SBS announces My Community Matters winner

SBS today announced the winner of a competition to give Australians an opportunity to share a story about their community and meet the Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The My Community Matters competition provided Australians with a chance to share their story with the Prime Minister on Australia Day 2013, as well as have their story published on the SBS website.

The winner is Mrs Zakia Baig from Dandenong, Victoria.

Zakia was born and raised in Pakistan, however is part of the Afghani Hazara community. She submitted a story outlining her journey from Pakistan to Australia, speaking about the importance of community and women’s rights.

It is Zakia’s passion and commitment to the advocacy of women’s rights which she says made her a target of the Taliban and forced her to leave Pakistan. Zakia arrived in Australia in 2006 and became a permanent resident of Australia in 2012. Zakia has been working with various groups that promote women’s rights and empowerment while bringing up her two children, working and studying.

SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said My Community Matters was about celebrating the diversity of Australian communities and Australian stories which contribute to an inclusive society.

“Australia has never been more diverse and SBS is committed to telling the stories which reflect the rich diversity of communities across our nation,” Ebeid said.

“My Community Matters has given one lucky Australian the chance to tell a story about their community directly to the Prime Minister and SBS online audiences.”

As part of the My Community Matters campaign, Australians were invited to submit a 90 second digital story about why their community matters to them, highlighting the forms of belonging and participation in Australia.

For further information please contact:

Jessica Harris

02 9430 2807

0409 188 743
[email protected]

Angela Cross

02 292 7004

0412 929 397
[email protected]