Dr Sarvesh Soni has always believed in giving back to the community. It’s a principle instilled in him from a young age, and one that has guided his journey in Australia, culminating in him being named Whittlesea’s Citizen of the Year.
The annual Whittlesea Community Awards were presented at the Community Festival on Sunday March 16, celebrating community spirit and leadership among residents.
Alongside Dr Soni, other outstanding community members were also recognised at the Whittlesea awards.
Bill McGillivray was named Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year went to Zachary Melvaine, Zoe Brown was honoured as Access and Inclusion Citizen of the year, and Jim Bannan received the Sustainable Environment Citizen of the Year.
“I have a passion to work for the community,” Dr Soni explained after receiving the honour.
“I was always taught to give back to society.”
Dr Soni’s commitment to community service led him to the Whittlesea Interfaith Network, where he found an avenue to connect with people from diverse cultures, religions, and language groups in one of Melbourne’s fastest growing populations.
“I started interacting with the council a few years back and came across this Whittlesea Interfaith Network,” Dr Soni said.
“I think that’s the best avenue to start working and interacting with other people and try to bring some changes into their life if I can.”
For Dr Soni community engagement doesn’t require a grand stage, it can begin in the smallest of ways.
“Wherever you start, don’t wait for a very big platform. You can even start from your own neighbourhood, you can start from your street,” he said.
“Find any opportunity to interact with people and start talking. Talking is the main thing – share your ideas and share your story.”
His advocacy is rooted in the belief that human connection is universal.
“One thing that is always in my mind – start loving the people, start loving the local people because people are the same all across the world, just the way of expression is different,” Dr Soni said.
Dr Soni’s passion for fostering a sense of belonging, empathy and inclusivity is evident in his personal life.
When his daughter was born in Australia, he gave her the nickname ‘Joey’- a symbolic gesture reflecting his desire to immerse himself with Australian culture and form a strong bond with his new home.
As Whittlesea Citizen of the Year, Dr Soni continues to encourage others to get involved, be present, and engage with their local communities.
“So stand for the community and be interested in any activities that are going on around you,” Dr Soni said.
“Don’t feel that your story is not unique, everyone has a story to tell.”
