‘You can achieve anything’: Refugee mayor’s message of hope to VU students

When TikTok-famous Maribyrnong Mayor Mohamed Semra visited asylum seeker, migrant and refugee students at Victoria University (VU), they were ready with questions.

After all, the refugee-turned-mayor, 27, has become an inspiration to people from diverse communities across Australia.

Cr Semra has overcome obstacles including discrimination and a speech impediment to become Australia's first mayor of sub-Saharan African heritage and a respected advocate for social justice.

The 2025 Young Victorian of the Year was greeted like a celebrity at VU’s Sunshine Campus, with students stopping him in the hallways and lining up for selfies.

So what were they most eager to ask?

For starters, students in VU's Western Melbourne English Program (WMEP) were interested in which AFL team he supports.

"It has to be the Western Bulldogs," he laughed.

They also asked what they should call him.

"Call me Semra. There are a lot of Mohamed’s out there."

Some ventured into more personal territory, asking why he still lives at home with his parents.

"As Mayor, nothing is personal, right?" he joked.

"It comes back to culture. Family might be the most important thing in my life."

‘Own your story’

Beneath the light-hearted questions were deeper conversations about belonging, racism and identity, and the realities of building a new life in Australia. 

Cr Semra met with English as an Additional Language (EAL) students aged 17-25, who have recently arrived from countries including Afghanistan, Eritrea, Myanmar and Vietnam.

They learned about his inspirational journey after teacher Pooja Prasad screened an Australian Story episode about the mayor in class.

The student's responses were so powerful that she wrote to Cr Semra to thank him. In return, he offered to visit them.

Addressing one class, Cr Semra said resilience was the key to overcoming barriers and "the most powerful thing a leader can have".

He shared about how his own challenges when moving to Australia, including helping his mum navigate a new country without English. 

When I look back at my journey, there was one important thing I did that helped me so much: I owned my story.

"My culture, being Muslim, being Sudanese, my stutter, the racism. I owned it. I didn't shy away from asking for support."

He told students that reaching out to a teacher at school for help with his stutter changed the course of his life. The teacher connected him with a speech therapist, helping him find his voice and confidence.

"I always back myself and remind myself that I am capable," said Cr Semra. 

"If you are your biggest supporter, if you work hard, you can achieve anything. And hopefully, there is a future mayor sitting here somewhere today."

Inspiring future leaders

The visit was particularly meaningful for Khalid, one of two Afghan students who delivered speeches about the impact Cr Semra's story had on them.

Khalid said he was motivated by Cr Semra's volunteer work in Uganda and his efforts supporting public housing residents during Melbourne's COVID-19 lockdowns.

Your actions showed me the importance of patience, kindness and responsibility.

"You have shown young people that no matter where they come from, and no matter what challenges they face, they can achieve their goals through hard work and determination," he said.

From Afghanistan to Australia: Hussain’s story

Hussain, 19, spoke barely a word of English when his family fled Afghanistan. 

His father was a vocal advocate for the rights of women and girls in the country, and it was no longer safe for them to stay. 

Hussain arrived on a humanitarian visa and joined the WMEP at VU's Sunshine Campus in July 2025, and is determined to embrace every opportunity he is given.

In July, he stood in front of dozens of VU students, teachers and the mayor, to deliver a heartfelt speech about the “golden ticket” they have been given in their adopted country.

Australia has opened its arms to us and I want to be a useful person in society.

“Life was very difficult in Afghanistan and we are so fortunate to be here.” 

After completing his Cert III in EAL, he’s now studying a Diploma of Building and Construction at VU and dreaming of becoming a mayor himself.

Hussain has also enrolled in the VU Vollies program, volunteering in aged care and supporting other young migrants through the Western Bulldogs.

He was one of a group of students who wrote letters to Cr Semra, saying: "Your story helped me understand that my past does not decide my future".

"It encouraged me to dream bigger and believe that one day I can also become a community leader, or even a mayor, and help people in Australia."

The power of representation

Ms Prasad said the students had learned that leadership was within reach.

She overheard one student say: ‘I’d like to be like him one day and lead my people... people who are in need and disadvantaged.’ 

They were not only thinking about what they could achieve for themselves but also about how they could use their voices, their experiences and their leadership to help others.

Welcoming students from around the globe

The WMEP supports more than 1,000 students from countries including Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar, Pakistan and Vietnam. Students study English while preparing for employment, further education or vocational training across VU's Footscray Nicholson, St Albans, Sunshine and Werribee Campuses.

The program also has personal significance for Cr Semra, whose mother is a former WMEP student. 

"My mum came to Australia not knowing how to speak English. That comes with a lot of barriers. She didn't understand the systems, and it was very hard for all of us," he said.

"Learning English is about more than language. It's about sharing your story, making connections, building friendships and becoming part of your community. This program does that. It creates opportunities and builds a sense of belonging."

Listen to Cr Semra on the People of VU podcast with VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker.