“Commemorating 40 years since the first African refugees arrived in 1984”

A Still Nomads creative research project. A creative research platform for African Art and history based on Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung and Darug lands. Melbourne & Sydney.

more information below

What is this project?
Crossroads: Horn to Home is a project to collect stories, photos, and objects from the first African Horner refugees that came to Australia in 1984. We want to commemorate the 40th anniversary of their arrival. We want to keep these memories safe and document our history, for the future, so people remember the journeys and experiences of our community in a digital archive on a website that will be published in December.

How to join the project?
My name is Aysha Tufa, my father, Abdul-wahab Tufa, was also one of the refugees that arrived in 1984. I am an archivist and librarian and want to make sure that the history of Horners can be remembered before it disappears. You can contact me if you want to help or learn more:

What do we need?
If you are from the Horn of Africa and arrived in Australia in 1984 (or mid 80s) we want to hear from you! You can share:

  • Photos (like family or hostel life)

  • Audio (like recorded radio interviews or music you may have made)

  • Letters (like letters you wrote or received)

  • Books/booklets/posters/flyers (like guidebooks or pamphlets)

  • Videos (like old videos of events or personal stories)

  • Clothes or objects (like things you brought with you)

  • Stories (you can tell your story and we can record it).

Even if you only have one thing to share, that’s helpful!

Your privacy

  • You will maintain ownership of anything you give us to digitise. If you change your mind you can always ask us to remove it at any time. We can change your name to stay anonymous or keep sensitive things private.

  • The archive will be on a website and be open for people to see, but no one can copy or use your things without asking. If they do, we will ask them to remove it. 

  • Using materials: We might use some things to promote the project, but we will always ask for your permission first.

Why should you help?
This project will save our history for future generations in our communities. You will help people learn about the history of migration from the Horn of Africa to Australia.

Exhibition in 2024
In December 2024, we will have an exhibition to show some of the stories, photos, and objects from the project. Artists from Horner communities here will also show artwork inspired by the archive. Your contribution might be part of this exhibition (only if you agree).

Thank you!

This project is funded by Creative Australia and supported by RIMPA.