Awards and Nominations
This section celebrates the incredible support and recognition from all those who have nominated and supported my work, including the dedicated volunteers who have been integral to our mission. It is their collective efforts that have made a significant impact through the initiatives and projects we’ve created. The nominations and acknowledgments reflect not only the work we’ve done together but also the power of community collaboration in driving positive change.
Westfield Local Hero Award
Bridging the generation gap
Little Helpers on the Run
Tireless. Determined. Unrelenting
Dr Faryal Zehra is spreading love and kindness by reaching out to thousands of isolated and marginalised people with the assistance of a team of enthusiastic, pint-sized volunteers at Little Helpers on the Run.
Faryal put her career on hold to set up the charity, engaging children to look after our vulnerable community members.
Together they have delivered over 6000 kindness projects, promoting improved physical and mental well-being in the community; reaching out to elderly residents in over 130 Aged Care Facilities; the homeless and people with disabilities.
“A giving person, a person who takes notice of others, will be a valuable asset to the community.”
Faryal has organised and overseen hundreds of tea parties for the elderly to sustain their social connections and emotional well-being. She has raised funds to provide regular healthy breakfasts to over 7857 children at 16 low socioeconomic schools.
The non-profit organisation also provides grocery hampers, fresh fruit and vegetables to families in need.
One of Faryal’s most significant rewards is knowing that caring also benefits the volunteer children’s mental health.
She feels very honoured to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “It’s also a nomination for every volunteer, and it will definitely motivate us to do more for the community. We are bridging the intergenerational gap and improving the quality of life of our elderly”.
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Little Helpers on the Run will use these funds to expand existing community projects and establish new initiatives, connecting Aged Care Facility residents and school children in the local community.
#InspireInclusion: Dr. Faryal Zehra's Nomination for Woman of the Year-Blacktown Council
In the spirit of International Women's Day and the #InspireInclusion movement, it is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Dr. Faryal Zehra for the Blacktown City's Woman of the Year Award.
Dr. Faryal's tireless dedication and impactful work perfectly embody the vision of a gender-equal world—a world free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. Her contributions extend beyond the boundaries of her community, creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for everyone.
Dr. Faryal's contributions go beyond her professional achievements as a clinician. As a woman of exceptional merit, Dr. Faryal has demonstrated her commitment to advancing gender equality through her various initiatives. Her leadership in founding and managing non-profit organizations like Little Helpers on the Run and SAZ Education speaks volumes about her dedication to promoting women's rights and empowering women in both her local community and beyond. As a woman, she serves as a source of inspiration, showcasing the profound influence that one individual can have on communities and generations.
Dr. Faryal's philanthropic efforts, especially those directed towards vulnerable groups and needy individuals, showcase her unwavering commitment to the principles of equality and inclusivity. Through projects aimed at fostering healthier habits, supporting education, and acknowledging community frontliners, she has created a ripple effect of positive change, impacting the lives of thousands.
Moreover, her work with Little Helpers, where she actively involves children, sets an inspiring example of celebrating and valuing differences. The organization, with over 90% child volunteers, demonstrates her commitment to creating an inclusive space where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated.
Having closely observed Dr. Faryal's exceptional dedication and impactful work through her organization, Little Helpers, I am inspired by her unwavering commitment to community welfare.
I first encountered Dr. Faryal when she and her volunteers began their uplifting visits to our nursing home, bringing joy and comfort to our residents on a weekly basis. Even after my relocation, Dr. Faryal and her team continued their commitment to spreading joy, extending their presence to my new workplace. This persistence and dedication are indicative of the profound impact she seeks to make, not just within specific communities but across the entire Greater Western Sydney Area and beyond.
Her dedication to fostering healthier habits, supporting education, and acknowledging community frontliners has created a ripple effect, positively influencing the lives of thousands. Dr. Faryal's kindness projects extend to frontline workers, such as police, paramedics, doctors, nurses, teachers, midwives, dignitaries, and firefighters. Her extensive outreach ensures that socially isolated individuals do not suffer alone.
Dr. Faryal's Integrated Nursing Home and Children program, connecting generations through innovative projects, supporting more than 130 nursing homes, stands out as a testament to her commitment to fostering stronger, more connected communities. Through over 400 projects designed to involve children in acts of kindness and integrate nursing home residents and children, she provides a platform for shared experiences, wisdom, and joy.
Her collaborative efforts with over 130 organizations of varied background, reflect her compassion and commitment to diverse communities. Dr. Faryal has also mentored and supervised hundreds of students, contributing significantly to developing emerging leaders' personalities. I have closely observed her multitasking management skills via working with her in admin-related tasks. She single-handedly supervises all social media, webpages and supervises and mentors directly to all volunteers herself.
I would like to shed light on a few remarkable initiatives undertaken by Dr. Faryal Zehra, showcasing her resilience, innovation, and dedication during challenging times. Dr. Faryal's unwavering commitment, particularly during the global pandemic, has left a lasting impact on our community.
