About AYC

As someone who grew up as a refugee, I know firsthand what it means to survive displacement and struggle for dignity. Humanity helped me when I needed it most, and I’ve carried a deep sense of responsibility to give back ever since. That sense of duty led me to establish Africause—an organisation committed to supporting African-Australian and refugee-background communities across Melbourne’s western suburbs.

At Africause, we provide a range of services designed to meet the complex and evolving needs of our communities. These include youth mentoring, school engagement programs, English language classes, digital literacy training, employment support, and anti-racism advocacy—especially addressing the over-policing and criminalisation of African youth.

We also assist individuals and families in navigating systems that can often feel overwhelming—such as Centrelink, housing, and immigration. Our work extends to supporting young people caught in the youth justice system and providing tailored services to women and children affected by domestic and family violence. This includes helping to waive fines, providing modest financial assistance, and connecting them with vital services. We place a special emphasis on helping disengaged youth and single mothers reclaim their sense of dignity, security, and social inclusion.

What makes Africause unique is our holistic, culturally grounded approach. We create spaces for intergenerational dialogue, foster strong community connections, and ensure that our advocacy is safe, respectful, and rooted in lived experience.

As I said during the ASRC Telethon:

“For me, helping refugees and asylum seekers is not a choice. I grew up as a refugee—humanity helped me, and I carry a debt I need to repay. I see people suffer just for being who they are, and that’s not humanity. Humanity is about sharing, supporting, and caring.”

This work is personal. It is my life’s purpose. And I will continue to serve my community with compassion, resilience, and hope.

— Dr Berhan Ahmed
Founder, Africause

As someone deeply connected to multicultural communities, I know firsthand the importance of inclusion, opportunity, and representation. Growing up witnessing the challenges faced by marginalized communities, I developed a strong sense of responsibility to advocate for those whose voices are often unheard. That commitment led me to dedicate my career to community leadership and public service, working to empower diverse communities across Melbourne.

In my role as a local council representative, I work closely with residents from all backgrounds to support initiatives that promote youth empowerment, multicultural inclusion, equitable access to services, and community development. I am passionate about creating programs that address systemic barriers, support young people, and ensure every member of our community can participate fully and thrive.

My work includes fostering collaboration between community groups, local organisations, and government services, ensuring that policies and programs reflect the real needs of people on the ground. I also focus on initiatives that strengthen social cohesion, promote equity, and create safe, supportive spaces for all residents—especially young people and other marginalized groups.

What makes my approach unique is a grounded, collaborative, and culturally informed perspective. I believe that effective leadership comes from listening to lived experiences, fostering dialogue, and building strong connections that empower communities to create meaningful change.

As I often say: “True community leadership is about ensuring everyone has a voice, opportunities are accessible, and no one is left behind. Empowering others is not just a duty—it’s a responsibility, and it is at the heart of who I am.”

This work is personal. It is my life’s purpose. And I will continue to serve my community with dedication, compassion, and hope.

— Mohamed Semrah
Community Leader & Local Council Representative