Logan’s extraordinary diversity can be reduced to statistics — more than 400,000 residents and hundreds of cultures — but author Zakaria Amin’s first book highlights what those numbers leave out: what it actually takes to find a place to belong.
The Logan community organiser will launch Two Cents: Stories of Belonging in Australia at Logan Central Library on Friday 28 August.
Mr Amin said the book grew from years spent hearing people’s stories of starting again, finding community and navigating life in Australia.
“Over the years, I have been fortunate to meet people from many different backgrounds and to listen to their stories of hope, challenge, resilience and belonging,” he said.
“Many of those stories never left me.
“They challenged my assumptions, deepened my appreciation of Australia and ultimately inspired me to write Two Cents — my humble attempt to share some of those experiences and reflections.”
An online listing for the book describes it as drawing on Mr Amin’s own migration journey and encounters with refugees, skilled migrants, international students, parents, community leaders and other Australians, exploring migration, identity, belonging and community.
Mr Amin founded Multicultural Mailer, which is based in Logan, and has been involved in employment and multicultural programs across the city.
He is also a founding member of the Queensland Police Multicultural Advisory Group and was named the individual Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever at the 2024 Queensland Multicultural Awards for his work supporting employment and skills opportunities for culturally diverse communities.
“Publishing my first book has been a deeply meaningful journey,” Mr Amin said.
The launch will be held at Logan Central Library, 26 Wilbur Street, with doors opening at 2pm before the event runs from 2.30pm to 4pm.
It will include an author conversation, book signing and light refreshments.
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