There was a great article in The Age last month regarding refugees who have nominated for the upcoming council elections. Shepparton candidate, Zahra Haydar Big, features in the article, highlighting the remarkable achievement of being the only Afghan/Hazara woman to nominate in Victoria.
For a number of years Zahra has been working tirelessly and diligently behind the scenes to assist our community. She is genuinely passionate about ‘giving back’ to the country and community that have afforded her many opportunities since she arrived from Afghanistan some ten years ago.
Recently, SBS Radio conducted an inspirational interview with Zahra highlighting her aspirations and celebrating her nomination for council. Zahra was selected to join a forum titled ‘Global Pandemic, Regional Response’ organized by La Trobe University.
During her time in Shepparton, Zahra has worked with Kildonan United Care, a case worker with the Australian Red Cross, hub leader at Gowrie Street Primary School and in partnership with Greater Shepparton City Council, Primary Care Connect and Goulburn Valley Health. Zahra is fluent in four languages: English, Persian, Dari and Hazaragi. This skill is invaluable, and has enabled her to work as an interpreter in many areas of the Goulburn Valley. She was nominated for the Greater Shepparton 2020 International Women’s Award.
Because of her many and diverse experiences, Zahra is committed to a team approach on Council. She believes strongly in Council having effective consultation processes with the entire community. She is acutely aware of the cultural diversity of the Goulburn Valley, particularly Shepparton, and will support initiatives that promote inclusiveness.
Zahra is dedicated to support initiatives and programs that will build a better community for everyone. Like all of us, she is concerned about the negative effect that COVID-19 has had on all communities and is aware that post-COVID-19 our community must work together to ‘rebound’ by promoting tourism and strengthening businesses and industry. Zahra has a strong commitment to commendable ‘social justice’ issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, the environment and strategies that will encourage school leavers to remain in their own community.
Zahra will bring to the Council table a range of skills and experience that few other candidates are able to offer.
Leo Houlihan
Shepparton
