Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Blacktown’s Woman of the Year

Activist, founder and Director of Afghan Women on the Move, and Domestic Violence Prevention Officer at SydWest Multicultural Services, Ms Maryam Popal Zahid, has been named 2019 Blacktown Woman of the Year.

Due to the number of outstanding candidates, a new category, highly commended, was introduced this year and was awarded to registered nurse and senior lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University, Dr Olayide Ogunsiji.

Ms Zahid, a proud Peace Ambassador with the International Women`s Peace Group said she was honoured with the nomination and will work hard within the community to make a positive influence.

“I’m very much privileged, this means a lot to me,” Ms Zahid Said.

“It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to serve the community and I will try my best to inspire other women.

“When you are able to acknowledge that we have women with voices but also many women without voices, you can then begin to make a change.”

In 2017 Blacktown City Council established a Women’s Advisory Committee to provide advice on issues relevant to women.

Chairperson of the Women’s Advisory Committee, Councillor Julie Griffiths, said the culturally diverse committee aims to further highlight the crucial role women play in Blacktown City.

“We are a dynamic group of women committed to providing a forum where the issues and needs of women can be raised and discussed,” she said.

“It’s with great pleasure that we present Maryam Popal Zahid with this award and recognise the skills and achievements of all the nominees.”

Blacktown City Mayor, Stephen Bali, said all the nominees were a true product of the multicultural City of Blacktown.

“I congratulate the 2019 Blacktown Woman of the Year, Ms Zahid, and our Highly Commended award winner, Dr Olayide Ogunsiji, and thank all of the nominees for their ongoing contribution and outstanding work in our community,” Mayor Bali said.

“Their talents and community work have made an indelible impression on the award judges,” he said.

2019 Blacktown City Women of the year finalistsLisa Gobo

Ms Gabo works on the Community Hubs Australia project for Settlement Services International and is the Community Hub leader at Colyton Public School in Mount Druitt. Focusing on Cross Cultural engagement and using First Nations approaches Lisa creates a gathering place where all ancestors are honoured, every voice is heard and everybody matters. Ms Gabo is a long-time resident of Blacktown and is in the final stages of a BA in Community Development. She has six years’ experience working with marginalised and vulnerable communities in local community centres across the Blacktown LGA.

Dr Olayide OgunsijiDr Ogunsiji is a registered nurse and senior lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University. She migrated from Nigeria to Australia in 1999 with a Sociology degree and experience as a Lecturer. As a new migrant, she was unable to gain employment and was turned down on several occasions due to a lack of local experience. After several unsuccessful attempts at getting a job, she went back to University to gain new qualifications resulting in a successful career path.

Jane Attard-TaylorIn 2014 Ms Attard- Taylor decided to change her career path to work in an industry that she felt passionately about.  Jane attained a Cert III, IV and diploma in Community Services at Nirimba TAFE and is now working as a Program coordinator at the Blacktown Women and Girls Health Centre. She has been deeply moved by the large number of women and children affected by domestic violence. Jane is a strong advocate for reducing domestic violence against women in the community.

Councillor Julie Griffiths, Blacktown Woman of the Year
Maryam Popal Zahid, Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali

Maryam Popal ZahidMs Zahid’s work focuses on gender, women’s rights and the displacement of Afghan diaspora around the world. She is also a volunteer advocate for human rights, health, justice, and promotion of democratic values. She is currently working as a Domestic Violence Prevention Officer at SydWest Multicultural Services to reduce violence against women and their children in Afghanistan, Indian and South Sudanese communities. She is also the founder and director of Afghan Women on the Move Pty Ltd. The organisation supports women and girls outside religious and community influences to help them have a voice and become socially, economically and emotionally independent.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Nominate Blacktown’s Woman of the year

30 November 2018

Blacktown City Woman of the year Anyier Yuol is

encouraging the community to nominate outstanding local

women to be considered for the 2019 Woman of the Year

award.

“I would encourage a lot of people to get involved,” Ms Yuol

said. “Definitely apply. Don’t be afraid. If you think you have

the skills: get involved.”

Ms Yuol was named the 2018 Blacktown City Woman of the

Year in March at a special event to mark International

Women’s Day.

“Winning the award gave me that boost of confidence and 

gave me the opportunity to publicly speak up about the 

issues that are important within our community, within

Blacktown City and the communities that I work with,” Ms

Yuol said.

Nominations for the 2019 Blacktown City Woman of the Year

open on Monday, 3 December and close on Wednesday 30

 January 2019.

Blacktown City Women’s Advisory Committee Chair,

Councillor Julie Griffiths, said the award is Blacktown’s 

chance to celebrate women within the local community who 

have made a difference.

“As chair of the Blacktown City Women’s Advisory 

Committee, it is exciting to watch women from a diversity of

backgrounds gathering together and network,” Cr Griffiths 

said.

“It’s an opportunity to recognise the importance of women

playing important roles and acting as inspirations to the

younger generation of women living and working in our city.”

The 2019 Woman of the Year will be announced at

Blacktown City Council’s International Women’s Day

breakfast in March 2019.

International Women’s Day is globally celebrated each year

on 8 March to commemorate women’s achievements and 

highlight women’s equality worldwide.

Nominations can be submitted online by

visiting: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-

scholarships-and-competitions/International-Womens-Day

Nomination forms are also available from Council’s

Information Desk, Blacktown Civic Centre, Flushcombe

Road, Blacktown, or by calling 9839 6000.

Blacktown City Woman of the Year 2019 nomination 

criteria:

A woman aged 16 years and over who is currently living or 

working in Blacktown City.

A woman who has:

·         Made an outstanding contribution to their local community

·         Inspires others to contribute to their local community

·         Risen above adversity to reach their goals

·         Consistently demonstrated exceptional and progressive leadership

·         Mentored and inspired other women

·         Demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity.

Blacktown City Women’s Advisory Committee Chair

Councillor Julie Griffiths award Ms Anyier Yuol the 2018

Blacktown City Woman of the Year in March.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - 2018 Blacktown Woman Of The Year Quotes

Media release

8 March 2018

Quotes from Sudanese refugee, international model and masters’ degree candidate and now 2018 Blacktown Woman of the Year Anyier Youl.

“To be given this award on International Women’s Day is very special … just being nominated was very special to me and to be able to encourage so many people is an honour.

“It never kicked in that the job that I do and what I do was recognised elsewhere, so when I got the phone call about the nomination it was a surprise.

“It gave me the motivation to really try to do well in the community and be the voice of young people and of refugees and [those from] migrant backgrounds who have moved to Australia with no English and no educational background.

“To see the finalists that were nominated and to be the youngest one, I’m happy:  it gives me the courage to do more and to inspire people.”

  

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Blacktown’s 2018 Woman Of The Year

Media release

 8 March 2018

Sudanese refugee, international model and masters’ degree candidate Anyier Youl of Blacktown has been named the 2018 Blacktown Woman of the Year.

Ms Youl, currently studying for a Masters of International Development in Refugees and Displacement at the University of NSW, works as a Youth Transition Support Worker with the Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC) in Parramatta.

She also has had success as a model, and is the first African woman to be featured on the cover of Lito Magazine.

“Anyier is a true product of the multicultural city of Blacktown,” Blacktown City Mayor, Stephen Bali MP said.

“Her combination of talents and community work made an indelible impression on the award judges,” he said.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is marked globally on 8 March each year to highlight women’s equality worldwide.

In 2017 Blacktown City Council established a Women’s Advisory Committee to provide advice on issues relevant to women.

Chairperson of the Women’s Advisory Committee, Councillor Julie Griffiths, said culturally diverse committee aims to further highlight the crucial role women play in Blacktown City.

“We are a dynamic group of 20 women committed to providing a forum where issues and needs of women can be raised and discussed,” she said.

“It’s with great pleasure that we present Anyier Youl with this award and to recognise the skills and progressive movements the nominees have achieved.”

Blacktown City Council’s theme for this year’s event, leave no woman behind, is an opportunity to recognise the importance of women playing significant roles within our city.

“Blacktown’s diverse multicultural make up, combined with its ability to bring together women from political, business, government and professional backgrounds makes it a powerful place for women of purpose,” Mayor Bali said.

“Blacktown City Council’s Woman of the Year Award aims to help recognise and celebrate the achievements and contribution woman make to the local community.”

“I congratulate Anyier Youl and thank all of the nominees for their ongoing contribution and outstanding work in the community,” he said.

Anyier Youl

Blacktown resident Anyier was born in a refugee camp in Kenya and is of South Sudanese descent. After losing both her parents in the Sudanese Civil war, she was raised by an aunt until she moved to Australia with her cousins when 10 years old. She completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Development Studies, Sociology and Anthropology and is now studying for a Masters of International Development in Refugees & Displacement at UNSW.

In 2010 Anyier was one of 8 young people selected to represent Football United at FIFA's Football Festival for Hope at the World Cup in South Africa and she relished this opportunity to motivate and inspire other young people. As a Hope team member, she competed in the football tournament and was selected to attend leadership development workshops with young people from 32 countries across the globe.

Anyier has used her advocacy skills in schools to promote Refugee Week, Human Rights Week, Youth Week and Harmony Day. Her role as a Football United youth leader and Ambassador led to her being granted the inaugural Football United UNSW scholarship award. She now facilitates sessions on advocacy and social responsibility as part of their Creating Chances education program. It is an interactive workshop which enables young people to identify issues in their communities and develop creative strategies and campaigns to raise awareness or contribute to solving the issue.

She has also made a name in the international beauty and fashion world, wining Miss Grand South Sudan at Miss Grand International 2016 and Miss Supranational Africa in 2017.  This year, she will host her own beauty pageant, Miss Sahara.

2018 Blacktown City Woman of the Year finalists 

Harinder Kaur

Harinder started the Harman Foundation, with her husband, in 2013 after their son died in a motor vehicle accident. The foundation aims to alleviate suffering in the multicultural community resulting from grief caused by uncontrollable events. The services offered include counselling, mental health workshops, support groups, food drives and Harmony Day events. The Glenwood resident has worked in Education for over 35 years, particularly with disadvantaged women in the prison system, and has held the role of Senior Education Officer at the NSW Department of Justice since 1993.

Kylie Smith

Kylie is the founder of Embracing Arms, a not-for-profit organisation that offers support for women suffering from depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. The Quakers Hill resident created the organisation following a traumatic birth experience with her second son during which she suffered in silence for 18 months. Embracing Arms has since become a wonderful community support network with more than 500 members, offering women a place to feel less alone and find strength and hope in their darkest moments. 

Linda McDonald

Linda McDonald is a proud Aboriginal woman whose passion lies with helping and empowering women who are less fortunate than herself. Linda coordinates the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) at a drop-in centre in Emerton, where anyone can come in for a yarn, participate in wellbeing programs and attend parenting groups.

HIPPY provides pre-school aged children with a structured, education-focused program that lays the foundations for success at school. Parents are given skills to teach literacy, numeracy and language skills as well as physical skills so that their children are school-ready.

Nalika Padmasena

Nalika is a solicitor with Seniors Rights Service and acted as its Principal Solicitor during the latter part of 2017. The Schofields resident spent over a decade working as an anti-violence worker in the Women’s Health sector, she implemented various innovative award-winning community development and education programs related to domestic violence, raising awareness in culturally and linguistically diverse communities in particular. As an editor of the NSW Solicitor’s Manual’s retirement village law, Nalika has presented numerous conference papers on Domestic Violence, retirement village issues and Elder Abuse.

