By Marcus Uhe
Founder and Chief Executive of Bahktar Community Organisation Bassir Qadiri has won the Inclusive Volunteering Award at the 2021 Victorian Volunteer Awards at a ceremony at Government House on Friday 25 March.
Bakhtar Community Organisation is a charitable, non-profit and first Afghan Australian secular organisation based in Victoria, providing assistance to a diverse range of community members many who are disadvantaged, isolated or marginalised.
Mr Qadiri and Bakhtar did a mountain of work in 2021, helping to settle more than 2000 Afghan refugees who arrived in Australia through providing interpreting services, counselling, care packages and temporary accommodation, and delivering 26,000 culturally appropriate meals to evacuees in temporary accommodation.
They also assisted hundreds of community members with their Visa applications, coming at a crucial time as the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August.
Mr Qadiri said he was shocked to receive the award.
“I was not expecting it,” Mr Qadiri said.
“I was sitting there with so many personalities that have contributed over 20 years.
“To have my name announced was a huge surprise and honour.”
Mr Qadiri attended the ceremony with his wife and some volunteers from Bakhtar, and following the event they went out to dinner in the city for a low-key celebration.
“People who were in the room that I didn’t even know were talking about Bakhtar and the contribution and the difference that we made.
“That was a surprise. I didn’t know how big the contribution we made during Covid-19 was.”
“This is very first achievement for Afghan-Australian community, Australia wide.
“It gives us more encouragement and motivation to be involved in the community and keep doing what we are doing.”
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines paid tribute to all of Victoria’s volunteers who have continued to selflessly help others in our community through the pandemic.
“Congratulations to the winners and thank you to the many volunteers who form the backbone of our community – whether it’s delivering essential welfare services, providing social support or caring for our environment.”
