Ornina - Refugee Stories for Change

Refugee Ambassador

Ornina’s story

Damon Amb

The journey

Ornina arrived in Australia in 2017 from an Assyrian background, carrying with her the weight of displacement and the determination to rebuild her life. Leaving behind familiar surroundings meant starting anew, without the security of language, education or established networks. Like many young people from refugee backgrounds, Ornina’s early years in Australia were shaped by uncertainty, adaptation and a strong desire to succeed despite structural barriers.

Arriving in Australia

Beginning life in Australia required Ornina to learn English, adapt to a new education system and navigate unfamiliar cultural expectations. As the first person in her family to attend university, Ornina is now in her final year of a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws. Alongside her studies, she has completed and is currently undertaking her second internship in the legal field, gaining valuable practical experience and professional confidence. These experiences have tested her confidence and resilience, while strengthening her independence, gratitude and passion for learning. Education has become a powerful tool through which Ornina has rebuilt her identity and accessed opportunities she once believed were out of reach.

Giving back

Ornina is deeply committed to giving back to the community that supported her resettlement. She volunteers with Navitas, assisting newly arrived migrants and refugees to navigate their studies and adjust to life in Australia. Through this work, she provides both practical support and encouragement, drawing on her lived experience to reassure others that they are not alone. Ornina is passionate about using her voice to raise awareness of Assyrian refugee experiences and to challenge misconceptions. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others, particularly young people from Assyrian refugee backgrounds to pursue education, believe in their potential, and recognise the strength of their experiences.

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Become an ambassador

Refugee Stories for Change is our flagship community engagement program that connects trained refugee speakers with people around Australia.

We refer to our speakers as Refugee Ambassadors of Australia because of the experience they bring to this program and the breadth of their engagement as speakers, leaders within their communities, media commentators and professionals.

Through powerful storytelling in schools, businesses, communities, and government agencies, our Refugee Ambassadors are reshaping the national dialogue on refugees, one impactful story at a time.

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