SSI client ‘Highly Commended’ at Zest Awards

The Zest Awards celebrate and promote the great things being done by community service sector organisations and volunteers in Western Sydney.

“We were so proud to be part of a ceremony that brought to life some of western Sydney’s most inspiring stories and recognised some of the community’s unsung heroes, even though SSI didn’t take home any of the awards on the night, ” SSI Community Engagement and Capacity Manager Trina Soulos said.

Ms Soulos and other SSI staff joined a number of clients who are invaluable members of the Community Kitchen team, including asylum seeker Jawad, who sets up, cooks and cleans at the lunch event every single fortnight.

“I liked everything about that night,” said Jawad. “I was there with my friends. We went up on the stage to receive SSI’s certificate. The Premier was there, the mayor was there. Wow, it was so great to be there.”

SSI asylum seeker client Essa Khan was also shortlisted for an award, and took home a ‘Highly Commended’ award for his outstanding work coaching a soccer team comprised mostly of asylum seekers and refugees to grand final victory in 2014.

SSI would like to congratulate all the outstanding 2015 winners who are making Western Sydney a vibrant, thriving, harmonious community.