Sonia Kalsi

Sonia works alongside families with young children who have recently migrated to Australia, or those who are experiencing social isolation issues. The Kings Langley resident assists with case management for culturally and linguistically diverse women who are referred by Blacktown Hospital because of complicated pregnancies or post-natal depression, helping to establish support networks. Sonia also works closely with the Harman Foundation to combat domestic violence in Sikh and Indian communities and has joined with Pink Sari Inc. to increase the number of women in Indian and Sri Lankan communities in NSW being screened for breast cancer.

Blacktown City Council Media Release - Nominate Blacktown’s Woman of the Year

MEDIA RELEASE

16 January 2018 

Blacktown City Woman of the Year Elfa Moraitakis is encouraging the community to nominate outstanding local women for the city’s Woman of the Year 2018.

“Winning the award gave me a sense of the amazing work other women in the community are doing and it’s not necessarily heard about,” Ms Moraitakis said. 

“We are like the silent achievers and people don’t always know about the fantastic work that’s being done out there by women for women.

“If you know a woman who is having a positive impact in their community, don’t think twice about nominating her. Women need to be recognised.”

Ms Moraitakis, who is CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services, was named the 2017 Blacktown City Woman of the Year at a special event last year to mark International Women’s Day.

Nominations for the 2018 Blacktown City Woman of the Year close on 25 January.

Blacktown City Women’s Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Julie Griffiths, said the award is Blacktown’s chance to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women within the local community.

“As chair of the Blacktown City Women’s Advisory Committee, it is exciting to watch women from the widest imaginable diversity of backgrounds get together and network,” Cr Griffiths said.

“Blacktown’s diverse multicultural make up – combined with its ability to bring together women from political, business, government and professional backgrounds – makes it a powerful place for women of purpose.

“It is also a place where women like Elfa Moraitakis are recognised and celebrated for their achievements.

“I look forward to seeing and meeting all the wonderful nominees for this year’s Blacktown Woman of the Year.”

The Woman of the Year recipient will be announced at Blacktown City Council’s International Women’s Day breakfast on 8 March. 

International Women’s Day is globally celebrated each year on 8 March to commemorate women’s achievements and highlight women’s equality worldwide.

Nominations can be submitted online by visiting: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-scholarships-and-competitions/International-Womens-Day

Nomination forms are also available from Council’s Information Desk, Civic Centre, Flushcombe Road, Blacktown, or by calling 9839 6000.

Blacktown City Woman of the Year 2018 nomination criteria:

A woman aged 16 years and over who is currently living or working in the Blacktown local government area.

A woman who has:

·         Made an outstanding contribution to their local community.

·         Inspires others to contribute to their local community.

·         Risen above adversity to reach their goals.

·         Consistently demonstrated exceptional and progressive leadership

·         Mentored and inspired other women

·         Demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity.

2017 Blacktown City Woman of the Year

Elfa Moraitakis

Elfa is the CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services, based in Blacktown. She has more than 25 years’ experience in community services and developing services for linguistically disadvantaged communities.  She is also a board member of the Hellenic Centre for Language and Culture.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Nominate Blacktown’s Woman Of The Year

MEDIA RELEASE

16 November 2017

Blacktown City Woman of the Year Elfa Moraitakis is encouraging the community to nominate outstanding local women for the city’s Woman of the Year 2018.

“Winning the award gave me a sense of the amazing work other women in the community are doing and it’s not necessarily heard about,” Ms Moraitakis said. 

“We are like the silent achievers and people don’t always know about the fantastic work that’s being done out there by women for women.

“If you know a woman who is having a positive impact in their community, don’t think twice about nominating her. Women need to be recognised.”

Ms Moraitakis, CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services, was named the 2017 Blacktown City Woman of the Year in March at a special even to mark International Women’s Day.

Nominations for the 2018 Blacktown City Woman of the Year open on 27 November and close on 25 January.

