Early Life and Education
Hedayat Osyan, known as Nick, is a remarkable 27-year-old former refugee from Afghanistan who has dedicated his life to empowering fellow refugees and asylum seekers in Australia. Born into the persecuted Hazara community, Hedayat’s early life was marked by tragedy. In 2006, his father, a high school teacher, was arrested by the Taliban and subsequently disappeared. The family’s plight worsened in 2009 when the Taliban attacked their village in Ghazni. It was then that Hedayat’s mother urged him to flee, setting in motion a harrowing journey. At just 17, he left his family behind, traveling by boat to Australia. After three months of detention on Christmas Island, Hedayat was granted residency and moved to Sydney.
Determined to seize the educational opportunities that were denied to him in Afghanistan, Hedayat enrolled in Marsden High School in West Ryde to learn English. He later pursued higher education at the University of Canberra, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and International Relations and an Honours degree in Arts and Design.
Career and Social Impact
Hedayat’s professional journey reflects his commitment to social change. He has worked as a youth consultant and advisor for various organizations, including the Cumberland Council, MYAN NSW, and CMRC. His focus has been on assisting refugees in establishing their new lives in Australia.
In 2017, he founded CommUnity Construction, a social enterprise dedicated to employing and training refugees in the construction industry. Recognizing the barriers faced by refugees, including language difficulties and exploitation, Hedayat’s enterprise has become a vital resource for over 90 refugees, with 60 of them now employed in construction and four having established their own companies. The mission of CommUnity Construction, encapsulated in the slogan “building homes, building lives,” has already led to 130 successful projects and positively impacted the lives of many.
Hedayat’s achievements have been recognized with numerous accolades. He was named a Young Social Pioneer by the Foundation for Young Australians in 2018, participated in the First Gens Accelerator by Ygap in 2019, and received the Humanitarian Award in the same year. In 2024, he won the Australia for UNHCR-SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition, highlighting his exceptional contributions to the community and his unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable groups.
Community Engagement
Beyond his work with CommUnity Construction, Hedayat has actively engaged in helping newly arrived orphans from Afghanistan adjust to life in Australia, providing them with essential support to integrate into schools and communities. His efforts to secure grants for young refugees, enabling them to participate in sports and access uniforms, exemplify his dedication to fostering a sense of belonging among those he serves.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on his journey, Hedayat states, “We help refugees thrive and become independent. We want to prove that refugees are resilient, hard workers who bring new skills to society if given the opportunity.” His work is not just about employment; it’s about changing perceptions and demonstrating the valuable contributions refugees can make.
Winning the Les Murray Award was a moment of pride for Hedayat, who admires Les Murray’s significant contributions to Australian media and support for refugees. He views this recognition as a testament to the importance of his work and the resilience of the refugee community.
Conclusion
Hedayat Osyan’s story is one of transformation, empowerment, and unwavering commitment to social justice. His journey from a refugee seeking a new life to a successful social entrepreneur and community leader inspires many, illustrating the profound impact that one individual can have on the lives of others. Through his continued efforts, Hedayat is not only changing lives but also building a more inclusive and equitable society for refugees and migrants in Australia.
