Dildar Begum: A Beacon of Resilience and Service Honored with the Sir John Reid Community Service Award
When Dildar Begum arrived in Australia as a Rohingya refugee in 2016, she faced an uncertain future. With limited English and a young family to support, she might have quietly navigated the challenges of resettlement. Instead, she became a powerful force for change, dedicating herself to serving others in the community that welcomed her.
This month, Begum was recognized as a joint recipient of the prestigious 2025 Sir John Reid Community Service Award, a testament to her extraordinary commitment to community service and advocacy. Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and a determination to uplift those around her.
Begum’s journey of service began at the Springvale Rise Community Hub, a vital resource for newly arrived migrants and refugees. There, she learned English and began volunteering with the local playgroup, offering support to other mothers. As her children transitioned into school, her contributions deepened - she became a key figure in the school’s breakfast program, ensuring children started their day with a nutritious meal.
Her impact extended beyond traditional volunteer roles. Seeing an opportunity in the absence of a school gardener, Begum cultivated a thriving vegetable garden, using its produce to prepare meals for the Women’s Wellbeing Group. Through her cooking, she introduced staff, visitors, and fellow refugees to the rich flavors of Burmese cuisine, fostering cultural exchange and a sense of belonging.
Yet, perhaps Begum’s most profound contribution lies in her advocacy for mental health within the Rohingya community, where seeking professional help remains a cultural taboo. She became the first woman in her community to openly discuss her experiences with trauma-related mental health challenges, seeking assistance from a general practitioner, undergoing medication, and attending counseling. Her courage in breaking these barriers has inspired many women to seek support, reshaping conversations around mental health in her community.
The Springvale Community Hub continues to serve as a beacon for refugee women in need of mental health services, in no small part due to Begum’s example. Her efforts have demonstrated that vulnerability is not a weakness but a pathway to healing and empowerment.
“Dildar’s impact is profound,” read the award citation. “She has shown all women that despite obstacles and trauma, seeking help, receiving support, and finding purpose are vital steps in overcoming adversity.”
As she accepts this honor, Begum remains steadfast in her mission. “I was helped in many tough times,” she said. “Now, I help others. This is how we build a community.”
Her recognition as a joint winner of the Sir John Reid Community Service Award affirms what many in Springvale already knew: Dildar Begum is not just a volunteer - she is a leader, a trailblazer, and a source of inspiration for countless others on the path to rebuilding their lives.
---------------------------
SIR JOHN REID
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD 2025
Citation
Dildar Begum
As a recently arrived refugee from the Rohingya community Dildar first attended the Springvale Rise Community Hub attached to the school in 2016. She learnt English and became a volunteer with the play group helping out where she continues to help the school breakfast program. Dilar’s volunteering increased after her children transitioned to school.
Dildar and her family’s experience has had many challenges. Dildar recognised that in many tough times she was helped by many people and uses as an example in her own life.
Dildar used the opportunity of no school gardener to grow food and used this and other food to cook and serve to the Women’s wellbeing group. Thus, enriching the palettes and lives of many by sharing Burmese cuisine for staff, visitors and refugees.
Dildar doesn’t just volunteer by action, but she models help-seeking strategies. Dildar was the first woman in the local Rohingya community to openly discuss seeking help from a GP, undergoing medication, and attending counselling. This brave act broke the conservative community norms and has inspired other women to seek assistance and ask questions about mental health. She bravely shared her own personal trauma related mental health issues.
The Springvale Community Hub has continued to support other refugee women looking for mental health services using Dildar’s profound example. Her impact is described as being profound, demonstrating to all women that despite obstacles and trauma, seeking help and receiving support, and finding purpose are vital steps in overcoming adversities.
Dildar is a worthy joint winner.
________________________________________________
Catherine Baxter
President
19 February 2025