Blacktown City Women’s Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Julie Griffiths, said the award is Blacktown’s chance to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women within the local community.

“As chair of the Blacktown City Women’s Advisory Committee, it is exciting to watch women from the widest imaginable diversity of backgrounds get together and network,” Cr Griffiths said.

Blacktown’s diverse multicultural make up, combined with its ability to bring together women from political, business, government and professional backgrounds makes it a powerful place for women of purpose.

“It is also a place where women like Elfa Moraitakis are recognised and celebrated for their achievements.

“I look forward to seeing and meeting all the wonderful nominees for next year’s Blacktown Woman of the Year.”

The Woman of the Year recipient will be announced at Blacktown City Council’s International Women’s Day breakfast in March.

International Women’s Day is globally celebrated each year on 8 March to commemorate women’s achievements and highlight women’s equality worldwide.

Nominations can be submitted online by visiting: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-scholarships-and-competitions/International-Womens-Day

Nomination forms are also available from Council’s Information Desk, Civic Centre, Flushcombe Road, Blacktown, or by calling 9839 6000.

Blacktown City Woman of the Year 2018 nomination criteria:

A woman aged 16 years and over who is currently living or working in the Blacktown local government area.

A woman who has:

·         Made an outstanding contribution to their local community.

·         Inspires others to contribute to their local community.

·         Risen above adversity to reach their goals.

·         Consistently demonstrated exceptional and progressive leadership

·         Mentored and inspired other women

·         Demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity.

2017 Blacktown City Woman of the Year

Elfa Moraitakis

Elfa is the CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services, based in Blacktown. She has more than 25 years’ experience in community services and developing services for linguistically disadvantaged communities.  She is also a board member of the Hellenic Centre for Language and Culture.

The 2017 Blacktown City Woman of the Year winner Elfa Moraitakis (second from left) with finalists Tharshine Vimalan, Kylie Smith, Gladyss Panoncillo, Maryam Zahid and Harinder Kaur.

Blacktown City Council's 'Woman of The Year'....... Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8 March 2017

Elfa’s Blacktown’s Woman of the Year

“Believe in yourself - empowered women lead the world”.

Those were the stirring words of Elfa Moraitakis after she was named Blacktown City’s Woman of the Year for 2017.

“Before we can talk about better pay and equality, we need to work on educating and empowering women,” she said. 

“We need to do it together with men; we can’t do it alone.”

Ms Moraitakis, from Casula, is the Chief Executive of Blacktown-based SydWest Multicultural Services and leads an organisation of more than 150 staff and volunteers.
“I feel honoured to win such an award among so many successful, talented women in the community,” she said.

“As a leader of one of the largest community organisations in western Sydney, I consider it our responsibility to identify gaps we see in the community. 

“The two major areas affecting women are domestic violence and employment, and we are working with Council and the police to address those issues.”

Ms Moraitakis received the prestigious award at Blacktown City Council’s International Women’s Day breakfast, held in the Civic Centre on Wednesday morning. 

She was joined at the event by Councillors, Blacktown City Woman of the Year finalists and special guest speaker, Maria Costello MBE - a British motorcyclist who became the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) course in 2004.

“I’ve been racing for 20 years and I’ve broken 24 bones,” she said.

“I’ve come back from quite a few injuries and I’ve come back even stronger.

“Don’t let anyone say you can’t dream big, because dreaming big is how we make these things happen.”

Mayor of Blacktown City Councillor Stephen Bali said Council’s International Women’s Day breakfast was an opportunity to celebrate the contribution women make to the community.

“The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘be bold for change’ and calls on the entire community to help forge a better working world,” Mayor Bali said. 

“Maria, Elfa and all the Woman of the Year finalists embody this theme. They are all leaders who are paving the way towards equality, and they are all deserving of our recognition.

“I thank them for the incredible work they do in our community – our City is richer for their contributions.”

Follow the link below for high resolution photos of Council’s International Women’s Day breakfast –