Burhan Zangana

Notes

After fleeing Iraq as a refugee, Burhan embarked on a risky journey to Australia as a refugee in 1995, having fled Iraq in 1993 and became an Australian citizen in 1997. He is a passionate advocate for human rights, undertaking extensive charity work. Burhan is also an honorary chairman of the Refugee Communities Advocacy Network (RCAN). Burhan speaks Arabic, English, Kurdish & Turkish and is an engineer by trade. AWARDS Wollongong Citizen of the Year 2018 (Nominee) Wollongong Citizen of the Year 2017 (Nominee) Humanitarian Award for Outstanding Achievement in Rural & Regional Advocacy 2017 (RCAN) Premiers' Volunteer Recognition Award 2018 NSW Government 2017 Burhan has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Technology Baghdad-Iraq, a Graduate diploma in Engineering from University of Sydney Australia and a Diploma of Community Services from TAFE, NSW. Burhan is currently working as an Education Support Officer at TAFE NSW, Wollongong campus, is a Student Learning Support Officer at Wollongong West Public School and a Language Support Worker at Wollongong City Council. Burhan tells his personal refugee story to schools and community groups as part of the Refugee Council of Australia’s ‘Face to Face: understanding refugees’ schools program. He is an active volunteer in his community and among his inspiring achievements, was a finalist for Wollongong Citizen of the Year in both 2017 and 2018.