Blacktown City Council has celebrated some of its most extraordinary residents at a bumper weekend of award ceremonies, featuring the 2022 Blacktown City Multicultural Awards and Senior Citizen of the Year Award.
Council hosted its second ever Multicultural Awards on Friday evening, to celebrate leadership, achievement and excellence in Blacktown City's multicultural communities.
The Awards, launched in 2021, acknowledge the contributions made by local people, businesses and services from multicultural backgrounds across four categories, including: Volunteer of the Year, Inspirational Person of the Year, Unfunded Organisation of the Year and Funded Organisation of the Year.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM made the award presentations to recipients at a cultural celebration at Glenwood Community Hub which featured performances from Nepalese, Polish, African and Pasifika groups.
"As Mayor of Blacktown City, it fills me with great pride to be a part of this incredibly diverse Blacktown City community - home to more than 400,000 people who represent over 180 different birthplaces and languages," Mayor Bleasdale said.
"Blacktown City Council is a strong supporter of multiculturalism and it is central to our identity as a vibrant, resilient and inclusive community.
"Council's Multicultural Awards are a significant occasion on our annual calendar and celebrate our diversity, champion multiculturalism and promote a deeper understanding of our multicultural community.
"I congratulate all winners and finalists on the wonderful contributions they make to our vast multicultural communities and Blacktown City overall."
Not-for-profit organisation Afghan Women on the Move was awarded Unfunded Organisation of the Year, with founder and director Maraym Zahid, dedicating the award to all Afghan women affected by the trauma of war.
"From the beginning of Afghan Women on the Move, I didn't want to wait for money to do the work. I said to myself, "do the work and the money will come"", Maryam said.
"All of the team at Afghan Women on the Move are volunteers. We don't have any funding so we are hoping we can slowly find some sponsors and donations.
"I'm counting on my team to make this movement bigger and accommodate not just Afghan women, but inspire other women as well."
Volunteer of the Year was Dr Quesim Chelat, a retired scientist and avid researcher in the Quran and science for the last five decades. He has been instrumental in inspiring and mentoring people from multicultural backgrounds in various community projects. He has guided new migrants to help them to settle quickly and easily take an active part in the Australian community.
Inspirational Person of the Year was Khatol Ahmadzay, who has worked as a Generalist Case Worker for SydWest Multicultural Services in Blacktown since 2008. In the 14 years of professional journey, she has assisted more than one thousand refugees and new arrivals in their settlement in Blacktown City.
Unfunded Organisation of the Year was Afghan Women on the Move. Founded by activist Maryam Zahid, Afghan Women on the Move is a safe platform for female survivors of war and trauma, to gather and participate in arts and cultural programs, outside of religious and political influences. It supports the health, mental wellbeing, individual growth and development of Afghani and other women of diverse backgrounds in Australia.
Funded Organisation of the Year was Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (MECA). The Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency is dedicated to informing, linking and empowering people from culturally diverse backgrounds. MECA works with local people to improve services for migrants, refugees, and emerging communities from various ethnic backgrounds in the suburbs of Mount Druitt and Blacktown City.
Two community stalwarts with an unwavering dedication to civic duty have been jointly awarded the Blacktown City Senior Citizen of the Year for 2022.
Cecil Miller and Kerri Meyer-Gleaves were recognised at Blacktown City's annual Seniors Concert and Luncheon, marked during the Seniors Festival.
Rooty Hill Parkrun volunteer Cecil was acknowledged for his tireless commitment to the event each week as a marshal.
At 90 years of age, Cecil has been a volunteer with Rooty Hill Parkrun for three years, bringing "smiles for miles" to all the runners and sharing lollipops with the children.
In his nominations, he was described as a "charming gentleman" who is adored by everyone.
Kerri is a guide leader at Blacktown District Girl Guides and has been an adult member of Girl Guides for almost 50 years.
In her role, Kerri has mentored and guided scores of girls and inspired many with her "can do attitude".
Over several decades, she has dedicated her time in assisting with Guides events and fundraisers, including domestic and international jamborees.
Mayor Bleasdale congratulated both Cecil and Kerri on their achievements.
"In Blacktown City, we have more than 61,000 residents aged over 65… who make incredible contributions to our community," he said.
"Our Senior Citizen of the Year Award is a chance for us to recognise and celebrate the contributions of Blacktown City's older people.
"Cecil and Kerri are exemplary members of our community and I thank them for their enormous dedication in helping our community thrive."
Picture: Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (third from right) and Cr Carol Israel (second from right) with Afghan Women on the Move founder Maryam Zahid (centre) and team.
