dellaram vreeland

Nyibol Deng is one of those women who you are immediately drawn to – like a roaring fire on a wintry Ballarat day. The joy in her heart seeps glaringly bright through her eyes as she greets you, her smile infectious in its warmth. 

They say it’s through tests and difficulties that we discover our inner strength and harness our true potential. And so, the story goes for this fearless warrior.

The Ethiopian South Sudanese mother-of-five spent years in war-torn Sudan before she moved into a Kenyan refugee camp. It was here that she birthed her second child. 

And while she made her way to Australia about two decades ago, she says the turmoil of her younger years lingers on. 

“The war, it still affects us,” she says. “Because of the civil war, I was growing up in a war zone and you’re scared, it gives you no hope for the future and what it holds. 

“It made your mind think very little of yourself and what you can do. Seeing soldiers roam, sleeping at nighttime and just waiting for the war to break so you can start running.” 

Of course, settling into a new country came with its own sets of challenges. Learning a new language, understanding the nuances of a new culture, and feeling confident enough to unleash her independence was a battle in and of itself.

“I had to learn English, I didn’t have education, I had been quiet for so long – so I didn’t know what to do, what to learn, what to ask. It takes a while to get used to a new country,” she recalls. 

Nyibol is known around Ballarat for her generosity of spirit, her radiance, and her community-mindedness. 

And her resilience.

Following her move to Australia, she had three more children, started a career in childcare, and discovered a community of passionate and like-minded folk who would empower her to tap into an inner potential she never knew existed. 

She founded a newly-established homeware and accessory business A Tuk – a name aptly drawn from a Nuer term meaning ‘begin’. The business celebrates the vibrancy of African culture through the creation of products made using rich upcycled textiles and fabled Ankara wax cloth sourced from Kenya and Malawi – think scarves, pillowcases, headscarves, tote bags and more!

As well as using her craftsmanship to create works of art and nurturing her five children, she spends her days working at the local multicultural council, bringing migrant communities together in celebration of diversity, assisting them to settle into their new homes, and welcoming them in true Nyibol style.

But it doesn’t stop there.

She is also one of four refugee women who recently opened a venture titled Women of the Well – a retail space selling handmade African-inspired clothing, homewares, and accessories.

Launching as part of the City of Ballarat’s Evolve program, the space provides the opportunity for community connection, inspiration, and the exchange of stories.

Regardless of her perilous journey, Nyibol has made a point of paving a new life for herself – a life characterised by family, community, autonomy, love, and faith. 

“All of the women in my community have abilities and talents and ideas,” she says.

“It is possible to start something new in life and also to show our children that it is possible to overcome difficulty by creating something new.” 

Discover how the Women of the Well are inspiring the women of Ballarat and beyond to connect and realise their full potential: @womenof.thewell

Words: Dellaram Vreeland
Feature Image: Tara Moore Photography
Body Images: @atukdesigns