My guest on this episode is Hamed Allahyari, who is a refugee from Iran. Hamed was in his early 20s when, fearing for his life, he fled his country and travelled to Australia by boat. After spending time in a detention centre, he arrived in Australia in early 2013. It took 2 years for him to receive his work/study right on his visa and even though he had extensive experience working as a chef in Iran, he found it very difficult to find a job. This became the driving force behind him opening his social enterprise restaurant a few years later. Cafe Sunshine and Salamatea is run entirely by refugees and asylum seekers, providing them with experience, training and employment here in Australia.

In this interview Hamed is extremely open about his whole journey, including why he had to leave his home country and the conditions he faced whilst coming to Australia. He then explains how he built his life here in Australia and used his own experiences to help other refugees and asylum seekers through his cafe/restaurant.

Hamed's Details

Salamatea: 21 Dickson St, Sunshine VIC 3020Website: salamatea.org Instagram: @salamateahouse @hamedsfoodFacebook: CafeSunshineAndSalamaTeaYoutube: Hamed's Persian Kitchen

Photo of Hamed in episode artwork by Sam Biddle @biddle.biddle

Podcast details:

Website: inspirationaltales.com.auInstagram: @inspirationaltalespodcast