Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview profiles Ghanim Al Shnen – When Australian Story first told Ghanim Al Shnen’s story in 2019, the Iraqi refugee was undergoing groundbreaking surgery to attach robotic arms following a catastrophic workplace accident the year before. But with his wife and four children living as refugees in Finland and his visa status in Australia unresolved, his life was in limbo.
For the next four years there were many advances on the medical front but whenever he inquired about his visa situation he was told to be patient. In 2024 that patience paid off when he was given permanent residency in Australia, allowing him to bring his family here to live with him. In late 2024, Ghanim’s wife and children arrived, bringing an end to a 12-year nightmare.
“This is very, very like incredible result,”
– he tells Australian Story.
“My family and I in one place.”
Australian Story caught up with Ghanim just before his family’s arrival, after they had settled in and during an appointment with his prosthetist as they discuss how Ghanim is adapting to his robotic arms.
“I don’t think anyone could get through what he’s got through without some scars,”
– reflects his friend Troy Mansell.
“He just kept getting hit down day after day after day for years.”
Says Ghanim:
“I’m OK. I’m fine. I’m still alive and I can prove myself that these things never changed me or never make me weak. And in the end, I got what I want. My dream become true.”
Producer: Greg Hassall.
Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview – Monday 23 March, 2026 at 8.00pm
Media Release – ABC
TV Central ABC content HERE
Australian Story on ABC and ABC iview profiles Ghanim Al Shnen
