Rabia’s journey to Tasmania is one of resilience, hope, and unexpected turns in life.
Originally from Pakistan, Rabia never imagined that one day she would call Tasmania home.
The family’s story is one of courage and new beginnings after struggles in South Korea that led them to seek a fresh start for the health of their children.
In 2011, Rabia and her family moved from Pakistan to South Korea for her husband to obtain his PhD which was an opportunity that brought them to a country far from home.
However, their time in South Korea came with its own challenges.
Their young children fell severely ill with recurring infections that affected their lungs due to compromised air quality.
Despite the best efforts to seek medical help, the family was struggling with this health crisis, unsure of how to proceed.
Rabia’s husband was offered a position in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field at the University of Tasmania in 2019.
The work opportunity led the family to make the bold decision to move to Tasmania, a placed they hadn’t heard of before.
This move was guided by their desire to ensure better health for their children.
“When we first came to Tasmania in 2019, we had no idea what to expect, but the decision to move was made for the health of our kids,” Rabia shared.
“And it turned out to be the best decision we could have made.
Tasmania welcomed us with open arms, and we were able to start our new life here.”
The first years were far from easy, but Rabia found purpose and fulfillment in becoming a certified interpreter.
Rabia began working as an interpreter for Amigos, a company contracted by the hospital and the courts in 2020.
Fluent in Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi, Rabia is now a certified NAATI interpreter who helps bridge communication gaps between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that others had the same access to vital services she once needed for her children.
Her path into this career was shaped by her personal experiences with doctors in South Korea.
The transition to Tasmania brought its own challenges, including the trauma of her children’s health struggles.
In 2020, Rabia was diagnosed with PTSD after one of her children faced another illness and as difficult as those years were, Rabia never gave up.
“One of the best pieces of advice I received was to acquire my interpreter certification,” she reflected.
“It has brought me so much joy and purpose, and it has been an important part of my healing.”
The family’s journey from Pakistan to South Korea to Tasmania reflects not only their strength but also the support they received from the Tasmanian community.
After settling in Kingston, Rabia and her family were overjoyed when their children’s health began to improve, aided by immune therapy and the fresh environment of Tasmania.
Their children have now found a place they love at Illawarra Primary School, where they have made many friends.
“Tasmania is home,” Rabia said. “There are places that are meant for you, and I can feel that this is where we are meant to be.
It’s a place where I’ve found peace and where our children are thriving.”
The family still loves to travel, and as passionate cricket fans, they made a memorable trip to Sydney last year for the ‘Pink Test.’
However, the ongoing citizenship application process kept them from visiting family abroad for some time.
With their tickets now booked, they are excited to reunite with loved ones this year.
Reflecting on their journey, Rabia said, “We’ve moved many times, and every time we started over.
“But now, we are at peace. Tasmania is home, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
In the face of adversity, Rabia and her family have found strength in each other, the community they’ve built in Tasmania, and their newfound sense of belonging.
Their story is one of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of family.