Ms. Vandana Ram receiving the award on behalf of her father Mr. Kalyan Ram from Minster for Citizenship and Fair Trading Ms. Virginia Judge

The Community Service Award conferred on Mr. Mr. Kalyan Ram was collected his behalf by his equally dedicated social worker daughter Ms. Vandana Ram, who, in her father’s footsteps, runs an organisation called “Indigo”, committed to assist the women from the Sub-continent. The Award was presented by Minister for Citizenship and Fair Trading, Ms.Virginia Judge, at a Ceremony held in Parliament House, Sydney. Kalyan helped to establish the Indo Australian Association and the Sri Mandir Society to address the social and spiritual needs of the Indian community. He has been involved in Social Entrepreneurial Ventures of Asian Australian International, or SEVA International, since 2003 and this has resulted in increased awareness and recognition of culturally sensitive issues among service providers,” Mr. Kerkyasharian said.

Lifetime Achievement in Community Service Award

Dr Ervad Peshotan Katrak – Highly Commended

“Dr Katrak is recognized today for his tireless devotion to community work over the last 30 years, saving and improving the lives of others, Mr Kerkyasharian said. As well as his medical duties, Dr Katrak was the first resident priest in Australia to perform essential Zoroastrian religious ceremonies, including marriages and funerals. He later set up the first Zoroastrian Sunday school where he is still teaching. Throughout his time in Australia, Dr Katrak has been deeply involved in the Zoroastrian community, including the acquisition and establishment of the Zoroastrian Community Centre, and much of what has been achieved bears the hallmark of his volunteering efforts. However he has also been very active in his professional field, being largely instrumental in setting up a training program and a national medical college for doctors to become specialists in rehabilitation medicine in Australia and New Zealand.”

Mr Minoo Batiwalla of the Australian Zoroastrian Association received the award on behalf of Dr Katrak from the Minister Ms.Virginia Judge.

Earlier addressing the gathering Mr. Kerkyasharian said,”Volunteers are at the heart of everything in our society. The NSW State Plan recognises the important link between community harmony and volunteering and has, therefore, placed great importance on increased participation by members of immigrant communities in public life.

“The Community Relations Commission believes that promoting and facilitating the involvement of ethnic communities in broader community activities will contribute greatly to a harmonious society.

“These Community Relations Commission Awards for Volunteering, now in their eighth year, seek out those members of the community who have given outstanding voluntary service to their fellow citizens and highlight the contribution to community welfare made by members of migrant communities”, he said at the Awards presentation ceremony.

The other award winners include:

Mrs Shula Endrey-Walder

“Mrs Shula Endre-Walder was nominated for her enormous contribution and commitment to many voluntary tasks which have directly saved lives and improved the lives of others. She became known as the “Pink Lady” at Prince of Wales Hospital’s oncology and leukaemia ward, reading stories and distributing toys to the young patients. She later set up School Blood Collection Centres at various high schools, in conjunction with the Red Cross, to instil in young people the great habit of regular blood donation.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Mr Ken Habak – Winner

“Ken is being recognized today for his outstanding contribution to the community sector in the Illawarra area for over 35 years. He is one of the founding members of the Lebanese Association in the 1970s and since then has been involved in settling families of other backgrounds in the region.Ken has been an active member and Chairperson of the Illawarra Ethnic Communities’ Council for over eight years where he has worked tirelessly to establish strong foundations and sustainability for the organization. He also facilitates and negotiates partnerships to provide appropriate aged care, arts and youth funding to culturally diverse communities in the Illawarra.”

Young Volunteer Award

Mr Sam Almaliki – Highly Commended

“At the age of 15, Sam undertook the task of establishing the only junior winter cricket league in New South Wales – The All Stars Winter Cricket Association . This association started off with just 33 players in 2005 and now has over 420 players from all across the Sydney metropolitan region. Sam has organized Hurstville Youth Zone Harmony Day, multicultural days and open days, school football and indoor soccer matches He is also involved in fund raising for charities such as Calvary Hospital, Red Cross and the Salvation Army and has participated in forums addressing racism.

Ms Samah Hadid – Winner

“Samah is recognized today for her passion for improving services for young people at a local, national and international level. She has contributed to promoting intercommunity and intercultural dialogue through her community service, starting with the Muslim Women’s Association at the age of 15. She now helps to improve government policy on youth and multicultural issues at gatherings such as the Sister Cities National Conference, Bankstown Council Youth Advisory Committee, Bankstown Council’s community engagement taskforce, the National Youth Roundtable, the International Metropolis Conference and the Prime Minister’s 20-20 Summit.

Mr Pavlo Czudakewycz – Winner