Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan with Achievement Award recipients Zainon (Zen) Mohamad Kassim (WA Police) and Eva Mwakichako (City of Stirling).
Camera IconCitizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan with Achievement Award recipients Zainon (Zen) Mohamad Kassim (WA Police) and Eva Mwakichako (City of Stirling). Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Empathy and dedication to community honoured

Kate LeaverStirling Times

Ms Mwakichako has worked with various cultural groups in the City since 2013, helped develop the Mirrabooka Cultural Centre and worked with the Syrian community.

She said she was honoured to receive the outstanding individual achievement award for a job she loved to do.

“Being a migrant myself, I know how difficult it is to settle in a new country – especially if you come from a war-torn country and do not speak English,” she said.

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“And all I do is what I love – that is to help people settle in this beautiful country every day.”

Stirling community services manager Chris Brereton said Ms Mwakichako went “above and beyond” in her role.

“The City of Stirling is one of the most diverse local governments in Australia and has a high intake of migrants and newly arrived communities, and Eva has embraced this challenge and exceeded expectations,” Mr Brereton said.

“Eva easily engages with all different culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, finding common ground to share experiences and identify the different needs of each group and individual.

“Eva helps so many people and gives so much of herself to achieve the best outcomes for CALD communities, and asks nothing in return.”

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan said the awards demonstrated a thriving commitment to multiculturalism.

“Those being recognised represent cultures from around the world and bring a rich diversity and experience to benefit all Western Australians,” Mr Nahan said.