When Samater reflects on his health before joining the My health for life initiative, he puts it simply: “I did not know anything. Now I know everything.”
For 46-year-old Samater, who lives on Brisbane’s southside and is originally from Ethiopia, culture and community are not just part of his identity, they are part of his health journey too.
Initially referred to My health for life while looking for guidance at home, he speaks Somali and shares meals and traditions that are deeply connected to culture and family. But, like many people navigating life in a new country, maintaining healthy habits had not been easy.
He tells us, “I didn’t realise it, but I was eating bad food all the time, and I needed help to change that.”
Before joining the initiative, Samater says he didn’t fully understand what was helping or harming his health. Sugary drinks were part of daily life. Meals were often unbalanced. The information he needed simply wasn’t accessible in a way that made sense to him.
Through My health for life, that changed.
The initiative didn’t ask him to give up his culture or disconnect from the foods that matter to him. Instead, it helped him find balance. He learned how to make healthier choices while still honouring the flavours and traditions he grew up with.
That sense of balance has been powerful. Samater says his body feels different, lighter, and healthier. “I had a big body, now I am normal,” he says proudly.
The importance of connection and culture
Beyond food and movement, connection has played an important role in his journey. Being part of a culturally inclusive initiative meant he felt understood and supported. Having space to learn in a way that respected language and background made the information clearer and easier to apply.
His Health Coach, Paul from Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ), made a lasting impact.
“Paul is very professional,” Samater says. “He taught me in a way that was easy to understand. I appreciate him. We connect well.”
That connection matters. For Samater, health is not something you do alone. Community, culture, and shared understanding are part of wellbeing. He says he wants to continue with the initiative so he can keep that support around him, especially when challenges arise.
His story is a reminder that health journeys look different for everyone. Culture shapes how we eat, move, and connect. When programs respect and celebrate that diversity, real change becomes possible.
Today, Samater feels more confident in his choices and more in control of his health. “Now I know what is good for my health,” he says with a smile.
Stronger knowledge. Healthier habits. Deeper connection.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards better health and wellbeing, start with the free online Health Check to see if My health for life is right for you.
If English isn’t your first language, and you would like the support of a multicultural health worker to complete the Health Check, please call ECCQ on (07) 3844 9166.
My health for life is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland and is delivered by Diabetes Australia.
