By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG’S Senada Aldobasic has been applauded for her dedication to “those with a dim voice”.
The 21-year-old was the inaugural winner of the $10,000 Newsboys Foundation Community Leadership Award, which Victorian Governor Alex Chernov presented on 19 November.
Speaking from India, Ms Aldobasic told the Journal she was in shock.
“Emotions stirred fast and I was in tears,” she said.
“Everything that has allowed me to receive the award is what I love doing.
“The heroes – my heroes – are the ones fighting the fight, doing what they love and standing up for those with a dim voice whom are yet to be recognised.
“I wish I could give everyone the recognition they deserve!”
Ms Aldobasic’s work has included volunteering for the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), engaging 120 young people to create mock legislation in the Victorian Youth Parliament, and taking part in the first National Indigenous Youth Parliament.
She’s been a youth mentor, engaged young people about safe driving at public events, worked with children who have parents in jail and played basketball with prisoners.
Ms Aldobasic said her passion to help “feels natural”.
“As Mother Teresa said, ‘when we stop giving we stop loving and when we stop loving we stop growing’,” she said.
She grew up in Dandenong, attending Dandenong North Primary School and Dandenong High School.
“Where I learnt to stand up and be the difference, where I learnt the importance of making change and being that change,” she said.
Ms Aldobasic was the first in her family to finish high school and go on to university and is in her third year of a Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice Administration) at RMIT.
The degree required her to undertake an internship in a field relating to her passion – standing up for human rights.
“Especially that of those whose voice is dim beyond anything imaginable,” she said.
This took her to India, where she’s helping to support people trafficking victims.
“Not only have I learnt about the huge issue that violates so many basic human rights I have also learnt about life through the women,” she said.
“Their strength is incredible.
“My goal is to work alongside the UN, preferably as a field worker which will allow me to advocate and stand up for the rights of human beings internationally.”
Dandenong’s Sahema Saberi was a finalist for the Newsboys Foundation Community Leadership Award and received a certificate.
The Afghani refugee was this year’s City of Greater Dandenong Young Citizen of the Year.
The Newsboys Foundation provides grants to community organisations in Victoria working with disadvantaged young people aged 11 to 18.
