Ali’s Story

At just 16 years old, Ali Haidari arrived in Australia alone, having fled his home country of Afghanistan.  

"Coming to Australia by boat, I was vulnerable and I was in need.”

Ali was determined to build a future in Australia, but he understood that would be impossible without first being granted a protection visa.  

First, he had to go to school. 

Ali joined an Intensive English Centre to improve his language skills and after almost a year of hard work, he enrolled at Holroyd High School where he thrived, becoming school vice-captain. 

Upon graduating high school, Ali received a full scholarship to Charles Sturt University where he completed a Bachelor of Nursing.  

“I received so much support and love from the Australian community. Now it is my turn to give back to the community by providing care and saving lives,” he said. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ali began working as a registered nurse in south-west Sydney. 

"Working as a nurse during COVID-19 has been quite stressful and challenging. But I feel absolutely proud to be a health professional, providing care for people and saving lives,” he said. 

In recognition of his work with mental health and dementia patients, Ali became the first ever newly graduating nurse to receive a staff recognition award in the South-Eastern Sydney Local Health District. 

"I am so proud of Ali. His commitment and dedication, despite adversity, is admirable and it brings me great joy to see him doing such incredible work,” Dorothy Hoddinott, former Principal Holroyd High School and RACS Ambassador, said. 

“I love what I do and I would not replace my role with anything. I feel very proud to be a nurse, helping people who are in need,” Ali said. 

Ali's story is one of determination and dedication, it is the story of thousands of other people who also come to Australia in need to protection.