Hiam Al Yussef is a Lalor Neighbourhood House volunteer who migrated to Australia four years ago. Courtney Black sat down with Hiam and her translator Zahita to talk about her experiences.
How did you come to be in Lalor?
I immigrated from Syria during wartime to Lebanon and stayed there for four years. The final year in Lebanon my husband had a stroke. There was no support and the rent and medical care was expensive. We were not entitled to work, because we were from Syria. We stayed in Lebanon for four months after his stroke before we got our visa to Australia and came to Lalor in 2022.
What are some of the issues you faced when you moved to Australia?
We were in and out of hospital and medical care since we arrived here, but we weren’t entitled to any financial support because we were immigrants. A year before my husband passed away, we were entitled to support but it only covered two hours, three days a week. It was not enough. I bathed him and took care of him all day every day, and really suffered at the time.
How is life four years after immigrating?
As a single mum I am not entitled to much, only minimum wage which is enough to pay rent and bills. I am grieving my husband but I am also grieving the time I lost with my daughter. I was caring for my husband so I couldn’t give her that nurturing love that I desired.
What do you like about Lalor?
I love the Lalor Neighbourhood House. After my husband passed away I was severely depressed and referred during counselling to the neighbourhood house. I first started with English courses and I am now at a level three. I have also done computer and cooking classes. I volunteer every Thursday at reception helping with the weekly food drive. This centre helped my mental health, I socialise now and have my driver’s licence and want to volunteer more.
Are there any other local places you enjoy spending time?
I love having a coffee at the Lalor shops and catching up with friends and family locally. I enjoy being social and around people in gatherings at local sports and events. I have recently enjoyed my work as a volunteer helping 30 families in a food drive.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
In Syria I was a principal in a high school for 30 years and my husband was a university professor. I loved working in the school’s performing arts leading traditional dance classes, teaching students folklore, hosting performances and making costumes. Once my English is up to date I want to work again.
