The Australian Puntland Diaspora Forum Inc. (APDF) is a unifying voice for the Somali community across Australia. While our name reflects our origins in Puntland, our mission and impact go far beyond clan or region.
We are a not-for-profit community organisation providing support to people of Somali-speaking background across Victoria. We offer a range of culturally responsive services including NDIS support, aged care assistance, home care packages, family services, community engagement, referrals, advocacy, and social and cultural support to individuals and families from Somali-speaking and other multicultural communities.
APDF is governed by a Board of Management, elected by members during our Annual General Meeting, ensuring strong community representation and transparent leadership.
Omar Mohamud Farah (Dhollawaa) OAM is a Somali-Australian community leader and advocate, best known as the founding chairperson of the Australian Puntland Diaspora Forum (APDF). He played a central role in launching APDF in 2010 with the vision of uniting Somali Australians, particularly those from Puntland, fostering social cohesion, cultural continuity, and community empowerment.
Under his leadership, the organisation has grown into a prominent voice within the Somali diaspora in Australia, supporting new arrivals, promoting educational and cultural initiatives, and advocating for greater community participation in civic life. Omar’s decades-long commitment to strengthening multicultural communities and building pathways for employment and leadership among migrants has been widely recognised. In honour of his service, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Beyond APDF, Omar has also been active in broader community development and employment initiatives, including leadership roles with the Melbourne Employment Forum. His public commentary and writings reflect his enduring passion for good governance, inclusive development, and social justice. He remains a respected figure in Somali and multicultural community circles, noted for his ability to bridge cultural heritage with active participation in Australian society.
Saciid Shiinle is a respected Somali-Australian community leader who served as the second Chairperson of the Australian Puntland Diaspora Forum (APDF), following the leadership of founding chairperson Omar Mohamud Farah (Dhollawaa OAM). Taking office after the organisation’s formative years, Saciid helped consolidate APDF’s role as a unifying platform for the Puntland diaspora in Australia. His leadership was marked by strengthening governance structures, expanding membership engagement, and continuing the Forum’s mission of supporting newly arrived migrants while promoting cultural pride and community participation.
During his tenure, APDF deepened its advocacy work with government and multicultural institutions, ensuring the voices of Somali Australians were heard in broader civic and social discussions. He is particularly recognised for championing youth involvement, education, and pathways to leadership within the diaspora. Saciid remains a valued elder and mentor within the community, known for his collaborative approach and his commitment to preserving Puntland heritage while fostering strong connections to Australian society.
Muktar Kilwe is a Somali-Australian leader who became the third Chairperson of the Australian Puntland Diaspora Forum (APDF), guiding the organisation through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stepping into leadership during a period of uncertainty, Muktar focused on keeping the community connected, informed, and supported. Under his guidance, APDF adapted its activities to the realities of lockdowns and restrictions — shifting to online engagement, coordinating essential support for vulnerable families, and ensuring that information about health, safety, and government services reached Somali-speaking households.
He is widely recognised for his compassion and hands-on approach, helping families facing economic hardship, social isolation, and health risks during the pandemic. His tenure underscored the importance of resilience, solidarity, and collective care within diaspora communities. Muktar’s leadership during this period not only sustained APDF but also strengthened its reputation as a trusted, responsive, and supportive community body in times of crisis.
community, welfare and social workers, counsellors, psychologists, teachers, doctors, lawyers, academics, engineers, accountants, artists, business analysts, IT specialists, government workers, self-employed consultants, students and volunteers.
Somali-speaking background communities are individuals who identify with one or more of the following:
Our organisation is dedicated to supporting the social, cultural, and welfare needs of the Somali-speaking background communities in Australia, ensuring individuals and families feel connected, empowered, and supported.
Our vision is for a more inclusive Australian community that recognizes and values the strengths, culture, and contributions of Somali-speaking background communities.
The Australian Puntland Diaspora Forum (APDF) started in 2010, thanks to community leader Omar Mohamoud Farah (Dhollawa). He wanted to bring Somali Australians together—especially people from Puntland—and help them settle into life in Australia while keeping their culture strong.
Since then, APDF has grown into a welcoming group that supports all Somali Australians, no matter where they’re from. The organisation stands for unity, empowerment, and community-led decision-making. APDF works to help people get involved, become leaders, and have a voice in the wider Victorian and Australian community.
Since its founding, APDF has grown into an inclusive, community-led organisation that supports Somali Australians from all regions. Guided by the values of unity, empowerment, and self-determination, APDF continues to serve as a strong advocate for social participation, leadership, and progress within the broader Australian society communities in Victoria.
APDF is looking to receive support funding from a number of government departments, Councils, and other charitable funds. Here are some of our major supporters that we would like to thank:
APDF has long-standing partnerships with the following Universities, who have worked with APDF in research projects and student placements for many years:
