By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
HELEN Shaikhan is undaunted by cooking for large numbers of people.
She and three other asylum seekers will be cooking up a multi-flavoured banquet of Sri Lankan, Burmese, Afghan and Iranian cuisine for this month’s inaugural Friends of Refugees awards.
Ms Shaikhan, an Iranian-born asylum seeker, hopes to open a Persian restaurant – if granted permanent residency.
She is currently barred from paid work due to her bridging visa conditions, but is quick to volunteer to cook up breads, pilau and soup – including weekly communal meals at her church and Friends of Refugees.
“She has a big family and loves cooking for her family. She learnt recipes from her mother and just by watching what other cooks do,” Friends of Refugees chief executive Sri Samy said.
The event will also feature human rights QC Julian Burnside, Real Australians Say Welcome campaigner Peter Drew and Greater Dandenong Mayor Sean O’Reilly as speakers.
Several asylum seekers will also perform music on the night.
The awards recognise asylum seekers who are making the brightest contributions in their community.
The award categories include community service, youth achievement, future leader, sports athlete, all-abilities sport, art, academic achievement and business achievement.
Nominations close on 12 June.
The awards will be staged on 20 June.
For more information visit friendsofrefugees.org.au.
