From the Beaches of Colombia to Your Feast Table

When Lidys and Jose first arrived at the ASRC, they didn’t know what to expect. They had landed in Melbourne a month before and everything had been so new – from the unfamiliar language to the unexpected harshness of Melbourne winter. 

“This centre was a blessing from the moment we first walked in. We didn’t know anything about the help we could get, so imagine our relief and surprise when the kind Spanish man from the Foodbank heard us speaking in Spanish and explained to us how to get our groceries,” says Jose, referring to Vincent, the Manager of ASRC’s Food Services.

A year later Vincent is happy to report that Lidys and Jose are doing very well, “Jose shared how they are enjoying English classes at Victoria University and their English has noticeably improved. Lidys kept saying how thankful she was for all the support they have received, the welcome and warmth of the staff and volunteers at the ASRC.

“I remember the first time they came to our centre, it was only winter last year, they were filled with so much uncertainty, sadness and fear. It brings me so much joy to see how they are today, rebuilding their lives, filled with hope and taking steps towards a positive future. It is so inspiring to witness.”

Lidys and Jose visit the ASRC Foodbank every week. “We come to the centre to get groceries every Thursday. We could do it every two weeks, but we love to come here, have a coffee and have lunch,” says Jose. 

Lidys and Jose always bring bright smiles and boundless energy to the centre. “They are now working at a bakery nearby and sometimes bring leftover bread and delicious pastries to share for lunch in our community kitchen,” says Vincent. “Lidys and Jose are always finding ways to give where they can.”

“I also want to volunteer at the centre and bring some Colombian flavour to the kitchen,” says Lidys with a smile. “This centre has given us so much, we are so grateful,” says Jose. “I dream of the day we have overcome all the challenges and can come back here to donate and volunteer and help other people like us. This is our home and these people are our family in Australia.”

Their generosity is also shining through the recipes they shared with us for this year’s Feast for Freedom. Not only are their recipes delicious and easy to make, they carry with them memories of the times spent with their family, of sun-drenched beach, the smell of the sea and the coconuts.

“One person in the family would go fishing before dawn or to the market to get fish. Another person would cook the rice with coconut directly from the palm tree, and another would prepare the salad and fry the patacones and the fish,” reminisces Lidys. “We’d eat it together, sitting on the beach.”   

While they miss their family, Lids and Jose feel lucky to have found safety. Their beautiful  hometown of Sincelejo in the Caribbean region of Colombia was affected by illegal armed groups involved in drug trafficking and corruption, and when Jose, a passionate social leader and accountant, and Lidys, a talented dental technician, received threats to their lives for seeking justice for the victims of violence, they had to leave. “We love Colombia, but because of the dangerous situation in our small town, we travelled to another universe for safety,” says Jose.  

Jose and Lidys are still on a bridging visa, waiting for protection, but they are preparing for the future. ASRC’s  Education Pathways Coordinator helped them enrol in an English Program provided by Victoria University free of charge for people seeking asylum. Jose has been looking into studying electrical engineering and has received support from ASRC’s Employment Program with his CV and interview training, and Lidys wants to resume her career as a dental assistant.