A Million Stories. This is one of them –
A Personal Opinion by Tuan Quan Le
Refugee Week is a time to reflect on the journeys of millions of people worldwide who leave their homelands in search of safety. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the diverse vibrant communities that refugees help build. As a former refugee and a long-time educator, this week holds deep personal significance for me.
A Journey Driven by Change
My journey began in 1981. Following the conclusion of the Vietnam War and the subsequent reunification of the country, my family faced significant challenges due to our background in Southern Vietnam. Educational and career opportunities were heavily restricted. Facing a future with limited choices, I made the difficult decision at the age of 18 to leave my homeland alongside my brothers.
We departed from Cần Thơ by boat, seeking a future defined by safety and opportunity. Our destination was Pulau Bidong, a temporary refugee camp in Malaysia. At the time, the island housed over 40,000 people in highly overcrowded conditions. Living in temporary huts with limited resources was an incredibly challenging experience for a young person who had just left behind family, friends, and the familiarity of high school.
A Legacy of Welcome
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Australia responded to the humanitarian crisis in Southeast Asia by welcoming more than 15,000 Vietnamese refugees per year. This humanitarian program, supported by the Australian government and the wider community, provided a vital lifeline for families like mine.
To understand the broader context of displacement, it is helpful to look at global and local migration facts:
- Under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, individuals have the legal right to seek asylum in signatory nations.
- According to international data, tens of thousands of people globally are forced to flee their homes daily due to conflict or persecution.
- All refugees arriving in Australia undergo strict health, security, and character assessments before being granted permanent residency.
- Once settled, permanent humanitarian arrivals receive the standard social security support aligned exactly with the rates provided to any eligible Australian citizen.
Building a Future Together
Forty-five years after arriving, my family’s story reflects the positive outcomes of giving people a chance to rebuild their lives. I have had the privilege of working as a teacher within the Education Department for over 35 years. My son has qualified as a medical doctor, and my daughter is a Doctor of Optometry.
Australia is a nation with a rich history of migration, built by the contributions of people from all over the world alongside the enduring heritage of First Nations peoples. Refugee Week reminds us of the profound impact of community support, compassion, and the shared human desire to live in safety and dignity.
Mr Tuan Quan Le – Guitarist | Music Teacher | BMusEd(Mel), ADPA(WA Conservatorium)