JOHN KAMARA

Interview: Lily Whiting

Picture: Tas Australian of The Year

John makes us wonder if we all have the same 24 hours in our day. There is no doubt he is very deserving of being named Tasmanian Australian of the Year.

Where are you from and where do you live now? I am originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa. I now live in Hobart.

Why Hobart? As a refugee I didn’t have a choice at the time. However, I can confidently say it was the best choice. It’s so good to be in Tassie. I love it here.

Tell us a little about your work? I am employed in a government role as a Practice Leader at Child Safety Services and my role is very varied. I lead a team of Child Safety Officers to case manage matters where children are subject to Care and Protection Orders for a variety of reasons such as neglect and harm. Each day is different, and we make considered choices around the lives of vulnerable children and families. It’s very hard work but can be very rewarding.

How did your personal experience moving to Tasmania inform your current advocacy role? My experience as a refugee after living through the crimes of war and seeking escape from lethal danger was that it felt safe to be in Tasmania. However, what drove me to do the work I do now was experiencing the shock, uncertainty and challenges of learning to live in a new land and community. This was especially tough as a person of colour in a very white system. Everyday challenges included learning English, riding the bus, making friends, different sounds, different foods and different music, securing housing and witnessing people seek employment in the face of tough and inflexible visa requirements. All of this led to me engaging in the advocacy and community work I dedicate my life to now.

You and your wife Mavis established

Kamara’s Heart Foundation recently, what is the purpose of this charity?

Kamara’s Heart is a whole of family project. We want to promote better educational outcomes for children in Africa who don’t have school lunches or books, can’t afford school fees and have no access to basic amenities such as running water, toilets and hygiene products. We also train teachers to improve their capacity to teach the children well. Kamara’s Heart also provides local support for the community in Hobart such as assistance with writing resumes, preparing for job interviews, completing housing applications, as well as providing food hampers for students and families experiencing poverty.

What feelings are common for migrants when arriving in Hobart? One of the biggest themes I encounter is around visa processing and the requirements which cause unnecessary pain for our families and their past connections. Educational pathways to jobs are very limited for migrants and refugees while value and respect for their current skills may be absent. You must become a resident before you can make choices around what job you are passionate about. Barriers to wellbeing like not having access to Medicare and social benefits when arriving or you may be perceived as being naturally violent or a trouble maker if you arrive from a war-torn country. These preconceptions often create subtle racism and discrimination for those already suffering and experiencing disadvantage.

What do you love doing outside work?

I have lots of space in my life for helping others, whether that be advocacy work and support for the local African and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community, working on the Foundation or simply playing piano and singing in the church choir. I am a co-founder and president of the Culturally Diverse Alliance of Tasmania, co-founder of the African Communities Council of Tasmania, a board member for the Tasmanian African Community Forum and Secretary of the Sierra Leone Association of Tasmania. While this is my passion, my favourite time is with family, singing together with my children, and playing soccer and other sporting activities with them. I’m not a bad soccer player either in our community games I plan for the kids!

Who do you admire? I admire my wife Mavis who supports me to continue with the work I do. She encourages determination and bravery, and for me to transform our past experience into something new that inspires others to live a better life.

Favourite podcast or tv show? During my childhood I missed out on many learning opportunities. Through watching children’s shows with my own children, I get to learn, imagine and have fun alongside them. One of my favourites is Mr Bean. I enjoy laughing and experiencing a positive time which is also very healing.

Secret vice? 3 or 4 sugars in my tea or coffee, which upsets my wife!

What gets your goat? I don’t like being late for meetings, appointments, and work.

What was your first job? Working on the farm picking fruit.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I watch ABC News Breakfast from 6am after attending the gym most mornings. I also enjoy watching programs on Netflix.

Favourite team? Manchester United.