By Laura Michell
Two Roxburgh Park residents have been recognised for their contributions to the community, with the pair jointly named as Hume’s Citizens of the Year.
Joseph Youhana and Emel Huseyin will receive the awards at the city’s Australia Day event today.
Two other Hume residents were also recognised for their work in the community, with Meadow Height’s Berat Kaya named Young Citizen of the Year and Greenvale’s Charlie Grech named Senior Citizen of the Year.
The Sunbury Blue Light Disco received the Community Event of the Year award.
Mr Youhana, who arrived in Australia as a refugee 14 years ago after fleeing his home in Iraq, described the award as a privilege.
He hopes the award will inspire young refugees to become leaders and make a difference in their communities.
Mr Youhana is a Justice the Peace, and is a community ambassador for the AFL and Melbourne Victory.
He is also a Refugee Council of Australia board member, and last year helped found the Australian and Assyrian, Chaldean Syriac Advocacy Network.
He said he felt compelled to help others.
“I am very proud to advocate on behalf of refugees,” he said.
“I am lucky enough to be in leadership positions to raise the voice for people who don’t have a voice.”
Ms Huseyin, who volunteers with Northern Health and is involved with a number of groups including the Broadmeadows Turkish Senior Citizen Club, Homestead Community Centre and the Broadmeadows Turkish Islamic and Cultural Centre, said she was proud to be able to contribute to the community.
The Hume resident of 36 years said she volunteered because it made her feel good.
“When I hear people need help… I do what I can,” she said.
“I never expected anything in anyway. Volunteering means you do things from your inside.
“I am proud to be a voice for my community.”
Berat was recognised for his work with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, where he is manager of the youth leadership group and works to develop programs and initiatives to better the lives of young people living in Hume.
Mr Grech, a former City of Broadmeadows councillor for nine years and Rotary Club of Broadmeadows member since 1978, was recognised for “outstanding service and commitment” to the community. Mr Grech was involved in a number of local projects including the Broadmeadows Hospital. He also served as president and secretary of the Greenvale Residents Association.
