Frank's clean sweep with NEIS
In Iraq I had a settled life, property, and a professional career. Politics and war forced me to flee as a refugee in 1990. I came to Australia for a peaceful life. After learning the language and Australian cultural ways I needed to rebuild my life for myself and my family.
I found Australia to be an open society with opportunities to get ahead and I found the NEIS program could help me establish my own business Clean FX.
The success of the business helps prove my decision to leave Iraq was correct.
Australia has been very welcoming and the government's NEIS program is a great initiative to help people like me rebuild our lives.
When I came to Australia I had a lot of work to do. First I had to learn the language. Then I needed to meet people outside the refugee community.
I found employment as a cleaner and gradually proved myself. My employers trusted me and made me supervisor. Eventually I mixed with many company and property managers and found that in Australia what often counts is whether you can do the job well and not where you come from.
I knew I could achieve more and help make up for the dislocation of leaving a comfortable life and medical career behind in Iraq.
NEIS provided a bridge for me to move from employee to being my own boss. Once I had established my own business with help from my trainers and mentors, the sky was the limit.
I was lucky to have three very experienced trainers and mentors at Kangan Institute. Andrew Loucas is a calm and caring local accountant. He takes a personal interest in each student. Martin Dowling has many contacts and his experience helps encourage you to knock on doors, network and build your business. Angela Nitchov was never satisfied. Even when business was good early she made me concentrate on the long term and to continuously improve.
The training and the plan gave me a sound basis to set out on my self employment path. Overtime I have continued contact with Andrew, who is now my regular accountant.
The NEIS team are like partners. I know I can always go back there if I need.
Now, I am a proud member of two communities, both the Iraqi and Australian communities. I am now employing 20 staff members and I feel proud that I am giving back some of the blessings of my own good fortune.
