Out of Iran

By Lia Bichel
AN IRANIAN scientist who recently moved to Australia amazed his fellow Rotarians as he spoke about his life overseas, the challenges he has overcome and his long list of achievements.
At last week’s Rotary Club of Narre Warren meeting, one of the newest members, Dr Mamad Amin, told of growing up in a strict environment, working several jobs to support his family, reaching goals and moving to Australia.
Mr Amin, a research scientist at RMIT, said as a young man living in Iran, it was taboo to listen to music, dance or go to the cinema. He was expected to pray several times a day.
At 16, he watched a revolution unfold.
But through it all, he finished school, received a Masters Degree in Chemistry and travelled the world to work. He reached a number of milestones, including marrying his wife, having two children, writing and publishing three books and leading numerous research projects.
After being awarded sabbatical in 2005, Dr Amin travelled to Australia and fell in love with the country.
In September 2008, he was granted permanent residency and in 2009 he moved here, and his family followed shortly after.
“I was not happy with the (Iranian) culture,” he said.
“I love Australia and my family loves Australia.”
Dr Amin joined the Rotary Club of Strathmore but joined the Rotary Club of Narre Warren in March, after he bought a house in the area.
His daughter is in Year 10 and his son is taking a biomedicine degree and plays in a band during his free time and works part-time as a music DJ.
Club member Ian Pickering said it was a privilege to have Dr Amin join the club which currently has 28 members – four of whom are women, ranging from ages 27 and older.
The club is involved in numerous activities locally and internationally including recognising excellence in the workplace, supporting local fire brigades and the SES, and supporting primary and secondary school programs.
Internationally, the club has supplied school uniforms, books, fees and other items for secondary aged girls in India and supplied bore wells and bicycles for communities in Southern India.
The Rotary Club of Narre Warren meets weekly for dinners and has guest speakers.
Anyone wanting to learn more about the club can contact Lyn Pickering on 9704 6315 or 0404 056 546 for more information about the Rotary Club of Narre Warren go visit the website www.rotarynarrewarren.org.au