Norma Medawar, a resilient Syrian refugee, has become a beacon of strength and leadership in her community, earning her the prestigious title of the inaugural ‘AMES Australia Woman of Impact.’
Arriving in Australia in 2015 after fleeing the civil war in Syria, Norma’s journey from adversity to empowerment is truly inspiring.
Overcoming war trauma and displacement, she quickly integrated into Australian life, leveraging her high-level English proficiency.
Early on, Norma dedicated herself to supporting fellow Syrian refugees in Melbourne. With an advanced diploma in Interpreting and Translating, she worked as an interpreter and Education Support Officer before discovering her passion for community service.
With seven years of experience in the sector, Norma has provided vital leadership and capacity-building for Arabic-speaking women in Melbourne’s north.
Her journey with AMES Australia began in 2015 as an English tutor, assisting Arabic-speaking refugee students in learning English and navigating life in Australia.
Norma’s commitment to community service extended to her role at Whittlesea Community Connections from 2017, where she advocated for newly arrived migrants and refugees, coordinating support groups and facilitating weekly youth sessions.
In 2019, Norma established the Zenobia Association, a group empowering newly arrived women to integrate fully into society.
The association organises regular meetings, information sessions, art classes, and swimming lessons, fostering cross-community connections while promoting Syrian culture.
Norma’s impact is not confined to her work hours; she volunteers during weekends, assisting refugees with resume preparation and upskilling for employment.
She also plays a crucial role in helping Arabic-speaking individuals prepare for citizenship tests. An advocate for the welfare of refugee women in Melbourne’s north, Norma seeks to ensure they achieve their full potential and participate socially and economically.
She addresses the risk of isolation by organising community events and connecting women through voluntary activities.
Norma’s contributions extend beyond her immediate community. In 2016, she initiated the “Beloved Syria” magazine at AMES Australia, aiming to foster understanding of the Syrian community among Australians. Norma’s cross-cultural training sessions further educate service providers about Syrians’ culture and positive contributions to Australian society.
Her commitment to forging respectful relationships with service providers reflects Norma’s dedication to supporting her clients in a meaningful way. Norma’s voluntary efforts, both through her work and the Zenobia Association, showcase her determination to create opportunities for women to connect and participate in community events, promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange.
Gerald Lynch
