Then – March 2025
The Kankoun family from Syria did not have an easy beginning to their new life in Australia. A visa problem in Iraq delayed their scheduled departure for 6 weeks – a worrying and fearful time for them all, and for the Ballina Refugee Resettlement and Welcome Network (BRRAWN) group anxiously waiting to welcome them to Ballina.
Following their arrival, one of the children required an emergency overnight stay in hospital, the region was hit by Cyclone Alfred, and then observance of Ramadan commenced. There was so much for the family to deal with on top of trying to adjust to an unfamiliar place and language.
The scale of this family’s resettlement challenges was enormous. The children had no previous experience of schools; the parents had never driven a car; the twins had never been separated from their parents (which made for distressing scenes going to daycare). Every day there was another necessary form to be completed and more information about their new home to be understood! The adjustments and learnings for them have been exponential. All we saw initially was that they were overwhelmed and missing the familiarity and comfort of friends, language, food and culture.
Now – April 2026
‘Blossoming’ is the word we use to describe the family now. We are so proud of how they have faced all the challenges of their new life here. Not the least is the constant longing for family and friends far beyond their reach, and missing their culture. Our group is confident that we have helped to ease some of that as the Kankouns have opened themselves to us to become their ‘Australian family’.
The whole family has embraced what life has to offer in Australia, and their world has broadened with so many new experiences. We have witnessed Hanaa’s determination to master riding her bike, and now taking lessons to get her driver’s licence! The older boys (Khalil and Mohamad) taking to the water like fish, joining a soccer team, and regularly receiving commendations from their school. The transition of the twins (Eshaaq and Yaaqub) from fearful separation to now happily participating at pre-school. Basel learning to use tools and equipment he hadn’t seen before, learning about car maintenance, and actively seeking work opportunities. They are all so much more settled now.
Independence and confidence for the family had a massive lift when Basel passed his driver’s licence test and bought a car. Now the whole family can go wherever they want – visiting friends, shopping, going to prayers, attending soccer games; just a normal life they can take part in as they choose.
We have been delighted at the way the family has taken up suggestions for local activities. From the Anzac Day parade, to the Ballina pump track, to local parks and playgrounds, school holiday activities at the library, the Rotary ‘duck race’, Community Christmas Carols, birthday picnics, fishing. They have found their way to engage in many of these typically Australian events and activities. Their confidence and enjoyment now is beyond recognition from 12 months ago. We know the family are no longer overwhelmed and they are enjoying living in Ballina, where the community is welcoming and life has an easy pace.
Our group is in awe of this family for their courage, resilience, perseverance, sense of humour, acceptance of all the differences in the culture of Australian life, their receptiveness to trying things out, and their enormous trust in us in taking on board our advice and encouragement.
What’s ahead
Our group feels incredibly proud and privileged to have supported this family towards realising their ambition for a happy, safe and fulfilling life in Australia. More new things will arise which the family will need guidance with. Every member of our group remains in contact and available to help. We have shifted from being the Kankouns’ CSG to being their friends and neighbours.
Two things are key to the next big shift forward for this family: gaining more confidence and mastery of the English language, and stable employment. Basel is regularly in contact with Tursa Employment and Training. Ideally, he needs part-time employment (2-3 days per week) because he attends TAFE English classes 2 days per week.
Gratitude to the community
In sharing the story of the Kankoun family, we have to acknowledge the amazing spirit of the community of Ballina and the wider Northern Rivers. We have had so many people go out of their way to help this family, extending practical support and compassionate hearts in actions both large and small. It has been humbling to experience this. For the family, it has been a clear demonstration that they can call this place home.
Equally, the support, advice, networks and resources of NRFR and other CSG members (both past and current) has been invaluable for our CSG. Our group reached out many times to different people for help. Gratitude is extended to all of you for being our safety net.
It has been a roller-coaster of a year, but one that has been a lot worthwhile and more than a little bit life-changing, for us all.
- Linda Munro, Coordinator BRRAWN
Caption: The Kankoun family with members of the BRRAWN CSG
