The importance of family, connection to culture and understanding culturally diverse backgrounds are values that underpin Perth volunteer Sabah Suleiman’s approach to life.
Born in Ethiopia, Sabah was just a baby when her family fled to Asmara following the death of her father and brother, and the ongoing conflict and bombing in Eritrea.
The family then travelled to Keren, where they stayed with an uncle for about eight months.
They later spent time in a refugee camp in Kassala, Sudan, before moving in with extended family members
Sabah first came to Australia in 1996, moving to Melbourne after becoming engaged.
The couple went on to raise five children, living overseas before moving to Perth in 2020.
While living in Melbourne, Sabah found that the community centre she was involved with provided an important space for people from refugee backgrounds to feel welcomed and included.
It offered opportunities to share food, celebrate diverse cultures, and build lasting friendships.
Today Sabah remains passionate about being an active part of her community and is a graduate of the Community Innovators, Volunteers and Leaders (CIVAL) program, delivered by the Association for Services Torture and Trauma Survivors (ASeTTS) Western Australia to empower current and emerging leaders from refugee and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Sabah is the leader of the Women’s Multicultural Friendship Group, where she organises activities, guest speakers, health and wellbeing sessions, cultural events, gardening activities and social gatherings for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Sabah also volunteers with the City of Belmont and the City of Canning, supporting multicultural engagement, community development and social inclusion initiatives.
“Much of my work focuses on helping women, families, seniors and people from refugee and migrant backgrounds feel connected, informed, supported and empowered within their communities,” she says.
Sabah also likes to share her culture through hosting regular traditional Eritrean coffee ceremonies at events across Perth, which have become an important way of encouraging conversation.
“The coffee ceremony is an occasion where people from all cultures, ages, and backgrounds can come together,” she says.
“It creates opportunities for people to meet, share stories, learn from one another, and build friendships.”
“I also incorporate the coffee ceremony into many of the programs and activities I facilitate because it creates a welcoming and comfortable environment for people to connect.”
Sabah says the Eritrean coffee ceremony is a very important part of her culture and has always been about bringing people together.
“Through my community work, I noticed that many people from refugee and migrant backgrounds can feel isolated, disconnected or hesitant to ask for help,” she says.
“The coffee ceremony provides a relaxed and culturally safe environment where people feel comfortable talking, sharing their experiences and learning about available services and support. It helps break down barriers and creates a sense of belonging.”
Her hope for the future is to continue building stronger and more connected communities where people from all backgrounds feel welcomed, valued and supported.
“I would like to expand opportunities for women, refugees, migrants and seniors to build confidence, develop leadership skills, access services and create meaningful connections,” she says.
“I also hope to continue sharing Eritrean culture through coffee ceremonies and community events, helping bring people together through understanding, friendship and cultural exchange.”
Refugee Week runs from Sunday 14 June to Saturday 20 June 2026 and celebrates the contributions, courage and resilience of Australians from refugee backgrounds.