The Voice on Fire Interview - Series #4 - FARHAT FIRDOUS

From international student in 2013, to potential Shire Councillor in 2020, Farhat Firdous is a true Action Taker.  

As a recent migrant to Australia, she experienced many of the sadly common experiences of loneliness, 'otherness', isolation, and that sense of being different, often felt by immigrants. Fortunately, Farhat was studying in the Mental Health field and was able to understand the stories of her clients.   When her father became a political prisoner in her early years, the seed of political aspirations were sewn, and within a very short time frame after settling into regional Victoria, Farhat pursued a role as Shire Councillor in the local government elections.   

Farhat’s driving force is in helping people feel connected, to have relationships, community, and a sense of social responsibility.   This major factor led to her founding the Intercultural Exchange, a non-profit organization celebrating diversity of cultures among our communities while addressing the fear of otherness.   

An active Anti-Racism advocate, Farhat believes in creating safe spaces for new settlers and host communities to thrive in diversity.  She believes everyone has culture., and wants to create opportunities and appropriate service responses for improved outcomes both for new settlers, like she once was, and also within the host communities.  

If you would like to reach out to connect with Farhat, you can find her here: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farhatfirdous/

Find out more about the Intercultural Exchange by contacting Farhat directly.  

Contact Terri: terri(at)terrmitchell.com.au 

www.terrimitchell.com.au