Amidst the lockdowns, Dr. Faryal demonstrated extraordinary efforts in distributing tons of groceries, fresh meals, and gifts to those in need. Her collaboration with various organizations, law enforcement, and councils exemplifies her ability to mobilize resources for the greater good. Notably, she extended her support to diverse groups, including locals in need, elderly residents, cancer patients, boarding house residents in many areas including Blacktown, and the homeless at Bigge Park in Liverpool, Blacktown, Burwood and the City.
Example Link:
Many other related projects are available for review at social media sites.
During the pandemic, Dr. Faryal ensured that the connection between generations remained strong. She actively encouraged and supported local school children and children in the community in digitally connecting with elderly residents in nursing homes, reaching over 130 nursing homes, including ours and many in GWS. This consistent drop-off of letters, cards, and gifts brought joy and companionship to the elderly during challenging times.
Example Links:
I had the privilege of actively participating in many of her projects, including one of Dr. Faryal's projects involving disaster management. The initiative included the active involvement of local school children and the elderly in packing and wrapping activities for children at bushfire-affected schools. The project not only focused on providing groceries but also delivered a substantial number of gifts, thoughtfully wrapped, to local schools and the Lions Club for distribution to kids and families.
The ongoing efforts to support schools affected by bushfires and floods through projects like these have been instrumental in instilling values of kindness and empathy in children. Dr. Faryal's initiatives foster a sense of community, emphasizing that acts of kindness can bridge gaps and create solidarity, regardless of individual circumstances.
Dr. Faryal's vision for revolutionizing health education through SAZ Education is a testament to her forward-thinking approach. Having witnessed the inception of this organization, I can attest to her passion and dedication. The comprehensive health management system she is designing aims to empower children and young adults to become educators and learners, spreading health awareness within their communities. The launch of part of this innovative project next year in the Greater Western Sydney area signifies her commitment to improving health literacy.
In addition, Dr. Faryal's relentless efforts in streamlining volunteer management through a comprehensive system and digital platforms reflect her commitment to expanding the organization's impact within and beyond our borders. Her vision for efficient volunteer and organization management, set to launch next year, demonstrates her forward-looking approach to sustainable community service.
Dr. Faryal Zehra's inspiring endeavors amidst challenges truly make her a resilient force for good. I am honored to share these personal insights into her work, and I believe she is a deserving candidate for the Women of the Year Blacktown Council Award.
#InspireInclusion: A Call for Equality and Empowerment
In recognizing Dr. Faryal Zehra's nomination, we not only celebrate an individual's extraordinary efforts but also highlight the essence of #InspireInclusion. Dr. Faryal's work epitomizes a commitment to equality, empowerment, and the inclusion of diverse voices. Through her initiatives, she has actively contributed to creating a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
The impact of her projects goes beyond geographical boundaries, resonating with the spirit of International Women's Day. By fostering connections between generations, supporting vulnerable groups, and promoting education, Dr. Faryal has set a precedent for meaningful action. Her dedication aligns seamlessly with the goals of #InspireInclusion, as she continues to inspire positive change and build bridges across communities.
I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Faryal Zehra for the Women of the Year Blacktown Council Award. Her journey exemplifies the incredible power of kindness, positive change, and the extraordinary influence that one woman can bring to the world.
In conclusion, Dr. Faryal Zehra's nomination for the Women of the Year Blacktown Council Award is a testament to her exceptional contributions and the transformative power of inclusive and empowering initiatives. As we stand on the precipice of a gender-equal world, let Dr. Faryal's journey inspire us all to be catalysts for change, advocates for equality, and champions of inclusion.
Driven by purpose, fueled by compassion—creating lasting impact through education, innovation, and unwavering dedication to community care.
Inspiring Women: Dr. Zehra’s Portrait Showcased at Burwood Library
We are proud to share that Dr. Faryal Zehra’s portrait, painted by the talented Suzanne Dias, has been showcased at Burwood Library as part of International Women’s Day 2022 with a fitting tribute to local women unveiling a unique public art initiative. Sydney-based artist Suzanne Dias has been commissioned to create portraits of 6 dynamic women to tell stories of their achievements through the ages.
This recognition highlights Dr. Zehra’s dedication to empowering others and her significant contributions to the community. It’s an honour to be part of this inspiring display of women who lead with passion and purpose.
Personal Interests
Passionate about education, mentoring, and community engagement initiatives.
Burwood Council Citizen of the Year Award
Empowerment
Empowering Futures through Knowledge, Mentorship, and Compassionate Care.
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Dr. Zehra's consulting services are offered as independent professional engagements. While ethically aligned with her leadership roles in not-for-profit initiatives, these services are conducted separately to maintain clear boundaries and uphold the distinct missions of both her professional consulting and community-driven work.