Q&A with Darling Downs African Communities Council President, proud mum and former refugee, Monica Agoth
Spotlight Q&A
Meet Monica Agoth and find out about her faith journey, her suggestions for celebrating Refugee Week, which Anglican priest inspires her the most and why, and what she does in her free time
Where did you grow up and where do you currently live?
I grew up in Kenya and Uganda. My family and I moved to Toowoomba in 2003, and I have resided there ever since. I moved to Brisbane and the Gold Coast for university and work after high school, but I moved back to Toowoomba when I got married.
What are some of the key roles you undertake in the Darling Downs community?
I am the President of the Darling Downs African Communities Council. The council was formed with a vision of uniting all the African communities in the Darling Downs Region. One of our missions is to be the bridge between different government and non-government organisations and the wider community by providing services, education information sessions and culturally appropriate advice for various stakeholders. My role is to also advocate for the community to identify and find solutions for challenges that may impact them.
Darling Downs African Communities Council President Monica Agoth (second from right) at a social soccer event in Toowoomba on 7 August 2024 with (L-R) Police Liaison Officer Mawien Mawien; Mercy Community Services Multicultural Community Worker Nestor Kangudia; Toowoomba Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald; and, Darling Downs African Communities Council youth representative Mary Barac
Why is it important for Australians to celebrate Refugee Week?
It is important for Australians to celebrate Refugee Week because it gives people of refugee background a sense of belonging and acknowledgement as they integrate into society and their new community.
What does this year’s Refugee Week continuing theme, “Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community”, mean to you?
This year’s theme “Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community” is a way that myself and many people of refugee background residing in Australia can reflect on and appreciate the different opportunities of being given a second change to live and have a peaceful life for their families and many more generations to follow. Coming to Australia was a great privilege and I am forever grateful to be given the chance to live a peaceful and safe life full of freedom and choices.
The journey that all refugees faced is heartbreaking, traumatic and dehumanising; however, being welcomed, listened to and recognised gives them courage, resilience and hope for a better future. They can be comfortable and know that they are now part of a diverse and multicultural country.
Darling Downs African Communities Council President Monica Agoth holding the South Sudanese flag with her three boys, Thon, Ayii and Manyang, and South Sudanese community elder Mary Atong and Darling Downs African Communities Council women’s representative Adhel Deng celebrating a special day for South Sudanese people in May 2025 in Toowoomba
What are some practical ways that people can celebrate Refugee Week in their parishes, ministries and schools?
Many people can celebrate Refugee Week by sitting down with a person of refugee background to learn about their journey. They can also celebrate this special week by understanding different cultures and traditions through dance, food, costumes and meaningful conversations.
Can you tell us a little about your Christian faith journey?
I grew up in a Christian family. South Sudan is a predominately a Christian country. I remember going to church with my family and learning songs in Sunday school. Having faith and believing in God’s miracles is one of the reasons why I had, and continue to have, hope for a better future.
How does your Christian faith inspire you and shape your outlook, life choices and character?
My faith in God is what encourages me to wake up every morning and live. I believe God has a plan for us and he has created a path for each and every one of us. His love, compassion and protection throughout my journey has made my faith even stronger. When we moved to Australia in 2003, that was not by chance — God had a plan for us. He gave us a second chance in life. When things don’t go accordingly in my life, I am always still grateful because I know that God will always provide at his chosen time. That’s why I live my life helping and giving to others as he also does for me.
Darling Downs African Communities Council President Monica Agoth and community members participating in a co-design workshop with Multicultural Australia and a nurse from the Mater’s Refugee Complex Care Clinic in Toowoomba in 2024
What person of faith inspires you the most and why?
Bishop Daniel Deng Abot inspires me the most. He is the most humble, kind-hearted and generous person I know. He lives his life as God intended for us, and his faith and strong love for the Lord inspires me every day to be a better person. When I am down, I call him and his courageous words heal and calm my sorrows. I will always cherish his kindness in my heart.
