Up next
Author
Share article
The post has been shared by 0 people.
Facebook 0
X (Twitter) 0
Pinterest 0
Mail 0
Nayran Tabiei reflects on a harrowing week that’s been among the most difficult of her life — significant coming from someone familiar with war, separation, and heartbreak.
This Melbourne-based mother of four, who operates a bustling catering business, has been consumed by the overwhelming fear that her three sons in Tehran could be in grave danger.
Amid the bombings around the Iranian capital, she had no means of confirming their safety amidst the turmoil.
“The disruption of mobile networks and internet access left me in the dark. My anxiety grew, and I endured sleepless nights all week,” she shared.

“I’ve sent countless messages, approximately 100, but still no response.”

A woman in a pink jumper and grey apron stands preparing food in a commercial kitchen.

Nayran Tabiei runs a catering business in Melbourne. Source: SBS / Scott Cardwell

A family’s journey of separation and survival
Tabiei fled conflict in her homeland, Syria, in 2012 with her husband, Majid and five-year-old daughter making the agonising decision to leave her three sons behind with their grandmother in Tehran.
The family initially sought refuge in Lebanon, then moved to Southeast Asia before taking the “life-changing decision” to risk the long and perilous journey to Australia by sea.
“When the boat capsized, we almost died. I held my daughter to my chest for five days and nights until we arrived at Christmas Island,” she said.
Tabiei recalled her sons were kids at the time. She thought the separation would be temporary. But 14 years later, her sons are now aged 28, 26 and 22. She still hasn’t seen them in person.
The only connection is via video calls — until last week, when even that lifeline was severed.
“As a mum, I made a bad decision and I feel so sad about it,” she said. “Now I cannot believe so many years have passed.

“They have grown up without me being beside them.”

A woman in a pink jumper and grey apron sits looking at a mobile phone that shows images of two young boys.

Nayran Tabiei left her three young boys in the care of their grandmother in Tehran in 2012. Source: SBS / Scott Cardwell

On 13 June, Israel attacked nuclear and military sites in Iran, claiming Iran was close to building a nuclear weapon, something Iran denies.

In response, both Iran and Israel traded missile strikes, escalating tensions rapidly across the region.
The United States later joined the conflict, dropping its so-called bunker buster bombs on the Iranian nuclear sites.
Although a ceasefire has since been reached between the two countries, the situation remains fragile.
Amid the unrest, many families like Tabiei’s faced an agonising silence. With no way of contacting her children in Tehran, the pain of separation grew heavier by the day.

“I was boiling from inside because there was nothing I could do. But I want to help, to do something,” she said.
Then, just days ago, the call she had been praying for finally came. Her sons had survived.
“I’ll have a good night’s sleep now because my boys called me. My heart is beating so fast, it is so good,” she said.
“They are staying in the mountains, in a room with their friends. I am so relieved. Thank God because I cannot imagine if they were not alive! Thank God.”
Over the years, Tabiei has built a life of quiet strength in Melbourne.
She trained in community service and childcare and eventually started her own small café, Flavours of Syria, in the beachside suburb of St Kilda.
She also devoted a significant amount of time to volunteering for displaced migrants and asylum seekers.

“I [have] trained hundreds and hundreds of asylum seekers. Many started a new business and could then stand on their own two feet,” she said.

The colourful interior of a small cafe with tables and chairs.

Nayran Tabiei closed the doors of her St Kilda cafe after operating it for six years. Source: SBS / Sandra Fulloon

But the pain of being separated from her sons has never left her. For more than a decade, she has fought tirelessly to bring them to safety in Australia, but each attempt has ended in heartbreak.

“I’ve engaged lawyers and sent numerous emails, yet I am unable to contact Prime Minister [Anthony] Albanese. I want to convey that as a mother and a citizen, I need governmental assistance. My sons are in Iran, and I’m helpless here,” she added.

Small businesses struggle to survive

As if that weren’t enough, the weight of rising costs forced her to shut down her café last month.
“It is too hard to earn enough to pay the rent,” she said.
“Before, we had plenty of staff in the kitchen, but now I cannot afford to hire staff and buy food and pay the bills.”
Tabiei is not alone. Recent data from credit reporting agency CreditorWatch shows 10 per cent of all Australian hospitality businesses have shut down over the past year.

CreditorWatch CEO Patrick Coghlan said: “Small businesses are being hit from all sides.”

A man in a bue blazer and a white shirt smiles at camera.

CreditorWatch CEO Patrick Coghlan said hospitality businesses are being hit from all sides. Source: Supplied / CreditorWatch

“Obviously, consumer discretionary spending is down, yet the cost of labour and goods is increasing. So really it is a very challenging time,” Coghlan said.

