Hind’s story: “It’s a life”

A great beginning 

When Hind and her family first arrived in Australia, one of the very first places they visited was the Asylum Seekers Centre. 

It quickly became a place of support and a second home.

“It was a great beginning to see what’s happening in this country,” says Hind.

“You can do everything here. You study, you work, you cook, you garden, you play sports… It’s a life.”

Those three words—“It’s a life”—stayed with her. 

They eventually became the title of her creative project: a joyful series of greeting cards and wrapping paper inspired by everyday life at the Asylum Seekers Centre.

Hind has always loved drawing. Back in her home country, she would fill many sketchbooks with pencil and colour.

“Later I learned digital art and graphic design. I worked part-time as a designer.”

Now, while studying and working as a dental assistant, Hind still carves out time to create. 

“It’s something [of a] relief from this world.”

Hind’s muse

Hind shares that her passion and her creativity comes from her biggest cheerleader: her mum. 

“Even when I was little and just doing messy drawings, my mum would say, ‘Oh wow, that’s great!’”

“So I believed in myself—even when it wasn’t perfect.”

A life by me

When the Asylum Seekers Centre invited her to design a new collection of cards and wrapping paper, Hind didn’t hesitate.

“I like doing graphic design, and I like the Centre!”

Each of her four unique designs captures moments community members enjoy at the Centre:

• Studying for uni
• Using a donated laptop to connect with family, work, or learning
• Being part of the Centre’s sewing group
• Cooking community lunch 

“These activities it’s just something I personally enjoyed or one of my family enjoyedI”

Hind shares that she connected with the ASC’s employment and education services, while her mum was part of the sewing and cooking groups.

“She enjoyed doing it with people from different cultures.”

“And it’s also opened her a way to start learning English!”

With her concepts locked down, Hind then carefully worked in the Centre’s colour palette and added her own sparkly touches.

“I created everything from scratch.”

Seeing her designs come to life and her name displayed was a moment of pride.

“When I saw the printed versions, I thought, ‘Wow—it’s so much prettier in real life!’”

“Even on the website it says, ‘Life by Hind’!”

“It’s a life by me!”

A place of welcome and possibilities

Through her designs, Hind has painted a portrait of what the Asylum Seekers Centre community feels like for her.

“Everyone smiles at you, from the reception to the volunteers upstairs. It’s very organised and welcoming.”

“You can find people from all around the world in just one group.”

Her art celebrates that multicultural spirit and the beauty of people coming together.

Something extra this festive season

As the festive season now approaches, Hind looks forward to some quality time with her loved ones. 

This year, her beautiful wrapping paper and cards add something extra to the season with an opportunity for others to share her story and support her community.

“I received great help actually in the beginning from the Centre, great support.

So designing [the cards] is something just a little to do, like, to do something for all these efforts.”

“The designs show how we live, learn, and grow here. It’s all part of life.”

*Support Hind’s designs here.