Darling Downs African Communities Council women’s representative Adhel Deng and Darling Downs African Communities Council President Monica Agoth at a Queensland Community Alliance Yes23 Multicultural Cup soccer event in September 2023 in Toowoomba
Why is it important for Christians to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples towards Reconciliation?
Australia is a county of opportunities, rights and a sense of belonging. If Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples need support from others to achieve Reconciliation in their Country, then Christians, including from the Anglican Church, should work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and amplify their voices and advocate for them to help them heal from the past and build a harmonious society that enables everyone to live in unity and peace.
What is your favourite Bible scripture and why?
Jeremiah 29.11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The Bible has so many verses that I could have chosen from, so this was a challenging decision. I chose this Bible verse because of the hope and faith that God has instilled in me and many refugees while going through hard times. I love this verse because God always reminds me that he has a plan and a clear path, no matter how difficult life is. I always pray when I need him, and I have faith in his answers.
“My baby Kuai being blessed and dedicated to God at St James’ Anglican Church in Toowoomba in March 2025. South Sudanese Christians usually do this when a new baby is born. All my four boys were blessed at St James’, Toowoomba,” (Monica Agoth)
What is the bravest or kindest gesture you have ever received or witnessed?
The kindest gesture I have ever received was when we first arrived in Toowoomba in 2003. We were introduced to a local Presbyterian church by our Uncle Jok who was already living in Toowoomba. The church family welcomed us with so much warmth, love and kindness. The church members made sure we felt comfortable and helped our family by picking us up every Sunday and taking us to church. They never complained. My first thought when I was 13 was, “Wow! How can they help us and be here for us? We are not even related, and they don’t know us.” This kindness was one in a million.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received and who gave you this advice?
My mother, Mary Nyibol Riek, is one of the kindest and caring people. She always told us to help anyone who needs it and to never expect anything in return. She showered anyone in the community with her love and kindness through food. She cooked, visited and provided support and assistance to anyone, without any judgement or seeking recognition. She also told us to never hold a grudge against or hate anyone who does you wrong. She liked to say, “Pray and leave it to God”. When I was young, it didn’t make much sense, but now as a mother of four boys, I take her advice and put it into practice. In addition, her work in the community also inspires me to help my people and get involved in community work.
“Darling Downs District Officer, Superintendent Doug McDonald; my husband, Akech Thon Ayii; our three boys; Toowoomba Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald; and, me at the Darling Downs African Communities Council inauguration night on 3 February 2024
What do you do in your free time to recharge and relax?
When I have some free time, I like to read books, go for walks and catch up for coffee or lunch with friends. I also like staying home and cleaning the house. Having a clean space makes me relax.
Where do you do your best thinking?
I do my best thinking when I am in bed. My brain seems to turn on and run a hundred miles when I am out and about.
What’s your best childhood memory?
I liked playing soccer with my brothers and cousins in our home compound. I was always picked as the goalkeeper because of my petite size. My mother didn’t like us girls playing soccer in the dirt. Therefore, when she was away, someone would be on the lookout watching for mum’s return when they would shout, “Mum is coming”. The game would stop immediately, and we all ran inside, washed our feet and hands and pretended that we were sitting inside the whole time. This memory makes us kids giggle from time to time.
“All my nieces and nephews celebrating Christmas Day in 2023 with my mother Mary Nyibol and my father Dr Manyang Agoth in Melbourne,” (Monica Agoth)
What is your secret skill?
Take every day one step at a time and let God plan the rest.
What day would you like to re-live and why?
I would like to re-live when I was 12 or 13 years. I was young and had no worries or stress in the world. I only worried about getting my homework done and when to play next. Now as an adult and a mother, life is so busy, and I always have a lot on my mind.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would that be?
A piece of toast and butter. This is my go-to meal any time of the day.
Editor’s note: Refugee Week 2025 will be commemorated between Sunday 15 and Saturday 21 June. The theme for Refugee Week this year is “Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community”. Visit the Refugee Council of Australia website for more information; teacher and general resources; design resources and to register your own events.
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