‘I did not belong’: How inspiring humanitarian escaped life of terror

Before he even turned 12, Farhan Khudir had witnessed terror and trauma which forced him and his family to flee their home in Iraq. Read how far he’s come since he started calling Australia home here.

Farhan Khudir’s past may be marred by experiences of trauma, loss, fear and displacement, but through his rare resilience and determination he wants to create a brighter future for all.

Any semblance of a childhood for Farhan was shattered by the sound of gunfire when ISIS killers attacked the Northern Iraq town he and his family called home.

“It was very traumatic and scary … when they attacked we could hear the sounds of guns and weapons,” he said.

“To get attacked and not be able to trust the authorities in your own country or have anyone there to prevent it or protect you is very disappointing.”

Farhan Khudir, winner of the W. H. Groom Centenary of Toowoomba Scholarship. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Leaving behind his home and life at the age of 11, Farhan and his family sought refuge at a Turkish refugee camp.

A small tent that would leak during harsh weather was where Farhan, his younger brother, parents and uncle called home for almost half a decade.

As the eldest son and the only one who could speak the Turkish language, Farhan felt a responsibility to take care of his family.

By the time he was 14, his job at a shop was supporting his entire family.

“You don’t really have time to think about if it’s right or wrong because you just have to do it to survive,” he said.

Farhan Khudir, winner of the W. H. Groom Centenary of Toowoomba Scholarship. Picture: Nev Madsen.

About 12 months after the family registered with the United Nations and were provided assistance to complete their application, the family were granted an application for a Humanitarian Visa.

Sitting beside his father when he received the phone call, Farhan said he was over the moon to “finally get a new life”.

Arriving in Australia and settling in Toowoomba four years ago, the now 21 Farhan said he never felt like he belonged until he arrived on Australian soil.

Despite speaking no English upon his arrival, Farhan spent every day for six months studying the language until he was fluent.

W. H. Groom Centenary of Toowoomba Scholarship winner Farhan Khudir. Australia Day celebrations at Picnic Point in Toowoomba. Picture: Nev Madsen.

After graduating from Toowoomba State High School in 2020, Farhan enrolled in a diploma of modern languages at the University of New England and can now speak five languages.

Currently in his third year of a law and arts degree at The University of Southern Queensland, Farhan hopes to pursue a career as a migrant lawyer or agent.

Passionate about helping others who have had similar experiences to him, the 21-year-old also works part-time at the Toowoomba Social Justice Commission, helping refugee and migrant families to start their new life through the organisation’s Dignity Project.

He also works at the UniSQ iConnect concierge, is co-leader of the university’s English Conversation Club, appeared on the You Belong podcast and previously volunteered at the Toowoomba Red Cross retail store.

TRC Mayor Paul Antonio and Farhan Khudir at the Australia Day celebrations at Picnic Point in Toowoomba. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Just last week he was awarded the 2023 W.H. Groom Centenary of Toowoomba Scholarship valued at $5000, at the Australia Day Awards ceremony at Picnic Point.

Named after Toowoomba’s first Mayor William Henry Groom, the scholarship award was established in 2004 to help cover tuition expenses.

He completed his Australian Citizenship and will attend an official ceremony later this year.

“(Becoming a citizen is important to me because) I never felt like I belonged in my country of origin but I have called Australia home from day one,” he said.