By Benjamin Millar
Community advocate Akuol Garang, who loves Footscray’s spirited multiculturalism, wants to
provide a voice for others and give back to her adopted home. She speaks with Benjamin Millar ahead of her ‘Learning on the Edge’ event.
What’s your connection with Footscray?
I grew up in Footscray, it is a place very close to my heart. I now work and run my own business in Footscray.
What do you like most about the area?
I love the multiculturalism and diversity in Footscray. When I think of the idea of multiculturalism, Footscray is the first area that comes to mind. My tailor is Vietnamese, my accountant is Ethiopian, and my butcher is Middle Eastern.
What are your favourite local places, spaces, and eateries?
Olympic Doughnuts used to be an absolute favourite. I remember always buying one after school. Even if I didn’t have money, there was always enough for Olympic Doughnuts.
I also love Ethiopian food. I eat anything Ethiopian. If you want anything Ethiopian, Footscray is the place to go.
What can you tell us about your early life?
I am originally from South Sudan. Like many, my parents were forced to flee my country and seek refuge because of war. During this journey, my mother gave birth to me.
I spent 11 years of my childhood in a refugee camp before migrating to Australia with my family in 2001.
What are you studying?
I am currently studying for my masters degree in human rights law at Monash University. I am passionate about human rights law, especially the rights of refugees and people seeking asylum.
This is what led me to my current volunteer involvement with a number of different organisations, including AMES and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
I provide English language support, link to the community and access to legal service for migrants and refugees from culturally and linguistically diverse background.
What has inspired this?
Just like these people, my family and I were once in their position. We lived in refugee camps and were once stateless.
It made me realise that I needed to do more, not only to give back to the Australian community that once helped my family and I, but to also be a voice for the thousands of refugees and asylum seekers, seeking protection from the Australian government.
As a person with a lived experience I believe that it is essential to have people from refugee backgrounds lead in advocacy. This has become the driving force in the work that I do and what I hope to achieve in life.
What are you most proud about?
I am most proud of being the first person in my family to go to university. Both my parents never had the chance to complete their high school, but that did not stop them from always reminding me of the importance of education. They are my biggest supporters and most incredible source of inspiration.
What are you looking forward to talking about in your Learning on the Edge conversation event this week?
I am honoured to have been invited as one of the participants in the Learning on the Edge event, an exciting initiative that will allow me to connect with locals to share ideas and our experiences.
I am looking forward to talking about my advocacy work for my community, multiculturalism, and
people seeking asylum in Australia, as well as sharing positive stories of former refugees and
highlighting the positive contributions they have brought into the Australian community.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
I did cross country and athletics for about four years, running in both the 800 meters and 1500
meters at state level. I remember winning my race at Footscray Park.
Learning on the Edge events will take place throughout Footscray from November 16-17.
Further details: footscraylearningontheedge.com
