IT’S time for inspiring refugees and asylum seekers who give back to the community to take a bow, according to welfare group Friends of Refugees.
Chief executive Sri Samy said the inaugual “recognition” awards will challenge the presumption that new arrivals are “only here for our money and don’t give anything back”.
“In my experience I see a lot of people who give back, even those who have very little or nothing.
“This is one small step to recognise their contribution.”
One early nominee is Donstan who has volunteered at Friends of Refugees to deliver free furniture and other essentials to new arrival families for the past two years.
He also helped to co-found a bike repair workshop – giving out more than 1000 free bikes to families.
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.
Details at friendsofrefugees.org.au.
Donstan’s making friends
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