A message from displaced doctor Dhekra
I came to Australia by plane, after enduring a harrowing journey that began with a deep sense of desperation and the need for safety. Fleeing my home was not an easy decision; it was driven by the escalating violence and instability in my country.
Leaving behind everything I had ever known felt like tearing my life out by the roots.
In the end, I had to walk away from the rest of my extended family, my friends, and the community that had shaped me, leaving behind a silence that felt like loss in its purest form. The journey that followed was shadowed by danger and uncertainty, each step marked by fear, each mile carrying the weight of an unknown future.
The lawyers at RACS helped me understand my rights and the legal process. They gave me clear and honest advice about my case, helped me prepare my application, and explained what to expect at each stage. They also assisted me in gathering evidence, writing statements, and representing me in legal matters. Their generous support made a very stressful situation much easier to manage.
The hardest part was having to revisit and explain painful experiences from my past, and to remember how my home country was shaken and is no longer the safe, protective place it once was.
It was also very difficult to cope with the uncertainty and the long waiting periods, not knowing what the future would hold.
It was emotionally challenging and stressful not knowing what the outcome would be.
The moment I received news of my permanent visa is one I will never forget. It arrived by email, at first, then I received a call from my lawyers at RACS. Their voices carried both excitement and warmth, the kind that comes from people who have worked tirelessly alongside you for a long time. They had become like family to me through the process, and hearing from them felt deeply personal and moving.
After such a long and stressful journey, it felt as though a heavy weight had finally been lifted from my shoulders.
I was overwhelmed with relief, gratitude, and happiness as the uncertainty I had lived with for so long finally came to an end. It also meant something deeper: safety, stability, and the chance to begin building a future without fear.
Yet even in that moment of relief, my thoughts were still with my mother. Her absence meant that the happiness was not complete, and that sense of separation remained with me despite the joy.
Looking ahead, my hope is to continue rebuilding a stable and meaningful life grounded in safety, purpose, and belonging, while using both my personal insight and professional expertise to support others on similar journeys. I aim to contribute meaningfully to the community and help create pathways to recovery, dignity, and inclusion for refugees and asylum seekers in Australia.
I would like people who donate to RACS to know that your support truly makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Because of donors' generosity, people like me can access legal help, understand our rights, and have a fair chance to tell our stories.
Your support brings hope during very difficult and uncertain times. It’s not just about legal assistance, it’s about feeling heard, supported, and not alone. I am very grateful, and I hope you know that your contributions help change lives and give people the opportunity to build a safe and stable future.
I would just like to say thank you to everyone who supported me along the way.
This journey has been challenging, but it has also shown me the importance of kindness, support, and community.
I hope to give back in the future and help others who are going through similar experiences.
Dr Dhekra Annuzaili, Paediatrician, refugee and RACS client
RACS is aiming to raise $300,000 through our 2026 tax appeal. This is enough to keep our legal helpline open till October. It’s a life-changing service and often the first contact a person seeking asylum has with a lawyer.
Your tax-deductible gift of any amount will help refugees find lasting safety in Australia.
