Ambassador Waissi Joins “Desert Voices” Cultural Program in Adelaide

Adelaide, 3–4 May 2025 – At the invitation of the History Trust of South Australia and the Migration Museum, His Excellency Wahidullah Waissi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Australia, participated in the cultural program “Desert Voices”, held in Adelaide over the past weekend. The event brought together descendants of Afghan cameleers from across Australia to share and preserve the oral histories and memories of their ancestors whose journeys helped shape life in the Australian outback.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Migration Museum and the History Trust, aimed to document these rich narratives for inclusion in the museum’s permanent collections and national archives. Participants reflected on the legacy of the Afghan cameleers—pioneers of inland transportation and the establishment of some of Australia's earliest places of worship.

Ambassador Waissi expressed his deep appreciation for the invitation and being part of what he described as a historic and meaningful gathering. “These stories are enduring reminders of the vital contribution Afghan cameleers made to the development of Australia’s interior,” he said. “They not only reflect the migration journey of Afghans to this land, but also their foundational role in shaping the cultural and civilisational identity of Australia.”

During the event, the shared stories were recorded by the Migration Museum and will be featured in future public exhibitions. The program also provided a platform for cultural exchange and recognition of the Afghan-Australian legacy that spans more than a century.

Ambassador Waissi paid tribute to the outstanding efforts of the History Trust of South Australia, particularly its president, Ms. Elizabeth Ho, and to renowned historian Dr. Pamela Rajkowski, whose long-standing research on Afghan cameleers has been instrumental in preserving this cultural heritage. He praised their dedication in capturing interviews, collecting photographs and documents, and making these materials available to researchers, educational institutions, and the broader public.

This event stands as a powerful reminder of Australia’s multicultural foundations and the importance of safeguarding shared histories that enrich the national story.