Working on the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade holds special meaning for Cranbourne engineer Yousef Heidari. It might seem like another road upgrade, but this project is close to home for Heidari in more ways than one.
Being part of this project is another way Heidari, working for McConnell-Dowell as a site engineer, can make a difference for the community that gave his family a chance to flourish.
His family moved to Australia in 2007 when he was only 14 years old, seeking refugee status to escape the ongoing turmoil and conflict in Afghanistan.
Far removed from the hardships, tragedy and chaos of war, Australia offered a chance for a peaceful life full of promise. His family packed up their lives and made the monumental 11,000km worldwide journey to start their life anew in Cranbourne.
“Our decision to leave our homeland was driven by the desire for safety and the hope for a more secure future,” Heidari said. “The journey to Australia marked a significant chapter in our lives as we embarked on a path to rebuild and start anew in a country that offered the promise of peace and opportunity.”
With many migrant families calling the south-east home, Heidari felt like he belonged from the start.
“Our time in Australia, specifically in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, has been incredibly positive,” Heidari said. “The warm and supportive community has been instrumental in our seamless integration, extending a genuine and heartfelt welcome.
“The abundant multiculturalism and diversity in the area have significantly contributed to our sense of belonging, transforming our new surroundings into a true home in Melbourne.”
Life in Victoria only grew bigger and brighter for Heidari and his family over time. Heidari completed his schooling at Cranbourne Secondary College before graduating from RMIT with a degree in civil engineering.
While not quite the same distance as his worldwide move, Heidari has still clocked plenty of kilometres as he’s worked across the city on several Victorian Big Build projects.
From the Monash Freeway Upgrade, Metro Tunnel as well as the Level Crossing Removal Project at Gap Road – Heidari has made his way around Melbourne to bring these road and rail upgrades to life.
When he saw this position become available in his neighbourhood, and by extension allow him to work on this major road for Cranbourne and the greater south-east, he leapt at the opportunity. It’s part of saying thanks as Heidari wants to show his gratitude for his new life in Cranbourne and help to build a better community.
“Contributing to the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade is my way of giving back to the community, a gesture that I consider the least I can do in return for the support received,” Heidari said. “The immeasurable support I've been fortunate to receive from both the local community and the school (Cranbourne Secondary College) has been invaluable.”
It makes for an incredibly satisfying commute across his hometown for the Cranbourne local, as he helps construct a safer, less-congested Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road.
He also makes sure his Afghan community is well across what is going on with this project, as he helps translate at MRPV pop-up events so there are no language barriers stopping his community understanding what is happening in the area.
Who knows where his construction career will take him once works are completed on this project in 2025, but every time he drives along the upgraded Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, it will stand as a wonderful reminder of the journey he’s taken.
From Afghanistan, to Cranbourne and the successful projects he’s helped to create, it’s an amazing tribute for the community that let the Heidari family join their world.
Find out more about the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road Upgrade.