Melbourne, Australia – The Somali Southwest community in Australia marked a moment of transition over the weekend as members gathered in Melbourne for a peaceful handover of leadership. Aweys Amin, who has led the community over the past term, formally passed the mantle to Nuradiin Tanas in a ceremony that blended tradition, gratitude and renewed hope.
Elders, youth representatives and community organizers filled the venue, many dressed in cultural attire, sharing stories of resilience and memories of how the diaspora had held together through challenges abroad. Speakers praised Aweys for his steady stewardship, crediting his tenure with keeping cultural ties alive while pushing for wider engagement in Australian civic life.
In his acceptance speech, Tanas struck a tone of responsibility and inclusion, promising to “strengthen unity and ensure no one is left behind,” according to organizers at the event. He vowed to dedicate his leadership to bridging generational and regional gaps within the diaspora, urging Somali-Australians to build stronger relationships not only among themselves but also with the wider Australian society.
Several attendees echoed that message, stressing the pressing need for collaboration across different Somali communities in the country. With growing numbers of Somali youth entering universities and professional sectors, speakers said it was time to channel collective energy into structured development efforts—ranging from mentorship programs to advocacy on migration and social policy.
While the event celebrated a change in leadership, it also served as a reminder of the shared identity binding Somalis abroad. As the evening closed with traditional songs and prayers, the mood was one of cautious optimism. For many in attendance, the message was clear: leadership may change hands, but the mission—to support one another and represent their homeland with dignity—remains the same.