Luke Achterstraat, CEO of Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), said the changes to award rates, set to take effect next week, will add to the growing pressures on small businesses.
“As of 1 July, the award rate goes up 3.5 per cent. The super guarantee increases by 0.5 per cent. So that’s 4 per cent already on the wage stack. And on top of that, you have payroll tax,” he said.
COSBOA is calling for more support to help small businesses survive.

“It is the toughest operating environment in recent memory for small businesses,” Achterstraat said.

Plates of Middle Eastern food sit on a wooden table.

Luke Achterstraat, CEO of Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, emphasized the necessity for immediate policy reforms to aid small businesses in navigating increasing hurdles. Source: SBS / Scott Cardwell

“And it is a wake-up call to policymakers to put in place policies that back our small businesses,” he added.
“For a small business with revenue of up to $20 million a year, we are calling for the corporate tax rate to be slashed from 25 per cent to 20 per cent.”
Inflation is easing, finally. The overall monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicator rose 2.1 per cent in the 12 months to May 2025, slowing from a 2.4 per cent rise in the year to April.
This was the lowest figure since October last year, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Coghlan said it brings fresh hope of further interest rate relief for Australia’s 2.5 million small business owners.
“The Reserve Bank has cut rates already, and that is the biggest driver of economic activity and spending both in the consumer and commercial sectors,” he said.

“And we expect a couple more rate cuts this year, as well. So, the trend is certainly heading in the right direction.”

A woman in a pink jumper sits at a table with a serious expression.

Nayran Tabiei is focussed on her catering business after her café was forced to shut down. Source: SBS / Scott Cardwell

While a potential rate cut could bring relief to some small business owners, it’s already too late for Tabiei, who was forced to close down her cafe.

She is now concentrating on catering, which has lower running costs and helps keep her occupied, easing the emotional weight of being separated from her children.
“Really, I make all my food with my heart. And when you taste it, you will notice the love in it,” she said.
“For me, it is all about sharing my culture with love.”
This story was produced in collaboration with SBS Arabic.
You May Also Like
Storm pummels Western Australia with warning of weather to intensify

Severe Storm Strikes Western Australia; Weather Conditions Expected to Worsen

Western Australia has recently faced the wrath of a severe storm, with…
Hundreds arrested as shops and cars burned in wild football celebrations

Mass Arrests and Destruction Mark Chaotic Football Victory Celebrations

Police have detained 780 people involved in violent clashes in Paris and…
It's been almost five years since Brisbane locked in Olympic hosting rights, and after five years of talk but little action but tomorrow, construction on the centrepiece stadium will finally begin.Within hours, Victoria Park, will be closed to the public.

Construction of Brisbane’s Olympic Stadium at Victoria Park Set to Commence Amid Ongoing Protests

It’s been almost five years since Brisbane locked in Olympic hosting rights,…

Unveiling the Legacy: Why Football Tracksuits Transcend Fashion and Define Eras

Neal Corcoran arrived from Ireland in 1991 wearing an Ireland O’Neills ‘Italia…
First home deposit scheme backfires

First Home Deposit Scheme Falters Amid Plummeting Property Prices: What Buyers Need to Know

Investor retreat and waning buyer interest have led to a noticeable drop…
Rico Nekelo says he's lucky to be alive but now has to cope with the mental and physical scars from the attack in Melbourne.

Shocking Road Rage Nightmare: Tradie’s Near-Death Experience Revealed

A tradesman has recounted a terrifying road rage incident where he narrowly…
One Nation Australia's most popular party in new poll

New Poll Reveals One Nation as Australia’s Leading Political Party

In a surprising political shake-up, recent polling data indicates that One Nation…

Massive Storm Sweeps Across Australia: Thousands Left Powerless in Wake of WA Devastation

in brief A “once in five year storm” is battering the south-west…

Australians Ditch Swipe Culture: Exploring New Dating Trends Amid Swipe Fatigue

Frustrated with the dating scene, Lilian James decided to go on a…

Iran Expresses Distrust Towards US Following Trump’s Revised Peace Deal

In brief Iran was already in talks with the United States in…
The capture of Beaufort castle near the city of Nabatiyeh came after days of intense fighting and airstrikes

Israeli Forces Secure Key Fortress in Lebanon Conflict

Israeli troops have captured a strategic mountain topped with a Crusader-built castle…

Surge in Exorcisms: Catholic Nation Faces Unprecedented Demand Amidst Rising Spiritual Concerns

Theos and Mary Rose spray people entering their home with water that…