COVID-19 crisis : reflection on community participation among the South Sudanese-Australians in Greater Western Sydney

This article highlights the resilience, strength, and community participation of the Australian South Sudanese community in Greater Western Sydney at the time of adversity brought about by COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing government restrictions, approaches and interaction with communities. I draw on this group’s experiences and amplify the voices of activists and leaders within the Australian-South Sudanese community. The reflection is drawn from my position, experience, observations, and engagement as a young woman of South Sudanese descend, and as a leader within my community and in the Blacktown City Local Government Area (LGA). I am writing this article from my own voice, I speak from my own view, and in doing so my intention is not to impose it on you but to invite new thoughts and conversations through which new impact and understanding of community participation can arise. My view of COVID-19 and the South Sudanese community participation may differ from yours, but I hope that my message will still resonate with you and serve as a gateway to appreciating what it means to be part of a community during tough times.