Awarded the OAM for service to the community, and to multicultural affairs, Cr Farooqui said it was a “great honour” to receive the medal … “no one does community work for recognition but it feels good to be recognised”.
As a first-generation migrant, Cr Farooqui has become an advocate for migrants and refugees, identifying critical gaps in services and support for vulnerable individuals in Australia.
Having found it difficult to navigate the system in her new country, she wanted to a make sure others who were settling here didn’t have to face those same issues.
“And with that intention, I started helping migrants with settlement as a volunteer through community organisations,” she said.
“In the process, I came across refugees and saw the struggle they go through. All these encouraged me to work more in the settlement service.
“I saw victims of domestic and family violence who are migrants and refugees, I saw the difficulty they face in navigating the system. All these encouraged me to be their voice.”
A Cumberland Councillor since 2021, Cr Farooqui is Founder and President of Cultural Diversity Network Incorporated, and has been a committee of the Member Women’s Advisory Team, Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia, volunteer at Settlement Services International, and volunteer at the Australian South Asia Forum, just to name a few.
“I want to thank the person who nominated me because many people will now know about my journey in Australia and it may encourage them, particularly first generation migrants, to get involved in community service,” she said.
Honour for councillor for refugee advocacy
WITH numerous awards to her name already, Cumberland Councillor Sabrin Farooqui has been further recognised for her community work with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division in the Australia Day Awards.
