Coming as a big surprise, Souhair knew she had been nominated for a Zest award but didn’t realise her lifetime of work would so impress the judges that they decided she should receive not just an award but a Hall of Fame honour.
“I was shocked and thrilled when they told me but I love my work and helping people on their journey is reward enough,” she said.
This latest honour is the last in a long line-up of accolades for Souhair, 50, including winning numerous service awards, premiers awards and has also been named Woman of the Year in the Australian Muslim Achievement Awards.
As well as working at Birrong Boys High School, Souhair is a project officer for Human Appeal Australia and has just completed HOPE – helping older people engage, which saw her creating food and hygiene packs and visiting isolated seniors in the community.
“I also have an online business selling women’s apparel which also acts as a tool for getting conversations going about community need and what can be done to support those suffering domestic violence and homelessness,” she said.
“My parents taught me about the value of volunteering and helping my community at a young age and I try to instil these values into others, especially my two children.”
Community worker in Hall of Fame win
Souhair Afiouny Harris with her award and presenter Chris Bath.
EQUIVALENT to the Oscars for actors, the Zest Awards shine a light on those that go beyond the call of duty in the community sector and now after 31 years of passion and effort, Birrong Boys High School’s community liaison officer Souhair Afiouny Harris has been inducted in the Zest Hall of Fame.
