Hard Workers Earn Their Recognition

A host of hard-working and respected community figures were recognised for their dedicated efforts during this ‘COVID year’ at the Australian Muslim Achievement Awards function held at Bashar Krayem’s amazing Culinary School venue in Punchbowl last Saturday night.

Osman Karolia was named Man of the Year, and it was fitting that Osman should claim the award this year after being a nominee for the 2019 offering, won by now three-times AFL Grand Final-winning hero Bachar Houli.

Osman is employed as the Head of Community Engagement at Unity Grammar College, but that’s just one of the many ‘hats’ he wears, also being involved in many charity fundraising initiatives and serving in numerous other roles for the benefit of the greater community. 

One of my most pleasant and satisfying duties annually is to be one of the driving forces behind the International Eid Festival at Liverpool and among my roles in co-ordinating this famous event, it has been a joy to share the on-stage hosting duties in recent years with Osman.

Commenting on being named the AMAA Man of the Year, Osman paid tribute on social media to his lovely wife Salima.

“I’m truly humbled and honoured to receive this award,” Osman said.

“I thank the Almighty for the opportunities and to my best friend, wife and soulmate Salima, you are eternally my strongest inspiration and supporter in the path to goodness.”

I was also personally delighted to see Souhair Afiouny named the AMAA Woman of the Year.

Souhair is a much respected figure within our community and worked tirelessly in co-ordinating Birrong Boys High School’s recent White Ribbon Day event, which I wrote about last week.

(See my article on this website headed “White Ribbon Message For Birrong Boys”).

Osman and Souhair were among many worthy winners – both individuals and group initiatives – at the 14th annual AMAAs, hosted by Mission Of Hope and co-ordinated by Hanan Dover.

The 2020 honour roll appears below:

• Lifetime Achiever of the Year – Diana Abdel-Rahman 
• Woman of the Year – Souhair Afiouny 
• Man of the Year – Osman Karolia 
• Youth of the Year – Mohamed Semra 
• Professional of the Year – Dr Rakime Elmir Merhi 
• Role Model of the Year – Ophelia Haragli 
• Creative Artist of the Year – Abdul Abdullah 
• Sportsperson of the Year – Bachar Houli 
• Volunteer of the Year – Shameema Kolia 
• People’s Choice of the Year – Shameema Kolia 
• Community Organisation of the Year – Brothers In Need 
• Best New Community Project of the Year – Melbourne Lockdown Response in Suburban Towers by Australian Muslim Social Services Agency 
• Event of the Year – Albanian Australian Islamic Society – AAIS – 50 Year Street Festival 
• Businesses of the Year: (dual winners) – Halal Certification Authority and Tender Loving Care Disability Services 
• Media Outlet of the Year – Podium Magazine  
• Abyssinian of the Year – Craig Foster 

 Congratulations to all the winners!