Every year, thousands of international students leave behind their families, friends and the comfort of home to pursue a better future in Australia. They arrive with dreams of earning a quality education, building successful careers and creating brighter opportunities for themselves and their loved ones.

For most, the journey is rewarding. But for some, it is marked by unimaginable hardship.

Vietnamese international student Minh Tuan Duong experienced one of those unimaginable moments.

While studying accounting at Swinburne University and working at a 7-Eleven store in Melbourne to support himself, Minh became the victim of one of Australia's most brutal racist attacks. He was violently assaulted by a group of neo-Nazis, repeatedly punched and kicked, stabbed, and struck in the head with a brick so forcefully that doctors were unsure if he would survive.

For many people, such an experience would have ended their Australian dream.

But Minh refused to let tragedy define his future.

While recovering from his injuries, he travelled to Vietnam to see his family after years apart. Before boarding his flight, his Australian student visa was cancelled, preventing him from returning to Australia to complete his studies and continue his medical treatment.

His future seemed uncertain.

Then something extraordinary happened.

Melbourne music teacher Adrian De Luca, a complete stranger, reached out after seeing Minh's story on the news. What began as an offer of friendship and free piano lessons became a life-changing relationship. Adrian stood beside Minh through his recovery, launched a public campaign for his return to Australia, and helped rally almost 90,000 supporters. The campaign succeeded, allowing Minh to return, complete his accounting degree and rebuild his life.

Today, Minh is living proof that resilience, kindness and community support can transform lives.

He is now a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA Australia), a proud Australian citizen, and serves as the Treasurer and Public Officer of the We Are Australia Foundation—a charity dedicated to ensuring that no international student who becomes a victim of crime is left to struggle alone.

The Foundation has supported more than 300 international students, built a community of over 137,000 supporters, works alongside more than 10 partner organisations, and has led two national initiatives aimed at improving safety and support for international students across Australia.

Minh's inspiring contribution has also been recognised nationally, with his selection as a finalist for the Australian Professionals of Multicultural Communities (APOC) Community Impact Award, honouring individuals who make an outstanding contribution to Australia's multicultural communities.

Hear Minh's Story in Person

For anyone inspired by Minh's remarkable journey, the We Are Australia Foundation is hosting a special community event that brings his story to life.

Safe & Sound: The Minh Story – Healing Through Music

This moving evening combines live piano performances, multimedia storytelling and heartfelt conversation, sharing Minh's extraordinary journey from surviving a horrific racist attack to rebuilding his life through resilience, friendship, music and community support.

The event also shines a light on the often unseen experiences of international students who become victims of crime while celebrating hope, healing and belonging.

Event Details

📅 Thursday, 27 August 2026

🕡 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

📍 Library at The Dock, Docklands, Melbourne

🎟️ Admission is free, but registration is essential.

Whether you are an international student, an educator, a community leader or simply someone who believes in the power of compassion, this event promises to be an inspiring and unforgettable evening.

A Message to Every International Student

Leaving home to study overseas is one of the biggest decisions a person can make. Along the way, many students experience homesickness, financial pressure, isolation, discrimination or unexpected challenges.

If you are struggling, please remember that you are not alone.

Across Australia, there are individuals and organisations ready to help.

The We Are Australia Foundation exists to ensure that international students affected by crime receive support, advocacy and hope when they need it most.

If you are ever in immediate danger, always call 000.

Support is also available 24 hours a day through:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

At Nepalese Voice, we congratulate Minh Tuan Duong on his extraordinary journey and his well-deserved recognition.

His story reminds us that our darkest moments do not define us. With courage, resilience and the support of a caring community, even the most difficult chapter can become the beginning of an inspiring new life.

To every international student in Australia: Never lose hope. Ask for help when you need it. Keep believing in your dreams—because your success story may only just be beginning.