According to a report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the Department of Home Affairs, the latest Census in 2016 recorded 54,939 Singapore-born residents in Australia. Out of these, about 6.8% (estimated to be 3,735 residents) identify as Muslims.
As the population continues to increase, Australia is becoming a hot spot for Muslims from Singapore to pursue their education, progress in their careers, and eventually settle down with their families.
Jaafar Yusof, 59, chose to settle down and raise his family in Australia after exploring the world through his career as a nurse. Jaafar shares his story with the Karyawan team about his adventures.
Q: Can you tell us more about yourself and your family?
Jaafar: I married my wife Nora in 1989. We are both nurses and are blessed with three children who are all married.
We recently had a new addition to our family – my grandson, Idris. My daughter, Amalina, her husband, Musa, and Idris are based in Sydney while my other children, Muhammad and Siti are in Victoria, not far from where we lived, in Hoppers Crossing.
Muhammad’s wife, Maryam, is of Sri Lankan background and Siti’s husband, Liam, is of Irish heritage. All my children’s partners are Australian-born. I feel very fortunate to start a mixed culture family here. Australia is home now but every year, I spend my holidays in Singapore to visit my 94-year-old mother and the rest of our family, as well as my 87-year-old mother-in-law who resides in Johor Bahru.
Q: What does your job entail and why did you choose nursing as a career?
Jaafar: Working in the Emergency Department as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Werribee Hospital involves identifying medical issues, determining severity to provide immediate support to minimise negative long-term effects and to sustain life in dire situations.
I discovered my interest in nursing in 1982 right after I completed my studies at Maju Secondary School and I later graduated with a Certificate in Nursing in 1985. Afterwards, I completed my nursing degree in 2000. My main objective in life was to be able to help others. I was fortunate to be part of the Haj Medical team under the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) on four different occasions. When I was working in Singapore General Hospital, I was part of the Singapore Medical Relief team during the Pakistan earthquake and Afghanistan War. Nursing has brought me to places that not everyone has the opportunity to experience.
Q: Where else have you worked around the world?
Jaafar: Nora and I worked in the Sultanate of Oman for four years and that was when I realised the benefits of a healthy work-life balance as well as having the opportunity to be exposed to and adapt to new challenges while living abroad. Missing family, friends and food are just some sacrifices I have had to make. However, we made new friends along the way, with some becoming our second family.
Exploring Oman’s vast desert, meeting the Bedouins and being welcomed into their homes and culture was a priceless experience. Long distance driving in different terrains was an experience I will never forget either. While we were based in Oman, we even managed to travel to Turkey, India, and perform our minor pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. I also had a short stint in Jeddah, where I worked for two years just before the pandemic hit.
Moving to Australia and settling down there was a ‘hijrah’ (migration) for me and my family. Adapting to Australian life was a challenge as my children were still schooling. We do not have the luxury of a live-in helper, so planning work and upkeep of our home were crucial.
Q: Why did you choose to pursue a career as a nurse in Australia?
Jaafar: In the Werribee Hospital in Australia, my colleagues treat each other with utmost respect. I can sit and have coffee with my medical head of the department without any barriers. Everyone attends the different company events. Nurses, doctors, administration staff and hospitality services will come and have fun together, thus creating a strong bond as a team.
My unit manager allows me to use his office as my prayer room. During Ramadan, I am also given the privilege of taking on morning shifts so that I can break my fast and complete my prayers with ease.
On top of my responsibilities at the hospital, I am also a committee member of the Australian Malay Foundation (AMF) based in the western part of Victoria. We plan activities according to our Islamic and cultural events like Ramadan by conducting terawih and Eid prayers. During Ramadan, we set up food bazaars as well. We also ensure we celebrate our Malay culture and heritage with performances like kompang and silat. Currently, we are preparing a reference guide for individuals and families who are new to Australia, in hopes of providing support for them in assimilating to the Australian lifestyle.
Q: How do you spend your free time?
Jaafar: We have a small garden where I mow the grass, remove the weeds, and spruce up the rose bushes we grow. As the seasons change, a specific kind of care is needed to ensure healthy plants. One of my challenges right now is to grow the pandan plant which is especially difficult during winter.
As I enjoy the outdoors, we will drive up to the mountains during winter to enjoy the snow and to appreciate Allah’s creation.
Q: As a Muslim working in Melbourne, were there any particular challenges you faced? How did you overcome them?
Jaafar: As a Muslim, my family and I practise and adhere to both the requirements of Islam and the Australian government.
We shop where everyone shops, dine in the many halal establishments available, have picnics, vote in the elections, pay taxes and many more. We have attended peaceful protests for Palestine. Meeting other practising Muslims from different ethnicities also gives us a wider perspective of Islam and further strengthens our religiosity.
Q: Do you have any advice for the Muslims in Singapore who are interested in pursuing a career overseas?
Jaafar: For those hoping to come to Australia and settle down, my advice is to do your homework. Check your visa (work and visit) and the latest travel requirements, keep and prepare important documents (original and copies), and familiarise yourself with important services and emergency contact numbers.
Nurul Mardhiah Bte Omar is a Republic Polytechnic graduate with a Diploma in Mass Communications. She enjoys writing and creating content.
