what I’ve overcome. It gives them hope.”
Through the Kickstart Program, Atoor supports refugee job seekers with practical tools, goal-setting strategies and emotional guidance. Her lived experience helps break down stigma, especially around mental health.
“I help them set clear goals and build self-confidence, which keeps them motivated during their job search and as they adjust to working in a new country,” she says.
Two of Atoor’s mentees, Marleen and Zahra, are examples of how mentorship can transform lives.
Marleen arrived in Australia at 26, eager to start afresh. Yet language barriers and limited job skills made finding employment tough. Referred to MatchWorks in Fairfield, she connected with Atoor through the Kickstart Program. With Atoor’s support, Marleen developed job search skills, learned budgeting, and started planning her future.
With assistance from MatchWorks’ Employer Engagement Partner, Marleen secured a role at Lush, and Post-Placement Support Officer Layla helped ensure a smooth transition. Her hard work paid off when Lush offered her a full-time position.
Zahra joined the Refugee Training Program in Liverpool, where Atoor helped her identify her strengths, polish her resume, and build interview confidence.
Zahra had been applying for factory work, but Atoor encouraged her to aim higher and use her existing skills and qualifications. With tailored support, Zahra applied for a Post-Placement Support role at MatchWorks. After practising interview techniques and refining her answers, Zahra was successful and started her new role in April.
Through their determination, resilience, and the support of the Kickstart Program, Marleen and Zahra have turned challenges into opportunities.
You can read Marleen and Atoor's stories via these links: