Nayana is an active member of Melbourne’s Craigieburn community. She moved to the area in recent years after arriving in Australia in 2008.
Nayana is one of the co-founders of Oorja Foundation. As part of this organisation, she is assisting newly settled families to build strong community connections through education, communication and emotional support.
On Australia Day, Hume City Council named social worker Nayana Bhandari as one of two recipients of its Citizen of the Year award, along with Sunbury environmental advocate Mercedes Ramirez.
Hume Mayor Councillor Drew Jessop said, “The winners of our Citizen of the Year award, Mercedes Ramirez and Nayana Bhandari, are amazing examples of how everyone can make a positive change in Hume,”
Australia Day Award Winners from Hume City Council Source: Supplied
“Amongst their achievements, Mercedes has been recognised for her efforts to educate the community on the importance of bees, while Nayana has gone above and beyond to help new families settle within Hume.
“Many individuals and organisations bring a lot to our community, and Australia Day is the perfect day for Council to say thanks to them,” said Mr Jessop.
Nayana is an activist for women’s rights and is committed to bridging the gap of gender equality, and addressing the issue of violence against women in the community.
Nayana was recently chosen to be an AFL Multicultural Community Ambassador in 2016 and currently facilitates community groups to engage women, children, seniors and families to strengthen bonds, reduce isolation, increase community participation and minimise family violence.
“At the Oorja Foundation, we try to addresses the needs of migrant communities,” said Nayana in an interview with SBS Radio’s Punjabi program.
“We are in process of combating social isolation for every age-group. Let it be family groups, senior citizens group, women's group, and they all run completely free for community.”
“There is a lot happening around. I would urge people to come forward to avail the facilities offered by local councils.”
“Volunteering is considered as an asset in this nation, volunteers gains respect, connection and belonging in local society.”
Ms Bhandari said, "every individual should contribute to the society. And if people follow that line, then as a young community, it will help us graft better.”
“If we want migrant communities to foster strong local connections, we have to act, involve and understand Australian culture in an appropriate way.”
“As a nation, we have found unity in our diversity and respect in our differences.”
“Being an Australian citizen is an extraordinary privilege but it comes with a lot of responsibility.”
“We should respect the values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and mutual respect.
“This way, we will create strong foundation for our upcoming generations.”
Source: Supplied
