Last week we said goodbye to our wonderful Zoe Grayan, who managed our Schools and Community Engagement Programs. Zoe has been a longstanding champion of JRS Australia and the people we serve, and she offers her insights about our work, successes and challenges over the last 5 years.

We appreciate the wisdom, community and positivity Zoe has brought to JRS Australia, and the dedication she has to our mission. We wish Zoe every success in the future and we know she will remain part of our JRS Australia family for many years to come.

Please find Zoe’s reflections below:

When I first started at JRS, I attended a colleague’s farewell and was struck by something they said in their speech. They mentioned that JRS was the first place where they could truly bring their whole self to work—where all their passions, enthusiasm, and unique qualities were not only accepted but celebrated. I remember thinking, “I hope I get to experience that too.”

Now, looking back on my time here, I can say that I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have experienced that and to have been able to work with some of the most dedicated, kind and compassionate people, all united in our mission to advocate for, serve, and accompany refugees and people seeking asylum.

As I bid farewell to JRS, I reflect on those early days with immense gratitude. I was thrilled to join an organisation that I had admired for years, and stepping into the role of Community Organiser was really exciting.

Just two weeks into the job, Australia entered its first COVID-19 lockdown. Community Organising in isolation wasn’t easy, but thanks to Zoom, I connected with passionate people across Sydney who were eager to support those seeking asylum.

The pandemic created unprecedented challenges, especially for those on temporary visas who were excluded from government support. The need for assistance skyrocketed—our Food Bank went from supporting 100 families a week to over 1,000, relying entirely on community donations. The response of support was overwhelming, and our first webinar drew 150 attendees eager to help.

That early outpouring of support during COVID has endured. When the Taliban took Kabul three years ago, we mobilised communities and organised meetings with MPs, rallying everyone from students and principals to lawyers and nuns. Through collective advocacy as a sector, we saw the government announce 16,500 additional humanitarian spots—a significant achievement made possible by the community and schools.

In 2022, I stepped into managing the Schools and Community Engagement work, a role that has brought me immense joy and inspiration. Since then, our team has organised 208 events, reaching over 32,000 people! From school workshops to students volunteering during their holidays, to social justice groups hosting welcome lunches for our clients—complete with a jumping castle! It has been a privilege to work with such passionate people and to witness the incredible impact our communities can make when they come together.

One of the greatest highlights has been presenting alongside our leaders with lived refugee experience. Watching students embrace our leaders and engage in meaningful discussions afterward has been really special. Whether they’re asking deep questions about complex political issues, or chatting animatedly about their favourite soccer teams, these interactions bridge gaps and foster understanding.

They allow students to connect with individuals whose lives have had a different journey but who now share the same community.

As I move on to my next adventure at UNICEF Australia, I carry with me the memories of these extraordinary experiences and the deep sense of purpose that comes from being part of this incredible work. Thank you to everyone who made this journey so special, I am so grateful for the last 4.5 years!

In solidarity,
Zoe.