My first foray into Community Service started by my Mum’s side when I was 7. Today I was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for contribution to social welfare and community service. The gulf between these two moments in my life couldn’t be further apart, or, closer together.
I was fortunate to be raised by parents who valued service to others. Dad, a doctor, continues to serve his local community as a General Practitioner after nearly fifty (50) years. Mum, through her volunteering for St. Vincent De Paul, and allowing me to join her to deliver Meals at the age of 7, taught me the value of service, respect and humility by her example. Thanks to Mum and Dad, I was raised to appreciate that putting others first was not only of benefit to those you serve - but to yourself, too.
They say ‘the more you give, the more you get’ and it could not be more true in my case. While the NFP organisations I have volunteered with and Boards I have served on are many, the value I have received in return far outweighs the sum total of my NFP work.
Volunteering has given me new skills, lessons in humility, lessons in gratitude, connection and inspiration. Most importantly it has afforded me an opportunity to be surrounded by diverse people, in incredible organisations, doing extraordinary things.
Reflecting today, there are several things that I know:
● My parents' greatest act of service was to our family - they left their country of birth, Sri Lanka, to give my brother and I a better life. I will always be grateful for the enormous sacrifice that they, and so many migrants like them, made when they left their homeland.
● Service isn’t ‘good to do’ - it’s a necessary priority that is as enriching as it is vital
● There are many good people, with great ideas in the NFP space. We should listen to them, follow their lead, and help make their ideas happen.
I am proud that this recognition of an Order of Australia demonstrates that hard work, dedication and selflessness are values that are recognised and celebrated. I hope that in the future, more people of colour and their successful migrant stories can be shared and honoured. And if you’re thinking about being of service but don’t know where to start, remember my favourite African Proverb:
“Anyone that thinks they are too small to make a difference hasn't spent the night with a mosquito”
Today, I acknowledge my privilege in living and working on the lands of the Gadigal and Wallumedegal. I pay my respects to all elders past and present. Sovereignty was never ceded. #alwayswasalwayswillbe
