Our Community Story
From receiving support to supporting others.
From Receiving Support to Supporting Others
Our organisation’s story is deeply connected to the experience of refugee settlement in Australia.
In 2002, Elizabeth Deng arrived in Australia with her six children after the family fled war in South Sudan and sought refuge in Egypt. Starting a new life in Australia was challenging. The family faced language barriers, cultural differences and the difficulty of understanding unfamiliar systems.
After settling in Toowoomba, the family received generous assistance from local community members, including Ralph and Barbara Hickey. They helped the family adjust to Australian life through friendship, encouragement, practical assistance and community connection.
Today, members of the Deng and Riec family are giving back to the wider community through Comminco Projects Inc. The organisation was created with the belief that people who receive support can later become leaders, mentors and supporters of others.
Ralph and Barbara Hickey — A Legacy of Community Kindness
When our family settled in Toowoomba, Ralph and Barbara Hickey helped us adjust to Australian life through friendship, encouragement, practical assistance and community connection.
Ralph and Barbara became much more than volunteers. They became trusted friends and important members of the family. They helped the children with everyday life, shared practical skills and supported the family on its journey towards becoming Australian citizens.
Their kindness demonstrated how community support can change lives.
Ralph Hickey’s example of faith, kindness, discipline, humility and service remains part of the organisation’s inspiration.
Read the published story about the Hickey family — courtesy of The Catholic Leader
The President's railway journey
Still Swinging the Hammer: How Ralph Hickey Changed My Direction
Ralph Hickey was much more than a family friend. He was a community leader, mentor and father figure who helped guide me towards a future I could not yet see for myself.
Ralph had a strong connection to the railway industry and served as the acting station master at Spring Bluff Railway Station for several years. He loved the railway, meeting people and sharing his stories. His enthusiasm could make anyone feel that they belonged.
There was a time in my life when I was struggling to find employment and did not know which direction to take. Ralph and I were talking about the railway industry when he gave me some direct advice in his usual honest and encouraging way:
“Why don’t you get off your backside and give rail a try? I think you will like it.”
Those words stayed with me. Ralph saw potential in me when I was struggling to see it in myself. He did not simply tell me to find a job — he pointed me towards an industry that would become an important part of my life.
I followed his advice and entered the railway industry. Ten years later, I am still working as a subcontractor in rail, swinging the hammer and operating railway equipment. What began as employment has become something I genuinely enjoy and take pride in.
Every time I work on the railway, part of Ralph’s influence remains with me. He showed me that sometimes one honest conversation, one piece of encouragement and one person who believes in you can completely change the direction of your life.
Ralph did that for me.
Ralph may no longer be with us, but his legacy continues through the lives he touched. I will always be grateful that he encouraged me to take that first step into the railway industry.
Ten years later, I am still swinging the hammer — and it all began because Ralph Hickey showed me a direction.
Thank you, Ralph. Your guidance will never be forgotten.
— David Reech, President
In Loving Memory of Jones Nas
Comminco Projects Inc. would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and pay tribute to the late Jones Nas.
Jones was introduced to our family through Sacred Heart Parish in Toowoomba after we arrived in Australia. She played an important role in helping us settle, grow and feel welcomed in our new country. From the very beginning until her passing, she was always there for our family.
Jones was a woman of great strength, faith, kindness and generosity. She represented the welcoming spirit of Australia and showed us what genuine community support looks like. She also became the godmother of my younger sister and remained a special part of our family.
I, David Reech, will always remember how Jones patiently taught me to drive and supported me until I obtained my driver licence. She was there to celebrate when I proudly held my first licence — a memory I will always treasure.
Her kindness helped shape our lives and inspired the values behind Comminco Projects Inc. We will remain forever grateful for everything she did for our family and community.
May she rest in peace. Her strength, faith and generosity will never be forgotten.
— David Reech, President
Aida Elnour — My Story
My name is Aida, and I am a mother of three children. My eldest son, Jeremiah, was diagnosed with Level 3 autism when he was two and a half years old. He is non-speaking and requires significant support with communication, personal care and everyday activities.
When Jeremiah was diagnosed, I had to learn what autism meant and how I could support him. The journey has not always been easy. There have been challenging days, sleepless nights and times when I have felt overwhelmed. However, raising an autistic child is also a story of love, growth, hope and patience.
Within my South Sudanese community, autism is not always well understood. Some people may mistake autistic behaviour for disobedience, poor parenting or a lack of discipline. Families can sometimes feel ashamed, judged or isolated. This misunderstanding can prevent parents from seeking professional help or speaking openly about their child’s needs.
My experience with Jeremiah inspired me to become his voice and advocate. I communicate with his school, therapists, support workers and the NDIS to make sure his needs are understood and that he receives appropriate support. I have learned that parents must continue speaking up, asking questions and challenging decisions when necessary.
I also want to raise autism awareness within my community. I want families to understand that autism is not caused by bad parenting, culture or anything the parents have done wrong. Autistic children are not a burden. They are valuable human beings with their own strengths, personalities and ways of communicating.
Through sharing my story, I hope to reduce stigma and encourage families to seek assessment and early support without fear or shame. I also encourage community members to listen to parents, include autistic children in activities and treat them with kindness, dignity and respect.
Jeremiah has taught me patience, courage and unconditional love. Although he may not communicate through spoken words, he still has feelings, needs and a voice that deserves to be heard. My goal is to continue advocating for him and helping create a community where autistic children and their families feel accepted, supported and included.
— Aida Elnour, Treasurer
Photograph coming soon.