The Australia Day Honours list has been revealed, with an impressive five residents across Parramatta and Cumberland receiving the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
From supporting the community and local sport, to helping veterans, migrants and refugees, this year’s group of extraordinary locals are showcasing what it truly means to be Australian.
In Regents Park, Cumberland Councillor Sabrin Farooqui has been recognised for her service to the community and to multicultural affairs.
As a founding member and current President of the Cultural Diversity Network Incorporated, a not-for-profit organisation committed to helping migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and a first-generation migrant herself, Farooqui is focused on helping people thrive in Australia.
“No one does this sort of social work for recognition, but it feels great to be recognised,” she told Parra News.
“I have always felt that migrants and refugees and asylum seekers they always need their voice, we need to hear their voice, and that’s why I have done it voluntarily outside of my job and my other roles.
“This work is so much needed in our community.”
A well-known name in the local football community, Peter Bacha is also up for an OAM for his service to the sport and the community.
Bacha was a founding member of the Rydalmere Lions Football Club in 1980 and has been the president of the club since 2000. He said he was “dumbfounded” when he found out someone had nominated him for the award.
“[Rydalmere Lions] has just become a part of me, it’s been 44 years now, and seeing the kids enjoying it and keeping them off the street, and they appreciate what you do for them, and that’s what just keeps me going,” he said.
“The Rydalmere Lions, well, it’s a massive family, and I tell everybody I’ve got the biggest family in the world.”
Merrylands resident and Bundjalung man David Williams has received the medal for his service to veterans and the community.
Having joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1965, where he received various service medals, Williams was also the former president of the NSW Branch of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association.
When asked how it felt to be awarded the OAM for his efforts, Williams said it was great to get the recognition.
“I’ve travelled the world, the military, I don’t know who nominated me, I’m known all throughout the community, I’ve got mates all over the world,” he said.
Recognised for his service to the Lebanese community of Sydney, fellow Merrylands local Sarkis Karam has been involved in many aspects of the local community throughout his life.
A Journalist at The Herald, author, football coach, former President of The Association of Zgharta and current Director of the Merrylands RSL Club, Karam said he’s proud to be an Australian of Lebanese origin.
“Everything I’ve done I’m proud of, because it helped others to assimilate in the community,” he said.
“Being a Lebanese journalist, translating Australian news into Arabic helped a lot of people who couldn’t speak, because they’re new migrants, to know what’s going on in their own language.
“Also being the President of my hometown association, Zgharta, it’s a big community, that was really enjoyable for me.”
Last but definitely not least of the local recipients to be awarded an OAM this year is Northmead resident Lilian Ries.
Not only has she been recognised for almost 30 years of volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Westmead, she also takes out the impressive title of being this year’s eldest living recipient of the award at 100-years-old.
Speaking on behalf of her mother-in-law, Helen Ries said Lilian was “over the moon” when she found out she was nominated for the award.
“[Lilian said] I just hope that my family is proud of it and that it will go down through the generations and it will keep her memory alive, and it definitely will because, wow, it’s just not something that you get. It’s really special,” Helen said.
“People don’t volunteer unless they’re good people at heart.”
Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at http://www.gg.gov.au.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.