By KATRINA BRANDON

 

UPLIFT Collective founder Den Lim has been named a finalist in two state awards.

Taking the title of finalist in the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and Victorian Volunteer Leadership Award, Ms Lim said she was honoured to be nominated.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award celebrates women driving positive change in rural and regional Australia by empowering them with the skills, support, and leadership opportunities to shape their industries and communities.

While Ms Lim did not receive the title of winner of the Victorian Volunteer Leadership Award on February 25, she told the Express she was still honoured and glad it went to one of her closest friends and colleagues, Arfa Sarfaraz Khan.

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

“I think the two of us being from cultural-linguistic and diverse backgrounds as well is incredible because we get to raise the profile of people from cold communities. Not only is it cold community representation, but Gippsland representatives and Latrobe City.”

The Volunteer Leadership Award recognises exceptional volunteer leadership and influence in supporting Victoria’s people, a community, a group, an organisation, or cause. Nominees inspire people who have built effective volunteer networks and partnerships, empowered others or engaged and strengthened the community.

Ms Lim was one of six finalists in the Victorian Volunteer Leadership Awards and one of three in the Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

The Uplift Collective is a collaboration of more than 20 organisations providing free, engaging activities for young people across Latrobe and Baw Baw, helping them connect with local services through entertainment, cultural events, sports, and the arts.

Uplift Youth Events is a critical initiative as it addresses the issue that many young people don’t know about the services available to them.

The Latrobe Valley local has always had a keen eye for volunteer and leadership roles.

Starting her journey to becoming the leader she is now, Ms Lim said she became inspired during her high school years to do more for those around her.

“In Year 9 at school I came home and said to my mum that I wanted to be a leader, and that is what I did,” Ms Lim said.

“I was the form captain in Year 9, the middle school captain, the vice president of the SRC (Student Representative Council), the college captain, and the residential advisor at university. I have held many other leadership positions throughout my career.

“I have found that from volunteering, I have been able to gain employment opportunities, creating visibility for myself as well.

“This award will increase my profile and visibility in the community because I want to be able to be a role model and support others who are aspiring to improve their leadership skills and demonstrate that because I came from humble beginnings, I was a refugee, and I had nothing when we migrated to New Zealand and then Australia.

“Through volunteering, I was able to build up my resume and that led to work opportunities.”

The Victorian winner will go on to represent the state at the national award in September at Parliament House, and receive a prize of $20,000.