Rick’s reward for helping others

By Lia Bichel
A MAN who has dedicated years of outstanding service to the multicultural community in Melbourne’s south east received a significant honour from the State Government last week.
Centrelink’s multicultural service officer (MSO) Rick Comfort was awarded the Multicultural Award for Excellence at a ceremony at Government House on 21 September.
Mr Comfort works with multicultural groups, including migrants and refugees in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.
Mr Comfort was nominated by Windermere Child and Family Services in the category – service delivery to multicultural Victoria award: Recognising excellence in the portfolio of community service.
“I feel honoured to have been included in a category alongside so many great people who have done so much for multicultural Victoria,” he said.
“This award also acknowledged the important role that Centrelink MSOs play in the community. “For one in five people living in Australia, English is not the primary language spoken at home. The MSO program – which recently celebrated 20 years – helps to break down language and cultural barriers, while fostering positive relationships between government and Australia’s diverse multicultural communities.”
Mr Comfort said he took great pride in helping newly arrived immigrants establish a life for themselves.
“It’s great to see some refugees and newly arrived migrants establish themselves,” he said. “I love the variety of mixing with different multicultural groups in the area. It’s something that is forever changing.”
As well as providing staff with cultural awareness training, Mr Comfort said Centrelink MSOs were committed to social engagement and taking an active role in the community.
In conjunction with other youth service providers, Mr Comfort also runs information sessions for more than 70 young refugees living in and around Greater Dandenong and City of Casey.
“The sessions involve individual assistance with resume and job applications, along with information about what employers are looking for, where to look for work, jobs that are currently available and the benefits of continuing to study whilst working part-time.
“The group has really benefited from the sessions, with many now working part-time and continuing their study, and many more showing an interest in apprenticeships.”
Mr Comfort was in the Navy for 22 years before joining Centrelink in 2002, and said he picked up several qualities to help him in his current position.
“I learned not to take people on face value,” he said.“It helped me learn to listen to people and work within guidelines.”