A total of 37 members of various communities were acknowledged by the Lalor Hero Awards for their contribution to the society at an event in Melbourne.
Volunteers contributing to sporting groups, senior citizen's club, women's support groups and other social activities were officially recognized by Joanne Ryan, the Member of Parliament of Lalor.
Talking to SBS Gujarati about the contribution of the volunteers to the various communities, Joanne Ryan said, "Volunteers are the backbone of the community as they dedicate their time to help create inclusive and accepting communities.
Often, they (volunteers) do not get acknowledged for their work, so they were recognized at this special occasion for their passion and work towards building engagement in the community”.
Let's look at some of the winners of Lalor Hero Awards 2018 and their contribution to the communities.
Tania(R), a Lalor Hero award winner of 2018. Source: Tania Kelaart
Tania Kelaart - Whyndham Women's Support Group
Tania started an organization in 2015 called the Whyndham Women's Support Group with the view to foster participation and inclusion for women in the community. The organization provides opportunities for women to talk and express their concerns in order to avoid isolation. It also organizes various types of craft activities and workshops to enhance women's hidden talents and invites guest speakers to speak on topics such as domestic violence and mental health.
Raghbir Singh Badwal - Club 60
Raghbir Singh Badwal is a founding member of the Club 60 which provides senior citizens with a platform to engage in social activity and to serve the community. He organizes various types of sporting events and provides training to the players. He also trains the younger generation by giving them tips for physical exercise.
Harbans Singh Grewal - Club 60
Harbans Singh Grewal is a member of the senior citizen's group Club 60. He has joined the club on his daughter's advice and now he is a volunteer in the club and he contributes by organizing various social events for the community. He was recognized for his dedication and service.
Kapil Thakkar recognized for running community sports tournaments. Source: Joanne Ryan
Kapil Thakkar - AFL Community Ambassador
Kapil Thakkar is working towards community engagement and he has connected young people as well as seniors with the Australian Rules Football. He was acknowledged for running community sports tournaments and a charity cup that supported Werribee Mercy Hospital.
Amit Singh Jadaun (R) receives certificate from Joaane Ryan (L) Member of Parliament for his contribution for the society. Source: Joanne Ryan
Amit Singh Jadaun – Forum for Indian Australians
Amit Singh Jadaun is one of the founding patrons among five others started the Forum for Indian Australians to support the community on various issues. The organization provides funds to sporting teams and raises funds for social causes. Recently, they organized an Indian-African festival, which enabled members of these communities to get to know each other’s culture and heritage better.
Tej Neetu Babani Kanse - Let's Feed
Neetu is actively participating in the Let's Feed Food campaign for last 3 years. The drive provide food to the school and to the families in need. She has a group of volunteers to collect the required groceries and serve the community.
