A Celebration of Belonging and Empowerment

Soheyla’s Story Featured on ABC’s Compass: A Celebration of Belonging and Empowerment

We were recently featured on ABC’s Compass in a special episode alongside the Governor General of Australia. The segment highlighted powerful stories of hope, resilience, and at the heart of it was our very own Soheyla.

Soheyla, who recently became an Australian citizen, shared her remarkable journey of building a new life and finding her voice in Australia with Her Excellency, Sam Mostyn AC, during a visit to The Social Outfit’s Marrickville Workroom.

“I’m so happy to be a citizen and to be able to vote. I’ve never been able to vote before – not even when I was in Iran. It was an honour and a joy for both me and my daughter.”
“I have always wanted to make my voice heard. I want to express my gratitude towards The Social Outfit and the government for allowing me to have a voice and for my voice to now be heard.”

Watch the full Compass episode “The Governor General One Year On”, on iview.

Her words speak volumes about the power of inclusion and community support. Soheyla’s story came full circle when she met Her Excellency again at our Meet the Makers event, co-hosted with The Social Outfit. There, she had her citizenship ceremony photo personally signed by the Governor General, a deeply meaningful gesture and a moment she’ll never forget.

It was a celebration of identity, empowerment, and the strength that comes from being seen and heard. We are incredibly proud of Soheyla and honoured to see her story recognised on a national platform.