Australia
Well-known Australian refugees who have made a difference
From the arts to sport, here’s how well-known Australians with refugee background have shaped society through resilience, talent and leadership.
Australia
From the arts to sport, here’s how well-known Australians with refugee background have shaped society through resilience, talent and leadership.
Vietnamese-born comedian, author and artist Anh Do is one of the most well-known Australian refugees, celebrated for his bestselling memoir The Happiest Refugee. Anh fled Vietnam in 1980 and arrived in Australia at the agree of three. Growing up as refugee, he faced poverty and the challenges of adapting to an unfamiliar country. Though his early life was marked by uncertainty, Anh found comfort and expression through creativity. Over time, he has built a successful career in writing, television and art.
Along with his stand-up comedy, Anh is recognised for his work in Australian television favourites like SeaChange, All Saints and Pizza. Beyond acting, he has become a celebrated painter and host of Anh's Brush with Fame. His story demonstrates how refugee experience can be transformed into cultural success and meaningful contributions to Australian society.
Born in Vienna to Jewish-Hungarian parents, Judy Cassab was forced to flee her home to escape persecution during the Second World War. She arrived in Australia in 1951 and went on to become one of the country's most influential artists.
During the war, Judy survived by posing as her family's Catholic maid, an experience that deeply shaped her sense of identity. After resettling in Australia, she used art to explore themes of belonging, identity and the Australian landscape.
Just two years after arriving, Judy held her first solo exhibition in 1953. Her career continued to flourish, and she became the second woman to win an Archibald Prize for her portrait of Stanislaus Rapotec. Her work remains a powerful example of how refugee hardship can be transformed into artistic excellence and national recognition.
Leslie Allan (Les) Murray and his family fled Hungary in 1956 and eventually settled in Australia. Les became a pioneering sports broadcaster and one of the most well-known Australians from a refugee background to work in media. Through his work at SBS, Les combined his passion for football with storytelling, amplifying the voices of migrants and refugees on radio and television.
Les was inducted into the Football Australia Hall of Fame in 2003 and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006 for his contributions to sport and community engagement. Beyond broadcasting, he remained a strong advocate for refugees throughout his life, using his platform to promote understanding and inclusion.
In memory of Les Murray, SBS and Australia for UNHCR have partnered to offer the Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition. This award celebrates the contributions of refugees who are shining a light on the situation of forcibly displaced people. The winner receives $10,000, generously donated by SBS, in recognition of their work to promote positive awareness and understanding of refugees.
Six-time WTA titleholder and former world No. 4, Jelena Dokic is a prominent tennis figure and powerful example of an Australian refugee success story. Born in Yugoslavia, Jelena was forced to flee twice before finding safety in Australia at the age of 11.
After arriving in Australia, Jelena pursued her passion for tennis, which began when she was just six years old. Despite living with the trauma of displacement, she quickly rose through the professional ranks. Jelena stunned the world at Wimbledon in 1999, when she defeated world No. 1 Martina Hingis in one of the biggest upsets in tennis history.
At 17, Jelena became the second Australian woman after Evonne Goolagong to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals. Since then, she has become a well-known tennis commentator, mental health advocate and co-author of two books about her life. Recently, Jelena was also the subject of an award-winning documentary, which highlighted her determination and resilience amid a challenging childhood. Her journey reflects what refugees living in Australia can achieve when given the opportunities to rebuild their lives after displacement.
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki is one of Australia's most recognisable scientists and media personalities. He is widely known for his weekly science talkback show on Triple J, as well as popular tv appearances on Sleek Geeks and Dr Karl's How Things Work, which have made science accessible and entertaining for audiences of all ages.
Born in Sweden to Polish parents who were Holocaust survivors, he arrived in Australia as a young child after his family fled post-war Europe.
Upon arrival, Dr Karl and his family lived in Bonegilla migrant reception and training centre before eventually settling in Sydney. Like many refugees and asylum seekers, he faced significant challenges adjusting to a new country and culture.
Education became a turning point, allowing Dr Karl's curiosity to flourish. He went on to study physics and mathematics, later completing a Master of Biomedical Engineering. Dr Karl's story reflects resilience and the power of education in shaping a life beyond displacement.
