Altruistic Australians Receive Living for Others Award
- khwang562
- Dec 6
- 3 min read
Sydney, Australia – The Living for Others Award 2025 event was held on December 6, 2025, at the UPF Peace Embassy in Sydney, bringing together diplomats, community leaders, cultural representatives, families, and volunteers to honor eight extraordinary individuals whose lives embody the spirit of selfless service. Many people serve quietly, without expectation of recognition, yet their dedication leaves a deep and lasting impact. This annual event exists to acknowledge such individuals and to inspire many others to follow their example.
Guests were registered and welcomed with tea before the formal program began. MC Ms. Jynene Helland opened the ceremony, followed by a respectful Acknowledgment of Country delivered by Ms. Pearl Wymarra.
Attendees viewed a video introducing UPF, highlighting the organization’s global peacebuilding mission. UPF-Australia president, Mr. John Adamedes, then introduced the theme of the evening, emphasizing that “living for others” is the foundation of strong families, resilient communities, and a peaceful society.
Eight awardees were recognized for their outstanding contributions to humanitarian service, community wellbeing, cultural preservation, and leadership. Their stories reflect the rich diversity and compassion that strengthen Australia’s multicultural society.
Ms. Anjeela B. K. is a young physiotherapist and cultural leader whose service spans Nepalese dance education, youth development, mental health programs, and community health initiatives. She exemplifies heartfelt service and cultural pride.
Dr. Abul Jalaluddin is a respected economist, taxation expert, and community advisor with more than two decades in public administration and Islamic finance. His leadership in governance, education, and community empowerment has uplifted families and organizations across Australia.
Mr. George Abagi, president of the Sudanese Syrian Christian Social Community, is dedicated to preserving heritage, empowering youth, and coordinating humanitarian support for families affected by crises abroad. His commitment has revitalized unity within his community.
Mr. Ibro Suhopoljac is a Bosnian cultural advocate, writer, and long-time volunteer whose literary work, community programs, and cultural preservation efforts have supported war-affected elders and strengthened multicultural understanding in NSW.
Mr. Murshid Amer is a frontline community worker whose settlement services, case management, and bilingual leadership have helped thousands of refugees and migrants rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.
Ms. Nada Miski, an aged-care consultant, trainer, and multicultural advocate, has worked in education, community support, mental health, and advocacy, uplifting culturally and linguistically diverse communities and empowering vulnerable families.
Mr. Ayenachew Akele and Mrs. Aster Bekele are a devoted couple whose journey of resilience, faith, and decades of community service has supported newly arrived Ethiopian and Eritrean migrants. Their quiet leadership, family guidance, and compassionate outreach embody the true meaning of living for others.
Mr. Roque G. Molavin is a Filipino cultural ambassador and creative leader whose multicultural events, arts advocacy, and community leadership have built bridges between cultures and fostered unity, pride, and cooperation across NSW.
After the award presentations, congratulatory remarks were delivered by Mr. Yutaka Yamada, UPF chairman for Oceania, Dr. Patricia Jenkings, president of the United Nations Association of Australia, and Councilor John Baladi, mayor of Strathfield. Their speeches highlighted the importance of recognizing grassroots leaders and the vital role of compassion in strengthening society.
The evening also included cultural performances – a traditional Nepali dance and a musical presentation by the Sydney Youth Band – celebrating Australia’s multicultural harmony.
UPF-Oceania secretary general, Mr. Santosh Neupane, delivered the closing remarks, expressing deep gratitude to the awardees, performers, volunteers, and guests. He emphasized that the eight recipients represent countless unsung heroes whose quiet sacrifices enrich communities every day.
Mr. Neupane also introduced the Religious Youth Service (RYS) as UPF-Australia’s official service project for future Living for Others Awardees, explaining that it will offer young leaders opportunities to serve, learn, and engage in peacebuilding initiatives. He further announced that the Living for Others Award will now become an annual signature event of UPF-Australia, ensuring continued recognition of exemplary individuals from diverse communities.
He concluded by reminding everyone that the purpose of the award is not only to honor service, but to inspire more people to live a lifestyle dedicated to the wellbeing of others.
