Multiculturalism adds so much to our society, from immersing ourselves in new food and traditions to sharing stories and exchanging cultures — it brings so much life and colour into our daily lives.
Bunbury’s Susanne Becker-Hamersley has been recognised for her contribution to multiculturalism in our region, awarded a top prize at last week’s WA Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Mrs Becker-Hamersley came home with the Volunteer for Multicultural Communities Award recognising her dedication to recognising and celebrating diversity in the South West.
She described the win as a complete shock.
“It really was a mix of ‘I can’t believe it’ and being super excited,” she said.
“My heart was racing and I felt very overwhelmed.”
The accolade recognised the humble volunteer’s seven years of service with the Bunbury Multicultural Group, throughout which she has held various roles including secretary, vice-chair, and now chair.
Finding solace in the group after migrating to Australia from Germany, she said it was the kindness and compassion shown to her that motivated her to want to provide the same experience for other new migrants.
“I experienced the benefits of volunteering myself, volunteering opened a whole new world to me,” she said.
“I was able to learn a lot about the Australian culture, created a network, made new friends and felt that I belong . . . suddenly I didn’t feel isolated and lonely anymore.
“Giving back to the community, supporting people from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) background who might experience the same things and help them to create that sense of belonging and connection is very fulfilling and joyous to me.”
Her passion led her to secure a paid role with Volunteer South West where she continues to support CaLD people and help welcome them into the Bunbury community.
VSW manager Shamara Williams, who nominated Mrs Becker-Hamersley for the award, said the win was not just a personal honour but one the entire South West should be proud of.
“This is truly a proud moment for Bunbury and the region,” she said.
“The award recognises Susanne as a change maker in our community and we are grateful to have her share her experience with us at Volunteer South West.”
Empowered by the visible change she sees in those she helps, Mrs Becker-Hamersley encouraged everyone to get involved in their local community.
“I met one new migrant who, before she started volunteering she was very insecure and shy and convinced that her English is not good enough to work,” she said.
“She felt so lonely but got out of her comfort zone to learn new skills and meet new people but then I asked her after a few weeks how she was, she was overwhelmed by her feelings and started to cry.
“When I asked her why, she said ‘I feel that I belong to this community now. I belong here, Bunbury is my new home’ and that really touched my heart.”