Active volunteer Nazish Rafique tells Jennifer Pittorino about her work in the community and her connection to Maribyrnong.
Tell us a bit about you and what you do?
I am a mother of one teenager and one primary school child who are keeping me busy most of the days. But I enjoy working for the community tirelessly. I enjoy my weekend by organising/ planning activities for the vulnerable people of local council areas , empowering them to raise their voices to be heard, advocating for their rights , empowering women and girls to achieve their future and present goals in the field of study and work.
How did you know you wanted to get into volunteering?
Since childhood I was passionate about to help others, when I came to Australia 16 years ago I found out that here are lots of different platforms which I can use it to help others and make some difference into someone else’s life.
Tell us about your work in the different organisations you volunteer with?
I provide my volunteer services to many organisations , for the example the Duke Street Community House, Maidstone Community Centre , ASRC & advocating at Uniting Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre in Brunswick . My work varies from time to time , somedays I spend my day in the kitchen to prepare food for the whole community , other days I organise a group to take out for recreational activities. I attend different workgroups to gather more knowledge to work efficiently , visit local families to address various issues like family violence , financial snd sometimes moral support.
What is your connection to Maribyrnong/ Hobsons Bay?
I have been living in Maribyrnong since 2017 , located into Seddon. I moved from Hume council to Maribyrnong and I absolutely love to be living here. I love the ethnicity of the area where I live in, especially in Footscray area. I’s a very vibrant and culturally diverse area. There are lots of organisations available around the area to help out the vulnerable people.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
I would love to find more affordable housing opportunities for vulnerable people in my area who are struggling with rental crisis and homelessness. There is a lot need for secure housing . People are working hard to put food on their table , so many debts due to the bills and rental price inflation.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
My favourite place in the area is Footscray Park on Ballarat road. Here we celebrate , walk, have a picnic and enjoy meditation and yoga during school holidays. We are very lucky that we are in the city of festivals and have Altona beach as well as Williamstown beaches close by in short distance.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
My mother has always been an inspirational person in my life who has raised me and my younger sister with this belief to never back down in our life, always be optimistic and work hard towards our goals.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Respect everyone regardless of their gender, age, religion, race and colour, because sometimes words of kindness are enough for people to smile.
