Meet Ukash

---

I am Ukash, and this is my story. My journey from Somalia to Australia is a tale of overcoming challenges and working to empower communities. I was born during a difficult time in Somalia. In 1991, when I was 10 years old, the brutal civil war forced me and my family to flee to Kenya, seeking refuge. I spent 18 challenging years in the large Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps. Throughout these tough years, I worked with humanitarian aid organisations and helped other refugees and asylum seekers. These experiences sparked my passion for refugee rights and began my advocacy journey.

In 2009, I was granted the opportunity to resettle in Australia. This turning point was a new beginning, and I was determined to contribute to my new country, Australia. I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies from Flinders University, graduating with Distinction. This study helped blend my existing knowledge and passions, with a new deeper understanding of global issues and cultural dynamics, to best equip me to advocate effectively for refugees and marginalised communities.

I’m proud to be the President of the Somali Weyn Sports Club, where we bring people together and foster unity through sports. Additionally, as a Programs Coordinator at Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia (MCCSA), I help others embrace their new Australian story, embody resilience and advocate for the needs of multicultural communities. I believe each person’s individual efforts have the potential to make a real difference in building an inclusive society.

Working for MCCSA has had a huge, positive impact on both my personal and professional life. The support and opportunities provided through MCCSA have been instrumental in my journey, and the journey of many others we work with. From 2017 to 2022, I managed the Youth Engagement Program, helping young people from diverse backgrounds settle in to South Australia and become active members of our society. In 2022, I transitioned to a Coordinator role, managing the Multicultural Men’s Group, which was founded in 2020 and has since been rebranded to MCCSA Men’s Council in 2024. MCCSA Men’s Council offers a vital, safe platform for men from diverse backgrounds to share their stories, challenges and victories, surrounded by their supportive peers. The Council has not only empowered its participants, but also fostered a real sense of brotherhood and mutual understanding, and it’s making a difference to our community’s mental health and positive wellbeing.

MCCSA has also supported me to become a culturalQ facilitator. Mentored and guided by Robert Bean, a guru of intercultural communications with over 40 years of experience in designing and developing intercultural communications training and consultancy, I facilitate workshops and programs which promotes Cultural Intelligence (CQ), Cultural Competency, Intercultural Awareness and Cultural Sensitivity. This role allows me to leverage both my own personal experiences, as well as my academic studies, to support organisations and communities to navigate the complexities of cultural diversity.

One of the most rewarding things about working at MCCSA is seeing first hand the positive changes in individuals and our community at large. Through our programs, I have seen increased participation in community activities, improved mental health outcomes, and strengthened relationships. The sense of belonging and support that MCCSA fosters is unparalleled.  I am proud to be part of an organisation actively dedicated to its vision for ‘an equitable, cohesive and thriving multicultural South Australia’.

MCCSA has supported me as a father, too. MCCSA allows for flexible work arrangements, enabling me to maintain a positive work/life balance, while also effectively managing my parenting responsibilities. As a dedicated husband, and a father (“coach”) to our 11 children (our very own, full “soccer team”), MCCSA’s endless support is crucial in allowing me to be there for my children, while continuing my advocacy and community work.

Moreover, over the years, MCCSA has offered me numerous professional development opportunities, which has helped me to gain new skills and further build my knowledge, empowering me to make an even bigger impact through my roles.

Working with MCCSA has given me a platform to continue my advocacy work and support multicultural communities in South Australia. The opportunities, support and positive experiences I have had through MCCSA show how committed MCCSA is to making a tangible difference in the lives of migrants, refugees, and the wider community.