Celia Tran isn’t quite sure where she finds the time to fit in so much volunteering.
But find it she does and her efforts have not been unnoticed. The Footscray resident has been named joint winner of the Premier’s Volunteer of the Year award.
Ms Tran, 24, received the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award from the Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos at a ceremony at Government House on Sunday.
She was recognised for providing leadership across various causes and organisations supporting multicultural youth, refugees, asylum seekers and disadvantaged youth in Melbourne’s west.
Ms Tran said she was shocked by the award given the “amazing people doing great work” who were also finalists. She hopes the honour will highlight the work of the organisations she assists, including Western Chances and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
“I started volunteering in high school and really enjoyed it,” she said. “Growing up in the west I know how many challenges there can be.”
Ms Tran said that as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, she understands the difficulties of growing up in a disadvantaged family. She now hopes her volunteering will, in turn, influence other young people to become involved.
“I hope it encourages them to step up. It’s great for your wellbeing, as well as your resumé.”
