From Cairo to the catwalk – the life of a Sudanese refugee in Sydney

  Walking across a catwalk may not seem like a big deal for a young woman who has lived through war and travelled far from home to start a new life in a new country.

But for 21-year-old Suzan Deng, the experience of modelling in the Miss Sudanese Australia competition this year was another challenge that she can tick off her list of achievements.

“It was really hard because it was my first time doing it. I was really shy but since I’ve got to practise I feel more comfortable doing it,” the humble and unassuming Suzan said, speaking to the City Hub from her western suburbs home.

Suzan showed she has the poise to make it on the catwalk, and although she admits to a big love for fashion, her ambition goes beyond modelling. She is studying nursing and wants to work in Africa when she graduates, especially in Sudan, her country of birth.

She keenly follows current affairs and disagrees with the current pre-election discussion on keeping immigration levels low.

“Hopefully a lot of people disagree and more people will come here,” Suzan said.

“Since I came to Australia, I found that it is multicultural and there are people from different countries which is beautiful.

“I’ve seen a lot of refugees and people escaping from war in our countries and we want to live here and stay with our families.

Suzan lives with her parents, three brothers and two sisters in Penrith.

“When I came, I knew nothing about Australia and I was so nervous,” Suzan said.

“I was worried about how I would communicate with people and who was going to be my friend.” Despite the current election battle, Suzan has no doubt that immigration is a positive thing for Australian society.

“As you walk on the street you can find people from all different countries, and you can meet people who you can talk to no matter what language.”