By KATRINA BRANDON

 

VALLEY local Arfa Sarfaraz Khan received the State Volunteer Leadership Award for her work with the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley, and more.

Ms Sarfaraz Khan said it was humbling to be chosen as a finalists for the award’s final round.

“It is humbling. I truly believe that there are many more people who do better than what I’ve done, or they’ve done multiple other things. But I really appreciate that the work that we do with the Muslim and multicultural communities has been noticed and recognised,” she said.

“All the volunteer work that people do is acknowledged (which) is good for them. I think we others also set a good example all of them, setting a good example for our younger generation and for our other members to see that they can join the cause, and they can.”

Ms Sarfaraz Khan is the President of the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley, and works in other ways to support multicultural citizens within the region. She is also part of the Uplift Collective and other events for youth, the multicultural community and more.

Working with Ms Sarfaraz Khan, Uplift Collective founder, Den Lim was also up for the award.

Ms Lim told the Express: “Arfa and I are really great friends, and it’s a privilege to be alongside her with this award”.

Ms Sarfaraz Khan also works towards making multicultural residents feel welcome and have a place to connect.

“I’m a conduit between people, multicultural communities, and the Muslim community in particular, and I help them navigate the way and the available services,” she said.

“I’ve seen the challenges that the new migrants face, moving into the area is immense.

“As a Muslim representing the Muslim community, I’ve seen that you always had to bear the burden of the things happening around and even if we are not involved, or it occurs anywhere in the world or any areas, people start looking at the local Muslims and how we are and how we are representing our communities and what we are doing right wrong.

“We need to work to break stereotypes of thinking so we all can work in and live in a better place and have a better future for our children. We want Gippsland, our region, to be more open, understanding, and tolerant of each other.

“I think volunteering helps your inner self, also that you are doing something for the community, for the people, and I think it’s a really good feeling that people get some benefit out of what you do.”

Minister for Carers and Volunteers, Ros Spence presented the awards at a ceremony in Melbourne, recognising eight volunteers who have made an invaluable contribution to Victoria.

A record-breaking 499 nominations were received for this year’s awards, demonstrating the efforts of individuals and organisations across the state, from regional Victoria to metropolitan Melbourne.

“Victoria’s volunteers are at the heart of our communities, dedicating their time to make a real difference to families and communities across the state,” Ms Spence said.

“I congratulate all the finalists for their work in building a stronger, more connected Victoria.”