Community on TRACK supporting Tamils doing it tough

Last published on 29 Sep 2021 

Having fled Sri Lanka’s civil war in his early 20s, one Western Sydney doctor is on a mission to support the wellbeing of his people, providing hot meals and health advice to those in need.

Toongabbie GP and father of two Thava Seelan is working closely with the Tamil asylum seeker and refugee community since he arrived in Australia more than three decades ago.

“If somebody is in need, I like to help,” Dr Seelan said. “There are lots of healthcare needs in our vulnerable group – especially mental health – as many people have been through trauma.

“Suicide is one of the biggest challenges in asylum seeker and refugee communities. We have a huge responsibility to prevent this, so we needed to intervene and bring people together.

“The struggle they’ve been through is very close to my heart because I’ve gone through a similar experience in the past. That’s why we’re coming together to support each other and lift everyone’s wellbeing.”

After completing his medical degree at Sydney University, Dr Seelan started working as a GP, providing healthcare to Tamil refugees who came to Australia after conflict ended in 2009. The ethnic group now makes up almost 40 per cent of his patients.

Last year Dr Seelan and volunteers formed the Tamil Resettlement and Community Konnect (TRACK) network to support more than 120 households across Cumberland each week.

TRACK volunteers provide food packages, cooked meals and other necessities. It’s working with Anglicare and Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors to train members in mental health first aid and how to provide welfare checks.

The team also runs COVID-19 seminars in language on social media, which include updates from healthcare providers, community influencers and a respected religious leader.

Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward said grassroots programs are providing a critical role in supporting people during lockdown.

“When we support those around us we stay connected and initiatives like TRACK are helping to build more resilient and inclusive communities,” Mrs Ward said.

Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor thanked Dr Seelan for his work with the community.

“Dr Seelan continues to champion healthcare in Western Sydney while working closely with our Tamil community and NGO partners. He richly deserves the recognition he achieved last year with an Order of Australia Medal for his contributions to medicine,” Mr Taylor said.

Working together can help get COVID-19 under control. For information and support in many languages, visit the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) coronavirus website.

MEDIA: DCJ Media Unit | 9716 2804