Afghan refugee built Canberra's 3000-strong community from scratch
Dr Nadir Saikal arrived in Canberra in 1983. Today the Afghan community numbers about 3000. He won the 2026 ACT Multicultural Award.
When Dr Nadir Saikal fled political imprisonment in Afghanistan, he arrived in Canberra in 1983 at age 24. No Afghan shops or restaurants existed.
He spoke limited English and worked filing medical records first. His colleagues helped him learn English and adjust to work through everyday kindness.
He married another Afghan refugee, Mary. They raised three children in Canberra.
Their children now work in finance, architecture and education. Today at 67, Dr Saikal is Canberra state director of the Afghan Peace Foundation and teaches at ANU Medical School.
- 1983, age 24
- Arrival year and age
- approximately 3000 people
- Afghan community size today
- 67
- Current age
Why it mattersThis story shows how welcoming and supporting refugees makes multicultural Australia stronger. Refugee integration and community-building benefit everyone when people are welcomed and supported.
AustraliaCanberra's Afghan community has grown from one family to 3000 people working across healthcare, education, business and construction, enriching the city's diversity.
