Dedicated volunteer and diversity champion Mohammed Alam is Brimbank City Council’s Australia Day ambassador for 2020.
Mr Alam will join the local community at the Brimbank Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony and Community Breakfast in Sunshine on Sunday 26 January, where 180 residents are expected to take the oath to become some of Australia’s newest citizens.
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Georgina Papafotiou said Mr Alam embodies the very best of what it means to be Australian.
‘Brimbank is honoured to be hosting Mohammed Alam this Australia Day, and we look forward to being inspired by such a selfless individual.
‘Mr Alam’s important work in volunteering and bringing the community together — whether through helping his fellow Australians during fire and flood emergencies, or mentoring youth in the community — make him a truly inspiring Australian,’ Cr Papafotiou said.
The 2020 Brimbank Australia Day Awards for Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year will also be announced on the day at the event at Kelvin Wheelahan Gardens in Sunshine.
Mr Alam has provided constant service to the community since arriving in Australia from Bangladesh in 2004. He has volunteered with the Australian Red Cross, St John Ambulance and the State Emergency Service, including during the Mackay floods and Black Saturday fires.
Now a protective services officer with Victoria Police, Mr Alam is breaking down barriers in the community. He regularly mentors youth and was key in the formation of the Victoria Police Muslim Association.
Mr Alam is also a serving Australian Army Reservist. He was a finalist for the Young Australian of the Year Award in 2011 and Victorian Local Hero Award in 2018.
‘Brimbank is a proudly diverse community, made up of people from all walks of life. I’m so excited to be joining in local celebrations, and to offer a perspective on what it means to be Australian,’ Mr Alam said.
The Australia Day Ambassador program sends proud Australians to over 300 community celebrations nationwide every Australia Day, inspiring pride and unity at events and activities.
