Nalika Padmasena OAM From Schofield
NALIKA PADMASENA OAM from Schofield service to the multicultural community.
Nalika said she was overwhelmed when she received notification she had been nominated for an OAM.
“To me. It’s about the recognition for the work and the services that we are providing in the multicultural community. We have been working in this area since 1974, but we still have a long way to go.”
Nalika was President of the Sri Lankan Association of NSW 2019 to 2021, a language Teacher North Parramatta from 2006 director Positive Vibes foundation for four years, member South West regional advisory Council multicultural NSW since 2016, member multicultural communities consultation Council anti-discrimination board of NSW 2014 to 2019, Board member Northwest Community services Riverstone, member of India club, member Elder abuse Network management committee, member Toongabbie Legal Centre, Volunteer coordinator open community legal education workers network since 2013, anti-violence project officer Cumberland women’s health service, Senior service acting principal solicitor solicitor since 2008.
Nalika said she had received so many messages of congratulations.
“I have been living in this country for about 30 years. I feel I am so lucky to fall into the community sector work. “I came here as a trained lawyer but never intended to get my practicing certificate. However, the way people looked down on my status and the position, stirred me to change the path to where I am today.
“It was a hard road to keep my head up as a migrant woman sometimes.
This country adopted multiculturalism and its benefits in 1974.
“However, there is a lot to be done to build community harmony and cohesion.
“Community cohesion, understanding diversity, respecting cultural diversity that we embrace in this society are very important factors for how we live and progress in this country.
“I was drawn to community activities to occupy myself from homesickness and loneliness. That enabled me to grow a great network and engage in interesting and unique work which gave me the opportunity to learn.
“Social justice and access to justice are particularly my strong advocacy points because education and empowerment I believe give one the strength but also build a better and stronger society with far better outcomes for individuals as well as for the society.”
