Mary Mamour, Ambassador

2007 NSW Volunteer of the Year

In 2004 some young African migrants, many of whom arrived from refugee camps in Sudan, settled in Blacktown but were having trouble with initial settlement issues. The Local Police Command recognised the difficulties and contacted the South Sudan Community Organisation in NSW.

Mary Mamour volunteered herself as a liaison officer and was instrumental in forming the Sudanese Action group. She became a shining light for many new refugees, particularly those without parents or leaders. She has been immensely successful in finding work, advocating for the refugees needs, ensuring that services are provided and breaking down barriers with authorities.

Her referee, Shaun Edwards, says: Mary has had to overcome resentment of some of her own people, the community in general, racial comments regarding her origin and the stark differences in her own cultural background to that of modern Australia to achieve the results she has."